Making art by using items that you would normally throw away or recycle is a great way to help save the forest. It gives me great satisfaction when I recycle materials in my art classes and at home. Here is an example of a creative recycled art project.

Luke's Firehouse
(view bigger photo, 35K)
My daughter, Victoria, wanted a dog house for her miniature pinscher, Luke. Rather than building or buying a new one, we found an old one at my father's that wasn't being used, and decided to redecorate it. First, Victoria drew her design on paper. She wanted it to look like a fire truck. Then we looked at what paint we already had available, and then had to think creatively about how to use those particular colors in the design.

Next, we started painting, including wheels on the sides and headlights on the front. To give it a more fiery look, we painted flames on the roof. The tar paper roof was a bit ragged in places, so we cut the edges in a zig-zag design to improve the worn look. We had so much fun redecorating this dog house. The process of using what we had to redesign it really made us think creatively!

Find something around your house that is no longer being used or needs a new look or use. How can you redecorate it and use it again? Think about how you will help the earth with your recycled art. Send (link) me a photo and description of your handiwork and it will become part of the Fantastical Forest!

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