Fashion doesn’t always need expensive fabric.
Sometimes it just needs creativity. For today’s art challenge, I transformed the everyday tissue paper into a fashion statement with patience and imagination.

I made use of the following materials to give tissue a second job. Maybe one day the fashion industry will find a way to adopt it 🧻

Step 1 [Preparing the Canvas]

I would have preferred a harder straw paper, but the plain white A4 sheet was available and had the texture and background I needed. With landscape orientation, and my username signed at the bottom right corner. The stage was set.

Step 2 [Sketching and Structure]

I sketched the figure of my mannequin — the usual tall, slender body model, catwalking on a runway with her hands gracefully by her side.
The sketch helped me with proper scaling and proportions.

Its now time to use the colours to bring the sketch to life.

Step 3 [Painting]

I wanted a soft orange-pink for the skin, so I mixed red and yellow. It gave me a warm off-yellow tone.

It contrasted well with her black hair and shoes. The ear buds did the job perfectly. I just had to balance between getting it too wet and getting the right shade.

Step 4 [Preparing the Dress]

I cut the tissue and painted the edges — one red, one blue.

Then I folded the tissue into an accordion/fan fold to get the look of a pleated skirt.

I applied glue and attached the pink first, then the blue.

Finally, I made a shorter off-shoulder top from the same material and attached it to the mannequin.

This is my first time experimenting with tissue paper art. I’ve sketched and drawn before, but this felt new and amazing. Time well spent.

I really love this piece. I believe I’m getting better with every participation. The best part: my daughter was with me all the way as I worked on it

Now the tissue art is ready for a photo shoot.

It's time to take a selfie

Conclusion and Invitation

My appreciation to the organisers for organising this drawing contest. I am inviting @peacemike, @archie25, @lhorgic, @annydee01 and @josepha to drop a comment and participate in this contest.