Her deft fingers turn newspapers and magazines into works of art

Dubai: What do you do with old newspapers and magazines? Throw them out, or reuse them to clean your windows?

Most people would think that is the solution but Marites E. Fortuna, a Filipina expatriate, has put her passion and creativity together to reuse the paper and make decorative items.

In 1999, Fortuna learnt how to make a paper vase from her neighbour in the Philippines. While she worked on the project, she realised that she could do many things with the colourful paper.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, she said: "After some experimenting, I learnt to make a swan, birds, fruits, flower baskets, butterflies and even a curtain. I started using different materials, too."

Having arrived in the UAE a little over a year ago, Fortuna is working as a salesperson at a pet shop in Dubai. She uses her spare time to create her art.

In the Philippines, Fortuna was a teacher in a private school. She taught physical education, music and arts.

She said: "I taught my students to do something interesting. There was no need to spend or waste money. What was required were materials, like used paper, cans, plastic bottles or straws."

It was always her interest and she maintains her hobby 11 years later. She believes it is easy to achieve your dream with a little patience.

She said: "If you are really interested in doing something, it is very easy to do it. All you need to do is be a little patient and very creative."

Having a full time job, it is hard for Fortuna to focus on her hobby. Making one decorative item can take up to five days.

She said: "The amount of time it takes depends on the size. A small piece would be ready within a day. But, if I make a bigger vase, for example, I would take five days to complete it. It can be done faster if I had somebody to assist me."

As the clock strikes 1pm, her lunch break starts, which is when she does most of the hard work on the decorations. In the evening, she continues to work on the pieces at home and sometimes works till midnight.

Her family still lives in the Philippines and she sends money home every month.

She said: "I try not to sell the pieces as the purpose is to display them as decoration in our store. But, there are some instances when my family needed urgent financial help. That's when I sold a few pieces at a very low price."

Customised

Several customers visiting the store are interested in the creative decorations. They have asked Fortuna for the sale price and sometimes even requested for a custom item. On some occasions, she has agreed and made extra decorations, which the customers have returned for later.

She said: "The task is really hard, but if you love what you do, you will enjoy the process. After you're done, the end result will only give you more happiness.

"Instead of going somewhere and wasting time and money, I keep myself busy."