Alternative Art Materials

While it’s important to have good-quality art materials around, it’s also important (and fun) to look around for alternative materials of the free, recycled, and edible (yes, edible!) variety. Here are some ideas to get you started from The Creative Family (Trumpeter, 2008) by Amanda Blake Soule.

The Pantry
This makes a perfect opportunity to clean out any food that might be too old to eat (but not necessarily too old to play with). Think beyond pasta necklaces, and head for other grains, beans, and seeds. Think about color and texture as you pick your materials. Your chosen food can become the contents shakers, objects to be glued on paper or wood, or baubles to be strung.

Nature
There’s no greater source for materials that out in the world. Look for small rocks, leaves, acorns, bar, pine cones, and more. The hunt for material will become an adventure itself. These items, along with a bit of glue and paper or wood, can become a beautiful collection of mixed media art for your little ones.

Trash
Yes, you read that right. I mean garbage–or perhaps a little less frightening, the recycling bins. Take some inspiration from the great recycling artists out there and get creative with the stuff that you (or others) are getting rid of. Keep an art box for the kids full of random pieces that are otherwise headed for the trash: Old newspapers for papier-mache, and magazines and old calendars for collages.

Thrift Shop
Scour your local thrift shop or charity shop for alternative art materials at a good price. Dishes, fabric, leather–so many “thrifted” things can have a new life when you and your children put your creative minds to the task.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Ana Marija R.

2:26AM PDT on Sep 28, 2012

Thank you.:)

September 28
send a green star

Teresa W.

3:39AM PDT on Aug 6, 2011

Still, I wouldn't like to be a child again.

August 6
send a green star

3:37AM PDT on Aug 6, 2011

interesting ideas

may H.

12:55PM PDT on Jul 23, 2011

July 23
send a green star

Lupe G.

11:15AM PDT on Jul 21, 2011

I implemented each of the ideas mentioned in art class for summer camp students. They loved the concept of reusing & being crafty & it kept my projects green & on a thrifty budget.