Because we're living in a world where recycling has become a necessity (rather than an option) it's important to think "outside the box," so to speak, when it comes to disposing of materials. Artists have been using recycled materials in their mixed media art pieces for decades.
Today, we're going to talk about cardboard. How can it be recycled into mixed media art pieces? Let's explore:
- ATC/ACEO bases
- Postcard bases
- Collage bases
- Greeting card bases
- Handmade book covers
- Torn collage element
- Altered book work
- Die-cut's
- Texture creation (through rubbing and layering)
- Photograph mats
- Assemblage painting elements
- Scrapbook backgrounds or embellishments
- Canvas alternative
- Altered boxes (gift, photo storage, etc.)
- Workspace covering
As you can see, I've touched on some ideas here and not all. The opportunities for these recycled materials in your mixed media art pieces are endless. Feeling overwhelmed about storing a mountain of folded up boxes in the corner of your art space? Here's some hints:
- Cut the box up as soon as (or very soon after) it's emptied.
- Sort your cut pieces into a sort of "filing system" with each section clearl marked so you can easily pull the cut-out's during project creation.
- Save the "scraps" in a separate shoebox sized container for later use in collages and other assemblage creations.
- If you have an "over-flow" of boxes to cut, store them in a cereal box sized container and keep them out of the way until you can get to them.
- If you feel you're pretty well stocked on cut and torn elements, then consider using extra elements in swaps and exchanges with other artists.
Remember, there's a slew of templates you can use online you can use if you need a pattern or help with sizing before the cutting process.
