Being sustainable, eco-friendly, and generally in tune with nature is inseparable from modern living. And when it comes to interior design, it’s also about bending these beliefs through the prism of creativity. 

So the question is. How can you be more creative with your interior decisions while still maintaining sustainable practices? 

The House Outfit is about to tell you and help you learn some techniques and creative ideas that will make you feel more connected to nature and mindful living.

Why Upcycle Art?

The beauty of turning something that is no longer wanted into a creative piece of genius, maybe? Upcycled or recycled art is the practice of repurposing recyclable waste into art. A sculpture from empty bottles and caps? Newspaper for collage art? Flowers made from paper scraps? There's no limit to the imagination. 

Of course, apart from training your imagination muscles, recycled art is still recycling, still reducing the amount of waste that increases pollution and suffocates our oceans and green spaces, still a practice that can lead to a reduction in the production of goods and products. 

Ultimately, recycling through art is sustainable, mindful living. 

Techniques for Working With Recycled Materials 

The good news about recycling and art is that it's a creative process that involves experimenting with different materials and methods. You don't need prior knowledge or practice—just an idea of what you can do, the materials, and the motivation to do it. 

Here are some of the techniques that can inspire your projects: 

Collage & Assemblage 

There's no way more classic to give old paper and packaging a new purpose than cutting, layering, and glueing magazines, newspapers, and cardboard together into a collage. It's rich in texture techniques, giving you a more tactile result. And even though we mentioned paper, anything can be part of it: broken jewellery, buttons, bottle caps… In a way, it is building a striking 3D artwork with plenty of character. 

Painting & Mixed Media 

Paint can do wonders for tired, worn objects. Just a splash of regular or chalk paint, stencils, or decoupage, and suddenly, new energy is breathed into old furniture, boxes, and trays. If you're not new to this, you can also take things further by mixing traditional paint with fabric scraps and corrugated cardboard to create layers of mixed-media canvases. There's absolutely no need to get rid of an old piece of furniture. 

Sculpting from Found Objects 

Think of all the household cast-offs that can end up in a landfill. Now think about these wires, plastic bottles, tin cans, driftwood, and even natural finds, as the perfect candidates for abstract sculpture work. Just use hot glue and wire wrapping to stabilise your creations and hold them together securely. From then on, it's really just a matter of what you can create. 

Textile Transformations 

Textile art with recycling is a tale as old as time and one that is extremely satisfying. Gather the scraps of fabric you have lying around the house and sew or quilt them into patchwork wall hangings, rugs, or even soft sculptures. If weaving is something you love to do in your free time, grab some old T-shirts, denim strips, and yarn remnants to rework them into colourful designs.

Paper Crafting 

Another common favourite is paper crafting. Just shred, roll, or fold paper into beads, ornaments, and quilled artwork. For more sculptural projects, try papier-mâché. All you have to do is tear paper into strips, dip them into a simple paste, and layer them over a form such as a balloon or cardboard to build a sturdy new shape. Once dry, pop the balloon or remove the cardboard and paint your sphere or other shape. 

Mosaics

If you love bolder and more intricate designs, mosaics may just be the thing for you. If you have some broken or discarded pieces from vases, dishes, and other objects, you can use the shards to design a vibrant, textured pattern on a flat surface like a wooden panel, tabletop, or canvas.

Such a design will naturally complement your favourite wall art and gallery wall designs at home, spicing them up and making them even more personal. Find the perfect frame for your new recycled pieces of art for maximum effect.

Creative Ideas to Dip Your Fingers In 

Now that you have an idea of the most popular ways art and recycling meet, it's time to put them into practice and inspire you with some ideas that show just how versatile this artmaking can be. 

Bottle Cap Mosaic 

You surely have some bottle caps lying around waiting to be recycled. Well, there's no better time than now. Arrange them thoughtfully with the help of glue and turn them into colourful murals in vibrant patterns.

Plastic Bottle Planters 

Despite being very annoying and one of the top polluters on Earth, plastic bottles can also easily become quirky indoor planters. Cut them in half, drill holes at the bottom, paint them in whatever design you heart desires, and hang them in clusters or line them along a windowsill for an eco-friendly display. 

Tin Can Lanterns 

Another one hanging around your place is probably empty tin cans. Well, today is your lucky day because you can easily turn them into glowing lanterns. Punch out patterns with a nail and hammer, give them a coat of paint, and simply drop in a tea light. In the evening, enjoy the warm, patterned glow. 

Jar Terrariums 

Glass jars are wonderful for housing mini terrariums and whimsical snow globes. Here's a quick guide on how to turn them into a living environment:

Add the drainage layer of pebbles or gravel at about 1-2 inches deep at the bottom of the clean jar. Then, place a thin layer of activated charcoal to help filter odours and toxins from decomposing matter. Place a piece of mesh on top of the charcoal so your soil doesn't sift into the drainage layer. Add your soil (thick enough to support your plants) and arrange moss, small rocks or pieces of driftwood. Finally, place your plants into the soil, starting from the largest. Et voilà! You have your own jar terrarium. 

Just remember to water! 

Tips for Success 

But just before you snatch the scraps from all over the house, let us advise you on some simple practices to help your projects turn out beautifully. 

• Always clean and prepare your materials, as dirt, dust, and leftover residue can interfere with your paints, adhesives, and finishes. Just wash everything thoroughly before you begin. 

• Think about safety, as recycled art often involves sharp edges, strong glues, and paints. Sand down rough surfaces if you must, and wear gloves if you have to. And if you're working with paint, be creative but in a well-ventilated space. 

• Embrace imperfections. The beauty of recycled art is in its uniqueness. Scratches, dents, and uneven textures all add to the charm and authenticity of your final piece.

Putting the Art In Recycling

With recycled art, you reimagine everyday pieces and give objects a second life. So much is happening in this simple creative process. Experiment, explore, and have fun. Relish in the fact that you are creating something beautiful, sustainable, and personal. Possibilities are endless with recycled art, and every project is another way of doing something good for the planet.