Remember the time when our mothers put little notes of love inside our lunch bags? One Airdrie mom has taken it one step further. She is splashing her adoration for her two sons all over the bags themselves leaving a lasting impression. They’ve become a big hit. Jenn Aguilar began doodling on the paper lunch bags last September when her boys Kale 14, and Konner 12, started the school year. They began as simple illustrations but evolved into impressive and eye-catching works of art filled with funny puns. Every day before school the boys’ lunches are packed into a newly designed bag, Aguilar calls it her ‘love language’ that she shares with her sons, “Shows them that I understand what they are into and what they like, and what’s important to them is important to me as well. And that I’m just aware of their environment right now.” said Aguilar. From superheroes like Batman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Pokemon Go characters the 41-year-old budding artist uses a drawing technique called Chibi. “Where the characters are actually kinda made into children looking so they have a very cute aspect to them. This is one of my favourites.” So what do Kale and Konner think? They’re big fans. “I think they are spectacular.” said 12-year-old Konner. “ They put a smile on my face every day.” “Her art is very creative, talented and it means a lot to me.” adds Kale. Aguilar gave her relatively inexpensive hobbya name, ‘Lunch Bag Adventures’ and took to social media where she discovered a whole new fan base and fellow lunch bag doodlers. “There is a huge lunch bag community.” said Aguilar. “Through those people I’ve kind of developed my hobby and learned different tricks of the trade from them, learning different media people used and it’s definitely improved my technique.” Her work has been featured in a many online publications from around the world. Aguilar says she was even approached by a U.S. television network to be a guest on a daytime talk show. She received complimentary art supplies which has come in handy as she’s currently working on dozens of new creations for upcoming fundraisers and art shows in her community. “Definitely the requests are coming in fast and furious and I’m happy to oblige.” Aguilar says all of this has been a blessing. From finding a way to express her love for her sons to possibly opening up new opportunities. She may have also solved a classic childhood dilemma. When asked if the kids ever forget their lunches Aguilar replies“Never forget their lunches ever.” To view Aguilar's online catalogue, visit Lunch Bag Adventures
