Creating From Discarded Materials DIY
Trash to Treasure…
or at least a whole lot of fun for not much money!
I cleaned my studio. What does an artist do when they clean their studio? They rummage thru all their art materials and create something from it! I collected a whole big stack of paper when I cleaned. I have a paper shredder so I shredded it….and thought there has got to be SOME WAY I CAN USE THIS paper?
Those words often get me in trouble when it comes to space in my art studio…. artists can imagine ways to use just about anything that other people view as useless or trash. I am good at seeing possibilities. I do that with people too. I do that with animals. I do that with trash. 🙂 I do that in thrift stores, hardware stores, flea markets, garage sales…
Below are a few samples of things I have created from discard materials….
Artwork made from fabric, photos, frame, and other odds and ends.
A cowgirl with her rope made from repurposed wire.
Large Paper Collage ‘Down the Garden Path’ made from paper scraps and old photo paper.
Large Paper Collage ‘Down the Garden Path’ You can see a smaller version I did propped up against the back door.
Closer view of a Large Paper Collage ‘Down the Garden Path’
Paper Collage made when I ‘cleaned’ my studio.
Closer view of Down the Garden Path Paper Collage.
An art journal cover made from decoupage tissue paper and napkins and ironed plastic grocery bags.
The artwork on a board painted over old artwork with added texture.
discarded and salvaged barbed wire, barn slate, and Barnwood.
Slate and barn wood sign in the works.
My rustic, salvaged welcome sign!
See how cool these old salvaged rusty materials look?
artwork made from wire, slate and an old horseshoe.
Broken Glass Mosiac DIY Broken Glass Mosaic DIY instructions here.
Side view of broken glass mosaic.
Love these!! Put them in a window that the sun shines in and they are gorgeous!!
Even rejected or mishap and ‘discarded’ photos can be fun. I like to use them for backgrounds in digital art that you can see and download for free on my website at Horse Digital Art, Quotes and Memes to share.
More old, weathered wood that make great signs and western themed art.
Another barnwood sign with an old rusty bit hanger. I sell these at Free Rein Art on Etsy
I added this because it is a collection of my photos of weeds (and other flowers) in my pasture/ yard.
Weathered Wood Crafts and DIY
I don’t know why, but old, weathered wood looks great when put in some kind of frame but as my picnic table, not so much.
The following were made from old dishes and thrift store finds.
I made them into outdoor garden flowers.
Use recycled dishes to make garden art.
DIY Garden Art using glasses, plates and discarded materials.
Glass Plate Flower DIY
Glass Plate Flower DIY II
Vintage hankies!!
This is just a simple wreath made from an old wire hanger and knotted hankies.
Vintage Hanky Wreath
This is garden art made from plastic food containers and a wood round with poured paint.
Recycled Art Flower DIY
More of my garden and flower art below … with a welcome sign made from some old barnwood.
Barnwood Welcome Sign and Glass Plate Flowers
Paper Clay is awesome!!! Go to this page for DIY instructions!
Paper Clay DIY
Bubble art makes adorable cards and stationery out of old paper. DIY instructions here.
Bubble Art Stationery
Bubble Art Cards
Poured Painting ‘Fail” Reworked
You can ‘pour paint’ on so many different surfaces from table tops, lamp bases to flower pots.
Here are other blog posts and the accompanying artwork other times ‘cleaned’ my art studio.
Keep creating!
Thanks for following along and always appreciate sharing of this post on social media!
Sue Steiner, artist
Van Gogh’s Irises by Sue Steiner at http://www.horseartonline.com
If you, are anyone you know, are interested in a pet portrait or painting of your horse, please take a look at my artwork and website. I would love to talk about what you have in mind. I specialize in dogs, cats, horses, horse and rider, pet and owner, farm animal and wildlife paintings. I work from small custom stall signs to Life-Sized!
Find me on: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FreeReinArtStudio/ Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/FreeReinArtStudio Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/sue_steiner/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/freereinart/ Twitter https://twitter.com/saveaface Website: https://www.horseartonline.com