“Working with paper is a great de-stresser,” says artist Priya Gupta, who organises creative craft workshops for women and children. From gift wrapping, ribbon modelling, gift bags, table decorations to ornamental boxes, Priya teaches innovative wrapping styles at her workshops. 

But with such services easily available at all gift shops, how does Priya’s workshop help? And how is it one-up from other such craft workshops? Explains Priya, “I don’t teach the regular conventional rectangular gift boxes. I teach students how to make a flower-shaped or a pyramid-shaped box. They learn how to make shaded leaves using ribbons, how to strategically place them on gifts, choosing colour combinations, matching ribbon colours to the colour of say, a saree, being gifted and more. Basically, I teach how to create simple cost-effective yet beautiful gift wraps, sitting at home and adding a personal touch to gifts.”

And this ain’t all. Trousseau packing, gift baskets, 3-D greeting cards and photo frames, colourful jewellery boxes, unique letter racks and party masks also comprise the modules at Priya’s workshop. At the end of the workshop, students return with diagrams that they can use to create craft, which can also be replicated on cloth.

Transforming paper and scrap into decorative items is her passion and this unique fascination began when Priya was barely six years old. “I was always artistically-inclined. I attended a craft class for adults at the age of 12. I have learnt paper and ribbon craft from some very creative women in Mumbai. And my love for teaching prompted me to start this workshop in Bangalore,” she narrates.

Metrolife asked Priya to give a quick gift box idea from scrap. Learn how. “Just take an empty Tropicana juice can. Dry it, cut the top portion, cover the can with a nice gift wrapper. There you go, your trendy gift box is ready!” ends Priya on a creative note.

Priya is having a two-day workshop for women at 8th Block, Jayanagar on February 28 and 29. For details call Priya at 9845026883.