One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure

If you haven't jumped on the "Go Green" bandwagon I suggest you give it a shot.
Garbage Art is not only becoming increasingly popular but if nothing else, it gives you a place to put your junk!

It can be functional:


(Old CDs)







(Bottles)



(Bottles)

Or it can act as an outlet for your inner creative being:



(Plastic Bags)





(Miscellaneous Garbage)





(Recycled Clothing)







(Common Plastic Trash)

 
















Our Spin on It: Myself along with a couple of friends decided it was time to personalize our "hangout area" by adding some new furniture. It also happened to be around the time of our town's bulk garbage day where community members are advised to throw out any and all garbage that would normally be too large to put in a garbage truck. LUCKY US!! We were able to accumulate an old table along with some sheets of plexiglass and here's where we went with it:

1. Measured the table and cut the plexiglass so that it was not extending out past the edge of the table
2. Selected the pictures we wanted to include and laid them out so that the surface was completely covered (you may want to tape them down so that they will not move while completing this process)
3. Placed the plexiglass over the pictures and drilled it into the table at the corners
4. Applied a clear caulk around the border of the table where it and the plexiglass met to stop moisture from getting under the plexiglass and ruining the pictures
5. Cracked a beer and put that table to use!

Its unique, easy, and cheap...what more could you ask for?

Special thanks to my bestie Erik for letting me blog this project!

http://www.greencleaningideas.com/2010/07/recycled-clothing-art-is-touch-of-brilliance-with-green-conscience/ http://www.noupe.com/inspiration/40-terrific-works-of-art-made-from-common-trash.html http://www.interbent.com/amazing-bottle-art-how-to-recycle-glass-bottles/ http://www.tomdeiningerart.com/lips.html

Medium of the Week: Sharpie Marker

Being a college student I often find myself low on money and art supplies aren't exactly cheap. So what do I do?.... Improvise!

A fun and creative solution to these money management issues is to take objects and tools that you may find around the house, outside, or anywhere for that matter and incorporate them into your artwork. Not only does this help the wallet but it also allows you to really embrace your individuality and make it your own.

For this week the medium of choice is Sharpie Markers
They are:
-Cheap
-Permanent
-Available in a wide range of colors
-Come in all different sizes!
-From a gas station to a grocery store, Sharpie markers can be found almost everywhere

Cant get away from the painter inside you? Try Sharpie Oil-Based Paint markers. They are fade, water, and abrasion resistant and from personal experience I find them to be perfect for projects that need to be completed quickly and with little mess!

*A few things to remember before exploring the world of sharpies:

1. Its permanent! Yes this is an advantage but it can also cause some problems if you are not getting the results that you wanted. So my advice would be to start with something simple just to get a feel for it.

I chose to work with one medium (Sharpie) on plain computer paper to start with. This allowed me to focus strictly on the Sharpie and what it can do without being drowned out by other elements.

2. If you decide to draw on appliances or any other surface that is handled regularly, I suggest applying a clear polymer coating to protect your precious work!

Don't consider yourself an "artist"? Who cares!!!! Sharpies are for everyone!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OaH7m1vii0

http://www.bragino.com/archives/401 http://homeinteriordesignthemes.com/2009/03/basement-wall-mural-drawn-with-a-sharpie-marker-pen/ http://sobadsogood.com/2011/11/09/stylish-sharpie-art-on-styrofoam-cups-20-photos-by-i-am-boey/ http://www.geekologie.com/2008/09/drawing-on-wheels-the-sharpie.php http://whitewolfstudio.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/more-sharpie-art-on-converse-all-stars/