Art from Junk | LSU Superfund Research Center

 

    Art from Junk

    Recycling is beneficial for everyone; it’s something that is easy to do and helps our world in a variety of ways. For example, reusing or repurposing items saves landfill space. Instead of a plastic bottle being added to an existing mound of garbage in a landfill, why not choose to use it in a work of art? In this manner it can actually bring more beauty to the world, while also helping to save it. People of all ages can create works of art utilizing recycled items. The possibilities are endless as is your imagination.

    “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” Art can be comprised of just about anything you can imagine (or find laying around your home). Some people like to weld old metal scraps, such as might be found in a barn, together to create a “sculpture.” Others may use an old shirt, buttons, used wrapping paper or an old Band-Aid tin to create art of some type.

    One fantastic idea that is easy to do as well as practical involves an old, tin lunch box (with a top that opens). You can turn this tin into a recipe holder or a greeting card holder that is also a work of art. Utilize items such as different colors of cardstock, wrapping paper, ribbon or scrapbooking embellishments to cover and add flair to the outside of the tin. You can decorate it with many things you have in your home that you might otherwise simply throw away.

    Another super idea is to make gift boxes out of recycled greeting cards. It may sound difficult to do, but the website “All Free Crafts” provides you with a template to guide you with your box creation. One template can be used to make many different boxes. It’s up to you to find the cards to truly make your boxes unique. Old greeting or Christmas cards are also great to decoupage onto wooden trays or tables. Simply cut out the pictures (or even words) you like from the cards and decoupage them onto the item of your choosing. Art is a wonderful way to pass the time and it can truly help you to relax and have fun.

    Art from Junk: Recycled Craft Ideas