Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on May 5, 1956.
Castoff Paper, Boxes Are Used To Create Varied Holiday Items
By ROLLIE BERNHART
Mrs. Hazel Russi has an affinity toward castoff foil, old paper and cardboard boxes.
To the majority, these items are relegated to the rubbish pile. But not Hazel Russi.
Under her nimble fingers and artistic talents are created a host of useful and attractive articles for many occasions.
In her workshop, on Indiana 49 near Flint Lake school, Mrs. Russi creates table favors and center pieces for every holiday event of the year.
Surrounding her as she works are perfectly balanced scaled for a baby shower, made from old cardboard, string and coat hanger wire; a fluffy, white lamb, put together from an old salt box, together from an old salt box, four pieces of paper mailing tube, wadded newspaper and cotton; and bird houses of cardboard, artfully and realistically painted so that not even a wandering bird would know it was not the real thing.
Got ‘Bug’ As Child
The former Hazel Bright, a lifelong resident of this city, says she has had the “artistic bug” since she was a youngster, when she confined her talents to copies of comic strip characters.
Her love for art humorously asserted itself when as a child attending church with her mother, she drew candid pictures of individuals sleeping during the minister’s sermon.
She began working with paper in a Sunday School class at the Baptist church, teaching children how to make useful items from cast-off headed for the furnace.
Four years ago, she began to regard her creative talent seriously, and has since dressed many an anniversary, birthday, wedding and graduation party table with her attractive layout.
Hangs From Ceiling
Her largest project and most creative work to date is a wedding center piece made from a “junked” parasol, a piece of bamboo and some expert cutting and twisting of crepe paper.
Out of an order for a baby shower creation came a ceiling hanging work of art which she calls “Lady in Waiting”, depicting an anxious mother-to-be watching a stork fly around trying to catch up with a baby on a cloud.
Her workshop is filled with a multitude of interesting items. It is a revelation to see what can be done with paper which ordinarily would be thrown away.
She has a standing order with all who know her: “Don’t throw it away, Save it for Hazel”.
Artful Creations For Many Occasions
A BABY SHOWER centerpiece is shown (top) being completed by Mrs. Hazel Russi, Flint Lake, who makes a variety of artful creations from castoff birthday reminder to a 50th wedding anniversary are shown below.
(V-M Staff Photos)
