Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Iron Chef for Crafters

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scrap_logo_color2.JPGIf you live in the Portland (Oregon) area, don’t miss the 5th annual Iron Artist Sculpt-Off — if not to participate then at least to observe recycled art in action. Here’s the lowdown:

The 5th Annual IRON ARTIST Sculpt-Off

Saturday, August 25, 2007
12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In the lot at the corner of North Vancouver and Failing (right behind SCRAP) Portland, Oregon

Sponsored by SCRAP (School & Community Reuse Action Project)

” What is Iron Artist? The greatest event of the summer, of course! For all you folks new to the SCRAP scene, Iron Artist is our annual FUNdraiser where 10 teams of artists compete in a timed sculpture competition. Each team receives similar reused materials provided by SCRAP, The ReBuilding Center, Free Geek and more. A theme for the sculptures is announced when the competition begins and teams have 3 hours to complete a masterpiece which is then judged by a panel of local celebrities who then award the prestigious Cup du SCRAP. Teams are encouraged to wear costumes and the event is timed and monitored by a raucous team of referees who throw yellow flags while handing out bonus points and demerits. ”

[tags]Iron Chef, recycled art, sculpture[/tags]

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Recycled Paper Cylinder Face Art – A Colorful Win for All Ages

I recently stumbled across this super creative project on Instructables – “Face With Recycled Paper Cylinders” – and I had to share it with you all because it’s just the kind of craft that checks all my favorite boxes: recycled materials, hands-on creativity, and fun for literally any age.

The idea is simple but genius—roll strips of recycled paper (think junk mail, old magazines, leftover printer paper) into cylinders, then arrange and glue them to form a unique abstract face. You can make it funky, realistic, Picasso-inspired—whatever your mood or style dictates!

What I really love is the blend of eco-conscious crafting with true artistic expression. This isn’t just another kids’ project—it’s something you could easily do with a group of little ones, a classroom full of teens, or even as an adult art therapy or weekend wind-down activity. It’s super relaxing and surprisingly satisfying seeing all those paper rolls come together to form something new and expressive.

The tutorial itself is easy to follow, with plenty of visuals to guide you along the way. You don’t need any fancy materials—just glue, paper, scissors, and a board or piece of cardboard to serve as your canvas.

I also appreciate how this project leaves so much room for personalization. Want to make it into a full face? Go for it. Prefer to focus on a single eye or mouth? Totally works. You can even play with color schemes by choosing papers with a certain palette, or painting over them once they’re rolled.

In short: this is a total keeper for anyone who loves crafting with purpose. It’s the kind of project that sparks creativity while gently reinforcing the idea that beautiful things can come from what we usually throw away.

Highly recommend giving it a go—solo or with a group. And if you try it, tag me or drop a pic—I’d love to see your recycled masterpiece!