Using Recyclables In Your Art

The below art journaling page is made from scraps and some paint. I am always picking up things off the ground that have rusty goodness or a look of old to them. I’m always keeping an eye out for things that have had a prior life or purpose and using them in art. I make sure I clean my hands and the item after collecting it, but recycling, or ‘upcycling’ is something can be fun and make your pages unique. I’m thinking more art journal here, but below are some items you could upcycle;

Some things I’ve collected along the way and used include;

• Metal pieces that are rusty (can be found on a sidewalk or in a garage)
• Rusty nails or screws (I once found some railroad ties/nails)
• Packaging (tape, envelopes, cardboard, inside packaging)
• Cereal boxes
• String, ribbon or twine
• Junk mail
• Stickers
• Clothing tags
• Old keys
• Sticks and smaller branches (sew or glue to pages or outside of journal)
• Clips (paper, binder, etc.)
• Scraps of fabric
• Old books, dictionaries, or atlas’ (binders of the book and pages)
• Envelopes (large, small, pieces)
• Old greeting cards
• Board Game items (pieces to sew on the outside of a journal or playing cards to include on your pages)
• Napkins (clean of course)
• Labels
• Old magazines (images)
• Wrapping Paper
• Coffee Filters and Tea bags

And the list could go on and on.

In addition to recyclables, I used the following products:

• Dina Wakley Paint
• Dina Wakley Stencils
• Dina Wakley Gloss Spray
• Tim Holtz Stencil (Splotches)
• Tim Holtz Distress Oxide

Do you have anything lately you’ve upcycled? Can you name a few additional items? I’d love to know.

Wishing all warmest creative wishes,