The April's Art Elements theme is Repurposing. Member Lesley Watt issued the following challenge:
"Upcycle, recycle, pre-loved, repurposed... call it what you will, this month you can make anything you like provided that the finished product includes some element that was originally intended for a different purpose or is used in a completely different way from it's previous incarnation. It can be decorative art or it can be functional and practical - or both, the only limits are your imagination. I know some of you have already dabbled with this and I hope it fires up some exciting ideas."
The tin cans in the photo above are an example of trash turned into an attractive wall planter with almost zero cost. It is bright and cheery as well as functional.
 |
| My bird feeder in Lewes, Delaware USA |
I decided to take an old but loved bird feeder and repurpose it into an object of beauty. I don't use it as a bird feeder now that I spend the winters in Florida because that would be unfair to the birds. This left me looking at an old plastic tube in the center. I thought I would use some of my large collection of sea glass to fill the center. Surely, that would look more attractive. Don't worry I have plenty more sea glass left.
 |
| Sea glass stored in garage in plastic bag |
 |
| Bird feeder with sea glass |
I think you will agree that the feeder is more attractive with the sea glass.
 |
| Inspiration for my repurposing project |
My next project involves my selecting one of my old pins that I purchased when wearing pins on a dress was the height of fashion--especially if you worked around children. I also took apart an old handmade card with a nautical theme that I made awhile back. Add an Altoids tin and these items can be repurposed into a shadow box. I have written several blogs about repurposing tins. Previously, I blogged about making an owl ornament, several faerie ornaments, and a Christmas ornament.
 |
| Bear's inner tube reads "When in doubt... float. |
 |
| Ink added to wood frames |
I added some paper twine, ink, sea shells, painted wooden frames and some hot glue.
I took the pin off the back of the bear and hot glued it to the tin after I created the beach scene complete with waves and sea shells. The background paper is from the card that I had made awhile ago. It made the perfect background for my floating bear. Now my bear will live outside a jewelry box and can be admired on a shelf in my studio along with my other altered tins.
Grab a beverage and enjoy seeing what everyone else was inspired to upcycle, recycle, pre-loved, repurposed. Thank you to Lesley Watt for a perfect challenge during a month where we celebrate Earth Day.
