Instead of throwing away all of those slightly wrinkled, splotchy works that really don’t make your art program or your students proud, recycle them with a little extra work into authentic art projects.
These ideas can be used for various ages, grades K through 12. Some are more suitable for younger students (puppets, masks); while others can work for all ages.
The major point here is to customize the paper if necessary, by adding to it to make it more interesting. Sometimes, the paper will work as is. Save it in Xerox lids boxes or in trays for easy selection.
The materials you need will be the failed paper, tissue paper, magazines, oak tag, markers, craypas, rubber stamps or homemade stamps, stamp pads (or brayers and ink), sharpies, metallic pens, white glue, glue sticks, scissors, fancy-edge scissors, etc.
Notecards, etc.
Depending on what your recycled paper looks like, you can create a collage out of several pieces and glue onto a folded card or cut a piece out in its entirety. Use edging scissors for a nice effect. You can also trim envelopes this way or make luggage tags.
Bookmarks are another fun idea. Laminate your bookmarks and luggage tags.
Collages
Use tissue paper and art paste to “fix” the paper. Add words to make an interesting result. Another idea is to rip or cut it and make layered landscapes.
3-D Pictures
Using the concept above, make your pictures three-dimensional. Things like animals with a background, flowers or landscapes. Use z-strips, foam core, or M D O’s to create the layers.
Mobiles
Work into the paper first to make it two-sided, using tissue paper or other media. Let dry. Cut into shapes and hang on dowels or wires to create a balanced mobile to hang. Use fishing line for invisible results.
Book Arts
Use failed or recycled work to make book covers. Fix your paper using stamps, markers, extra paint, etc. Lay cardboard on paper and trace. Make “envelope” shapes, from each corner. Fold up and tape. Use another piece of paper for the inside cover. These can be used for accordion books. To make folded book covers, use two sheets of cardboard.
Frames
Collage, stamp, color or add to your paper. Cover a piece of cardboard by cutting out flaps as above to make a frame. Add a stand by scoring cardboard and taping it on the back.
Pins
Use metallic markers to jazz up small moments of your failed paper. Laminate and glue a pin back on. This also works for coasters.
Masks
Add to your “failed” or recycled paper, if necessary, using paint, stamps, markers, craypas, etc. Glue onto oak tag for stiffness, if needed and cut out face shape. Add tissue paper, glitter, pipe cleaners, yarn, etc. to complete.
Puppets on a Stick
Add to your “failed” paper, if necessary. Glue onto oak tag and cut puppet shape. Make clothes, accessories, etc. by adding on. Add googly eyes, glitter, yarn, if desired. Tape a tongue dispenser on the back.
Placemats
You can teach basic weaving skills by using two sheets of failed paper, cutting one in strips and the other as illustrated. Weave the strips in and out, taping the edges underneath, if necessary. Laminate the sheets for durability.
Wrapping Paper & Gift Tags
If your failed paper is thin enough, you can use it as wrapping paper. Add stamping, if it will enhance the surface. Or paint lighter or metallic colors over darker failed paper. Matching gift tags can be made by collaging lighter-colored paper on rectangles. Punch a hole to tie onto a package.
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Use your own ideas to create new work out of the “bones” of old work.
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