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Junk Mail Portraits

January 31, 2008 by Alissa

schimmel_art.jpgS.A. Schimmel creates striking portraits not with paint but with junk in the form of flyers, mail, greeting cards and colorful ephemera. The artist, who graduated with a degree in psychology and painting, has a diverse art career, ranging from visual display designer to needlepoint canvas designer. Her current junk art mosaic work stemmed from a visit to Venice:

“I saw a beautiful stained glass portrait of a woman in Venice, Italy,” she writes. “Created by a true artisan – of tiny glass tiles in an amazing array of colors. The tiles applied to a sheet of glass, sealed with grout, framed in metal, suspended in front of a light box, glowing. It was too expensive to buy, too heavy to carry – my conclusion: ‘I have to make that!’ Well, I tried.”

“I could not find the colors or sizes in glass. I tried painting glass…no success. I tried ceramic. Too bulky, not enough color. I … started cutting up accumulated junk mail. Eureka! I got what I was looking for – a portrait in mosaic using an insanely diverse variety of materials.”

View a gallery of her work at schimmelart.com.

[tags]junk mail, mosaic, stained glass, portrait[/tags]

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Comments

  1. How to Get Six Pack Fast says

    April 15, 2009 at 8:01 am

    The style of writing is very familiar to me. Have you written guest posts for other bloggers?

Have you read?

Handmade with a Past: Tuesday’s Top Recycled Etsy Find

If you love a good wine and a stylish cheese platter, then this recycled flat wine bottle cheese board will be your new best friend. Not only does it combine two of life’s greatest pleasures, but it also gives a second life to old wine bottles, turning them into something functional and chic.

I stumbled across a similar piece at a friend’s gathering last year, and I couldn’t stop admiring it. The wine bottle was almost unrecognizable—transformed into a sleek, modern board for snacks and small bites. It’s the perfect conversation starter, and honestly, it brings a certain wow factor to any dinner party or casual gathering.

This cheese board isn’t just pretty; it’s practical too. The smooth surface is ideal for serving everything from crackers to fruit to your favorite cheeses. Plus, it’s an awesome example of recycling and upcycling, keeping those old bottles out of landfills while elevating your entertaining game.

Why we love it:

  • Made from recycled flat wine bottles, adding sustainability to your kitchen

  • A unique upcycled home decor item that’s also super functional

  • Ideal for wine lovers, eco-conscious hosts, or anyone who loves a good cheese board

Not only does this board make for a stylish and sustainable addition to your kitchen, but it also makes for an awesome gift for those who love eco-friendly entertaining.

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