Can you tell what recycled item is being used here as an ink palette? Yes, that is the humble baby wipe. I keep these everywhere, in the car, in the studio, in the garage, and even out in my storage spaces as things sometimes can get dirty and they are just great for a quick hand cleaning. I never would have thought of using them as a palette for rubber stamping. I include rubber stamped images in my mixed-media art these days and I can’t wait to try this tutorial on how to use a baby wipe for an ink palette featured at the blog Stamping with Blue Moon Creations.
Comments
Have you read?
Barefooted Welder: Turning Scrap into Sculptural Statements
Today, in honor of ANZAC Day, we’re shining a spotlight on a truly unique Australian artist — The Barefooted Welder, aka Michael Dudley. Based in North Queensland, Michael is known for his raw, imaginative sculptures made entirely from scrap metal. His work is bold, unapologetically rustic, and deeply rooted in both environmental and emotional storytelling.
What makes his work so compelling isn’t just the way he repurposes over seven tonnes of steel, copper, and aluminum — it’s the intention behind each piece. Michael doesn’t just weld metal; he breathes new life into forgotten fragments. From massive animals to symbolic figures, his sculptures are a mash-up of chaos and beauty, and they demand attention.
One piece that especially caught our eye (and hearts) this week is his striking metal poppy wreath, a tribute for ANZAC Day. The wreath, made from rusted salvaged metal and sculpted entirely by hand, is a stunning and deeply moving symbol of remembrance. It captures the essence of sacrifice and memory, but through a sustainable lens that makes you think twice about what we throw away.
Michael has a way of breaking the rules with his art — he even describes his process as “messy,” which we think is the perfect kind of energy when working with unpredictable materials. He creates without blueprints, often barefoot, guided more by instinct than plan — which somehow makes his pieces feel even more alive.
Whether it’s his life-size Bengal tiger sculpture created to raise awareness of endangered species or a delicate flower made of rusty washers, the Barefooted Welder is a reminder that art can be powerful, messy, meaningful, and sustainable all at once.
So, on this ANZAC Day, we celebrate artists like Michael who use their creativity to honor the past while also protecting the future — one sculpture at a time.
It is not recycling if you buy new materials, use them 2-3 times and then toss them out.
Yes I agree with you. I should have added that I then save these colored wipes and use them in collages, for packing material, and I have been known to dust with them or scoop up a bug. I have a giant Ziplock bag of paint covered wipes and paper towels that I use till the bitter end.