Got a recycling bin? Still bored? Make recycled art!

Because “Earth” Without Art is Just “Eh”

An Even-More-Fun Way to Recycle!

Dragon In Hands

Love art? Me, too! Art is one of my favorite things in the world. I’ve always wanted to be an artist and illustrator as well as a writer.

But, you say, you’re running out of things to make art with, because the coronavirus has you staying inside, unable to make an art store run?

No worries, fellow artist! I have a solution for you.

How about that recycling bin?

Check your recycling bin––you’ve got plenty of art materials in there!  Just consider: you’ve got paper and pasteboard (the stuff cereal boxes are made of) in a bunch of different colors; you’ve got jars and cans you can put paint in (and on), and boxes you can use to made all kinds of things! And you’ve probably also got bags, and containers, and cardboard, and old magazines or newspapers, and bottle caps, and those loop things that come on bottles and cartons, and bread ties, and more… You’ve got tons of art materials!

Here’s how Callisto and I recently made art from our recycling bin here at home. These ideas might just help to get your creative juices flowing, too…

Saturn V

Recycled Project #1:  Saturn V Rocket

My space-fan sis, Callisto, created this cool model of the Saturn V rocket (above). Sure, you can buy kits for this rocket online––they’re from Japan, and cost over $1000!  But hers cost $0 (except for the tape and glue) and her model did our planet some good. Now, that’s great value for money!
Materials used: Paper towel roll, toilet rolls, scrap paper, 3 kinds of tape, glue, markers, & LOTS of patience
Her artist’s statement: 
“I made this rocket on the 11th of April, 2020, the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission and launch of the original rocket…and because I love space. [Since] it helps the earth, I used recycled materials; I think that it would make the Apollo 13 astronauts more proud that I used recycled materials than a bought model kit. The astronauts had a really tough time on that mission, just like we are having today [with the Coronavirus pandemic]. But they survived, and we will, too!”
Dragon 1

Recycled Project #2:  SolarBear’s Original Fire Dragon! 

Materials used: Junk mail, old calendars, a discarded piece of foam core (for the backing), marker, glue
And here’s my artist’s statement:
“It’s better for the earth to use recycled materials than new ones…and, honestly, it’s more fun. [It WAS fun!] But you shouldn’t see my room right now (because it’s covered in scrap paper). I’m going to hang this on my side of the room in a special spot when I get my room cleaned up..which might take a while!”
Now, it’s your turn!  Go check out your recycling bin, and use what you find to craft some amazing art! If you want to submit your own work please contact me!

PS––If none of these ideas spark your imagination, try this funny trick to help you get an idea: with just your eyes––not your head––look back and forth as quickly as you can. This type of eye movement apparently connects the two sides of your brain, and literally helps you become more creative. (I learned this on the cool Netflix show, Brainchild––check it out!)

PPS — And just a reminder from my mom: Don’t forget to clean up your room afterwards! Although you probably also have a parent to tell you this. And you probably––I mean, definitely––won’t need the reminder!

2 thoughts on “Got a recycling bin? Still bored? Make recycled art!”

  1. What a great, fun concept to encourage recycled art which also benefits the planet! Both projects were well thought out and looked terrific. Even the tiny USA flag on the rocket was a perfect touch. Also I especially liked the dragon details including all the colors and even the catchlight in the large eye. Also,if you turned your dragon vertically, it resembled a Space Shuttle take off or landing!

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