Hello and happy new year! I really hope you had a good one. To kick off 2023 i wanted to introduce you to a new little project of mine…PLA PLA…and the best thing about it, is that if you fancy, you can join in too. Soooo, what is it?

To let you in on a little secret, Pla Pla is the name I give my designated creative ‘play’ time at home. It’s about making something just for fun and creating something without ego or judgement (usually with very cheap and thrifty materials), all in the pursuit of exploration, discovery and stretching those creative muscles. For those of you who have followed me for a little while, you might remember I used to host ‘Bad Art Nights’ for a few years…and it really is a very similar vibe. Honestly, Pla Pla is some of my favourite time, and it consistently helps me unlock new ideas and energises me...and I want to share it with you.

SO once a month I’ll be hosting a Pla Pla session and setting us a creative prompt. The first session will be at 10am on January 28th and the prompt for this month is PANTRY BOX BAGS. Think muesli bar boxes! Think panadol boxes! Think crunchy nut cornflake boxes! And then dream up what they can become. This was a codral cold and flu box…

materials used: glitter blue, pipe cleaners, gems and beads.

I highly recommend (if you feel like it) forming your own Pla Group to create in…it could even just be you and a mate! I will be gathering some of my crafty pals to make with on the 28th and I really just want to use it as an opportunity to get together, eat snacks, share materials, inspiration, and…make something! Of course if you want some introverted Pla Pla time of your own, that is TOTALLY understandable and you can do exactly as you please! Find your Pla Pla bliss.

materials used: plaster, alfoil, and acrylic paint

Part of my Pla Pla fantasy is that over the course of the year you (and I) will create all sorts of silly and wonderful creations and that we can all hold a little Pla Pla end of year exhibition with our groups at home (or a solo show in your room if you’re making alone haha)…but I won’t get a head of myself just yet. I have a tendency to over complicate things, so for now the main things you need to keep in mind, if you want to get involved is:

You can form a Pla Pla making group, or do it solo…whatevs.
The prompt for this first session is pantry box bags ie. creating a bag out of a box you might find in your pantry.
Start saving your cereal/muesli bar/panadol/etc boxes to use + any extra materials to decorate and create extensions with. Think: kitchen foil, masking tape, paint, pom poms glitter (whatever you desire)
I will be holding this month’s Pla Pla session on January 28th. I’ll share what me and my pals make via socials on this day. I love the idea of everyone doing it at the same time but of courseee you can Pla Pla whenever you desire. Please tag me and send me pics of what you make because that THRILLS me, and I’d love to share!
For my session, I have asked my guests to bring 1 x snack, 1 x pal (who they think will enjoy having a pla pla), a box of their own, and 1 x thing to show and tell with the group. Just letting you know this in case that appealed to you also.

materials used: plaster, alfoil, acrylic paint, gems and beads. satin internal.

Ok I think that is it for now! I hope you feel like having a pla with me! I can’t wait to see what we create this month.

materials used: faux flowers, lace, ribbons.

Alrighty, I think that’s it from me on Pla Pla for now. I will post on my instagram throughout the month about some making techniques and provide a little more info on how I made these goodies along the way. Can’t wait to get making with you all soon!!

Rach x