Nurturing creativity, resourcefulness and environmental responsibility 

Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, recently hosted a highly engaging and creative skill enhancement workshop titled ‘Home Décor with Waste Material’. Designed for students who had just completed their 12th-grade examinations, the workshop aimed to nurture creativity, resourcefulness, and environmental responsibility among young learners. The event was organised by the B.Design Department of the college and focused on upcycling waste materials into beautiful and functional home décor items.

The initiative was enthusiastically received by the students, who eagerly participated in hands-on sessions that showcased the power of innovation in sustainable design. With sustainability being a key concern in today’s world, the workshop served as a timely reminder of how discarded and unused household materials can be transformed into artistic and decorative pieces through creative thinking and practical skills.

Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra, who has always emphasised the importance of holistic development and environmental awareness, shared her thoughts on the occasion. She stated, “In today’s times, everyone aspires to have a well-organized and beautiful home. This workshop shows students that even discarded materials can be transformed into eye-catching décor.” Her words captured the essence of the event, which went beyond aesthetics to encourage sustainable practices and meaningful craftsmanship.

Under the expert guidance of Ms. Samridhi Sharma from the B.Design department, the students were introduced to a range of home décor techniques. Ms. Sharma demonstrated how to create clay human figures, jute coasters, wall hangings, and decorative candles using the traditional Lippan art technique. Lippan art, a form of mural craft that uses clay and mirrors, added a unique cultural and aesthetic dimension to the session, while the use of jute and recycled materials emphasized sustainability.

Throughout the workshop, the college campus buzzed with creativity and enthusiasm. Students were seen fully immersed in their work, experimenting with textures, colors, and materials to bring their ideas to life. The activity not only helped them learn new design techniques but also instilled a sense of environmental stewardship by teaching them the value of repurposing waste.

Dr. Neerja Dhingra, Principal of ACFA,  also took the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of Ms. Rajni Gupta and Dr. Seema Sharma for successfully coordinating the event. Their dedication and organisational skills ensured that the workshop was both educational and enjoyable for all participants.

The ‘Home Décor with Waste Material’ workshop exemplifies Apeejay College of Fine Arts’ commitment to providing experiential learning opportunities that are both creative and socially relevant. By blending design education with sustainability, the college continues to empower students with the skills and awareness needed to become responsible, thoughtful citizens in an increasingly eco-conscious world.