Artists Using Recycled Materials

Artists Using Recycled Materials

With the construction of recycled paper

Everyone knows that paper is often recycled, and has been for many years. Paper can be reused in several ways. Rolled up newspaper is sometimes used to make sturdy legs on small stools. And layers of paper is placed in service (literally) for centuries as tables and many other furniture products. More often, the paper used is simply added to the wood based in New or cotton-based pulp to make new paper products, as newsprint, cardboard or fiber.

But did you know that recycling paper can be right at home - turn into useful new products? Truly functional elements, such as paper, decorative bowls and even pictures can be made from old newspapers, for example.

You can use paper old, like pasta or as layers (like paper mache) to make products that are functional and pleasing to the eye. Both methods require water from construction paper and adding a bonding agent (usually a simple starch, such as normal white flour). The pulp can be pressed into a mold or hand-shaped (as much as clay) to create a desired shape. Layers of paper is constructed one layer at a time, creating an empty shell into a mold (such as a plastic container or a box).

I've tried several types of home-based construction using old newspaper and paper. Sometimes I add other materials, in addition to paper, such as bamboo or wooden sticks, to help reinforce an overall structure. I built a small table in this, and independently a sculpture large. However, other elements such as a paper from old newspapers, do not require additional support.

The paper is also used in recent decades as an agent of the experimental building of building houses. When used properly, and when protected from moisture (as rain, snow and soil moisture), "papercrete" as often called, has already proved an effective building material. Most of the force, of course, comes from the addition of cement and other agents such as sand. But paper often represents over 50% of papercrete blocks or bricks and mortar. In fact, an acceptable paper for Portland cement and sand (or pumice stone, if available) runs about 60% to 20% each of the cement and sand.

The paper used in this way can be used to support the walls, very similar to normal concrete or adobe blocks used. With regard to fire safety (as the aforementioned 60-20-20) papercrete (or fibrous concrete as it is also known) is considered much more environmentally friendly and an excellent insulator materials for the home.

Learning to build with the paper is relatively inexpensive and often rewarding exercise of practical recycling. These experiments can be done excellent projects for children of all ages in classrooms or summer camps. Family-centered projects are not a bad idea, either. Construction paper can be become a profitable pastime for both artists and craftsmen who become experts in the production of fine and / or useful products in the same household.

Want to know more? You can use the Internet to research the topic and related issues. You can begin browsing for looking at my own projects that have been published on the web. You can see three of my experiments http://www.jimsgraphix.com/recycle/recycle.htm role in building. And you can start your research in the fibrous concrete (papercrete) here: http://www.goodwordusa.org/homestead/other/paper.htm.

Jim Sutton

About the Author

Jim Sutton lives in Montana with his wife Becky. Jim writes and illustrates for a living.

Any ideas for a project with the theme of children, friendship, using natural materials or recycled?

I have a class of children 5 years, and we are celebrating Yom Kippur. I want to do a project which affect the friendship. PLEASE DO NOT friendship bracelets, which are too young to braiding, and besides, it's boring and has done a dozen times in all other classes. I want a wow factor =) They are really great artists, and the use of recycled materials or natural are a must (because of the curriculum at my school), any suggestions?

We actually did a week of friendship with our 3 and 4 years of age. We cut paper dolls and children decorate. We made shirts and pants / skirts. The kids loved to put the clothes and color in the Dolls along with the addition of bulging eyes and drawing in their faces. This project was not made with recyclable materials, but you can use paper bags for body dolls and clothes. After wrists that appeared in the hands holding the wall that was adorable. Fun

Artist creates Birmingham Library sculpture using recycl...

 

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