In 2019, the Art Fund published a report on the importance of participating in creative activities. They emphasised that 'people need places where they can relax, learn, contemplate and wander.'

Our philosophy that art has the power to make you feel good means that we try to reach as many people as we can to help boost their wellbeing. While we are closed to the public due to government advice, we're sharing loads of ways to stay creative at home.

"Art for Normals" blogs are aimed at everyone. We want you all to feel good with a bit of art. No artistic knowledge or, dare we say it, talent required!

This week, we're making fruit out of old books and leaflets (ahem, What's On brochures).

Equipment needed

• Paper booklet, magazine or old book without it’s cover (max 1cm thick). Tip: Our What’s On booklets are perfect for this!
• Pencil
• Glue
• Scissors
• Cutting mat (optional)
• Craft knife (optional)

Instructions

1. Draw an outline of half a pear on the spine side of the booklet/magazine/book.

2. Cut the shape out using either the craft knife on a cutting mat, or a pair of scissors, depending on how thick your booklet is. Make sure you cut through all the pages.

3. Draw and cut out a stalk shape and a leaf shape from one page of your booklet.

4. Fan out the pear shape to make a complete 3D pear form. You may want to glue the front and back pages together to secure the shape in place.

5. Glue the stalk and the leaf between a couple of pages at the top centre of the pear.

6. Ta-dah! There you have it. You can also make an apple shape using the same method. A super snazzy assortment of fruit-shaped decorations.

What else could you make? A pineapple? It doesn't have to be fruit. You could make your own monsters or little animals. It's up to you. Let us know how you get on. Stay creative, folks!