The production of paper requires a lot of electricity, water, and cellulose, and as we all know, it is “easily and quickly” used up; that is why rational consumption, recycling, or reuse is important in many ways. Nada Ubiparip from Mrkonjić Grad reveals to us how old paper can be breathed new life and given a new use value. In addition to taking care of her family as the mother of three children, she manages to find time to devote herself to her hobby. She is a technician-clothing designer by profession, but unfortunately, she did not have the opportunity and possibility to tailor and sew. Instead, she found a way to express her creativity by making baskets from old newspapers.
I have never worked in the profession, and the main reason is that this job requires an adequate workspace, which I do not have. Although I also know how to tailor and sew something, I decided to put that aside and choose something that I can do anywhere in the house. When I was little, my mother taught me how to knit, and that’s how I came up with the idea of using that knowledge to create something new and beautiful – Nada explains.
At first, she used to knit hats, scarves, and sweaters for her children. Then, quite by chance, while watching various clips, she came across one in which a woman makes paper baskets. She recalls that it delighted her, so she spent hours and days learning and perfecting paper knitting.
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Today, Nada’s creative hands produce baskets of various motifs, sizes, and shapes. On her Instagram page, Nadinokorparstvo, you can see baskets made for Easter, New Year, and Christmas, baskets in the shape of bees, carts, huge toy baskets, and even fashion bags.
She reveals that her favorite work is the basket – a cart that actually serves as a holder for pencils and school supplies.
For making baskets, I get old press from a country in the region because the paper is much better than what can be found here. First, I design what the basket will look like, and then the production follows. The crafting process itself begins by first preparing the paper, then I make the sticks, paint them, and then weave them. I usually have some model, molds of all kinds of shapes for different baskets. I always knit the bottom first, then when I finish it, I raise the sticks and knit as high as I need – our interlocutor explains.
She points out that the colors she uses are ecological and that they are safe even if they come into contact with food. So, the baskets can be used for various services at home.
Prepared by Jasna Dragojević
Read the story in the new issue the Energy portal Magazine AGROSOLAR ENERGY AND RES.
