How to Find Recycled Materials for Your Arts and Crafts Projects
You see a handmade necklace and think, "Wow what a stunning piece." Then you look closer and see it's made out of nothing but safety pins and rusted bottlecaps! Where do people find all that cool stuff to make those unique recycled arts and crafts? Read on, and find out!
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Instructions
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Look down. Some of my most popular recycled jewelry began when I found an interesting scrap on the sidewalk or street. I've made animals out of crushed beer cans, necklaces out of smashed tail light reflectors, and earrings out of used Starbucks cards. You'll be helping yourself and cleaning up the environment, too!
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Ask a friend in the business. Are any of your friends in the electronics business (vintage vacuum tubes, computer keyboards, circuit boards)? How about printing (cardboard, paper)? Maybe one of your buddies works at Starbucks (colorful gift cards, coffee grounds)? You'd be surprised what you can find just be asking your friends. Their trash can be your treasure.
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Surf the Internet. A great place to start is Craftster.com (see "Resources" below). They have a discussion group dedicated solely to the topic of where to find recycled material. Or you could just google the phrase "recycling into art" or "go green" and you'll find a lot of information on the subject.
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Attend a recycling event. One of the best events for recycled art is "Recycle Santa Fe" in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (See "Resources" below.) The event, held annually in November, features a recycled art market and a fashion show with clothes made from recycled material. You'll be inspired by the ingenuity and also be able to talk to fellow recyclers about where they get their materials.
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Go shopping on special trash day. Many municipalities have a day each month when you can dispose of items too large or bulky for the regular trash pick up. Ask if it's okay to take anything left on the curb that day. Then mark your calendar for that day and have a blast!
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Tips & Warnings
Check the phone book for local recycling sources.
Make sure anything you pick up in public truly is trash.
Be careful handling old electronics parts. Some contain toxic material.
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Comments
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bossypants
Jan 11, 2009
Terrific compilation of recycled craft sources! Thanks!
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Kristie Leong M.D.
Dec 02, 2008
I love the idea of using recycled treasures in art. Excellent work. :-)
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Traqqer
Nov 28, 2008
This is an art-form I have not gotten into but have marveled at the ingenuity of using common items to build neat things. Good suggestions.
