IT WAS Albert Einstein who said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” Thus, I’ve always believed imagination is the mother of all creative and critical thinking. I’ve always encouraged my own kids to explore both their rational and artistic sides.
Many studies indicate that arts and crafts are beneficial for children because they don’t just hone their imaginations and artistic abilities, but the arts also stimulate the brain and develop other pertinent life skills. Crafting means children need to paint, fold, cut, or glue pieces of paper and other embellishments together, thereby honing their motor coordination. When children persevere to complete their projects and are focused on their tasks, they strengthen their cognitive, sensory, and even emotional skills.
When I saw The Crafty Sisters-Paper Flowers’ gallery on my Facebook, I immediately knew I found my soul sisters. Seeing their actual elaborate display in the Main Hall of SM Uptown for Mother’s Day was a feast for the eyes. I knew it was not only I , who was thrilled to bits because many children were also in awe of the pretty flowers. Moreover, several families queued up to take their photos with the flowers as the backdrop.
I got in touch with them to explore taking classes with my kids and was able to meet April Gretchen Derilo. As it turns out, The Crafty Sisters Group is handled by her.
She said, “I am the only one, who makes the paper flowers, but I wanted to make a business name in honor of my sisters too. They’re also crafty and love DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects like me. One sister of mine makes customized bags, while the other one makes customized dresses. They don’t teach like I do, and they just accept orders.”
She conducts paper flower workshop classes once or twice a month depending on people’s requests. Registration starts at P1,200, which includes the starter kit, handouts, certificate, and snacks.
She said: “I teach two kinds of paper flowers, which the participants can take home at the end of our session. The workshop is actually open to any age. The youngest student I have ever handled was 8 years old.”
Derilo has been into crafting since she was a little girl.
“I remember choosing to stay home to make paper dolls and draw than to go outside to run and play with the other kids. My dad told me, as early as age 8, I would help my Lola make flowers out of crepe paper to decorate the Santo Intierro for Holy week procession,” she said.
Derilo pursued BS Architecture for college, but she doesn’t practice the profession. Instead, she focuses on her growing business. Aside from teaching, she also supplies paper flowers to clients, which include personal and corporate accounts. Many other event stylists also source their decorating supplies from her. On top of that, when she has the time, she also does event styling herself.
I asked her if she ever gets tired and she replied: “This is fun for me. I love crafting and I believe it is important because it makes the brain move and be active. And of course, it is an added bonus that anyone who crafts can make money out of it.”
Her very first project was styling the dessert buffet for her niece’s baptism. She posted the photos on her Instagram and Facebook accounts, where she got a lot of positive feedback. From there, people on her friends-list go in touch with her to place their orders.
She narrated that she got one of her biggest breaks a few years back.
“My first big project was with the amazing event stylist Inang Clay of Accent Cagayan. She entrusted me to handle one of her big projects. After that, many other people called. Aside from the one in SM that you saw, I’ve also done for Cucina Higala’s Mother’s Day, 7-11’s Summer Décor, and many others,” Derilo said.
Since then, everything just naturally fell into place. She is also really thankful that aside from supplying and events management, she gets to spread the love for arts and crafts through teaching opportunities. The SM Uptown just recently got her to do a demonstration at the event center, which was attended by a lot of participants.
Right now, a few schools in town that follow the August School Calendar just started their summer breaks. It is a perfect time for them to take a workshop. Actually, I strongly encourage everyone to explore crafting with their kids for its many benefits. You’ll not just learn new skills but also get time to bond.
For inquiries on classes or orders, please get in touch with April at 0926-380-5148. All her workshop schedules are posted on her Facebook page: The Crafty Sisters Paper Flowers.
Paper flowers are indeed fun to create, especially with family and friends. Unlike real flowers that wither and die, paper flowers can last for a really long time. Shall I dare say… forever? You be the judge. Contact the Crafty Sisters and find out!
To see more paper flower pictures please check the Crafty Sisters website.
