If you are interested in making assemblage art or found object art, you may be wondering where to find things to use. The truth is, we have stuff all around us, just waiting to be made into art. Here are some suggestions of where to find things.
In your kitchen. Start looking at the items you use every day and consider if they could be used in one of your creations. Could you paint and use the lid off the pickle jar? What about that tuna can you are about to throw into the trash?
In your mail. How about saving the envelopes with the little windows or those fake credit cards? Do you like to decoupage? Use some of those ads for an interesting, colorful background.
In your backyard. A quick walk outside can be quite productive- pick up some leaves, pebbles, twigs, tree bark, weeds, bird nest or feathers (be sure to disinfect them before using), flowers etc.
In your garage. If you have a garage or tool shed, take a look around. If the items and tools belong to a spouse or family member, get their permission before taking it. That drill bit may look great in your art, but if your husband paid $30 for it and was going to use it for a project, it might lead to some unhappy encounters.
Some ideas- old nails or screws, washers, leftover pieces of wood, wire, wire mesh, perforated metal straps etc.
In your clothes closet. Are there any clothes you want to get rid of? Before you take them to a second hand store or throw them in the trash, take another look. I like to save the buttons, the pockets, any embellishments, belts or tags and sometimes, the material itself, especially if it has an interesting texture or design. Go here for part two.