Irene’s Ecological Art
Hello! You are gladly received!
I welcome you into my world of ecological art!
From simple rubbings with wax crayons to intricate sculpting with homemade paper-based cold porcelain we will reveal what’s on my art desk which was lovingly handmade by my husband.
My art usually reflects nature themes. I prefer clean, simple creations using homemade tools and materials. Thus I create my own natural inks, texture paste, glue, clay, and more! I use what I have at hand from my kitchen, second-hand items or things that would otherwise be thrown in the trash.
Ecological artists make statements through artwork that portray their thoughts about topics such as politics, culture, economics, ethics, and aesthetics and how these impact the conditions of our ecosystems.
Through my artwork, I aim to make a difference by doing my part in reducing my carbon footprint. I accomplish this by transforming my trash into art one piece at a time.
My hope is to inspire others and help with public awareness of our impact on the environment.
Come and see what I create!
Please enter your comments, questions, or feedback below, Thank you!
Here are some of the creations I enjoy making:
Storage boxes: Using packaging boxes, paper sourced from packaging, old books or paper bags as well as PVA glue (School grade glue) I create decorative boxes to house my art materials.
Mini filing systems: From junk mail envelopes and second hand designer paper these can be made to suit the size needed to store tiny to medium sized items.
Ephemera holders: Ephemera is anything collected that was used in the past or items that are used for a short time. It is usually collectible memorabilia such as concert tickets; however in the Junk Journal community it also refers to new items such as stickers and homemade ephemera. I use junk mail trifold cardboard, machine stitched vellum and second hand velcro to create storage with detachable pockets to house my homemade ephemera.
Book storage boxes: Damaged vintage books sourced from second hand shops are transformed into handy storage spaces. Before attaching cardboard from food packaging to the sides, I glue plain paper to it and paint them to look like book pages. They can be used as hidden storage or mini shelves.
Junk journals: Artisanal journals are made using food packaging such as a cereal box to create a book spine. The pages are sourced from vintage books, junk mail and second hand shops. I then decorate the pages and hand stitch them into the cover.
Ephemera: Bookmarks, journal cards, artist trading cards, specimen cards, stamps, tickets, stickers and other types of inserts and decorative items such as belly bands, clusters, ruffles and so on are handmade at my craft table. These are used as gifts as well as in my handmade journals.
Beading tools: I create handmade paper beads to add to my artisanal journals using a quilling tool and magazine pages. I also made larger sized tools using cotter pins, hot glue and sharpie markers.
Stamping platform: I created stamping areas to use with rubber and silicone stamps. Old CD cases and picture frames were used to create a larger and a smaller platform. I used fun foam from the dollar store and graph paper for the insert.
Embossing folders: From die cuts glued together onto cardboard, I create various embossing folders to use in my second hand “Cuttlebug” embossing and die cutting machine.
Homemade inks: Natural inks are made using herbs, spices and collected materials from nature etc. Mixed with rubbing alcohol. They are then used in calligraphy, painting, stamping and mark making.
Art recipes: Over the years my collection of homemade art mediums has increased. Be on the lookout as I share some of my favorite ones including texture paste, cold paper porcelain, glue, paint, ink, marbling medium, bubble medium and so much more!
Parchment craft: Using modern parchment paper with specialized and homemade tools I create embossed nature scenes then embellish them with tiny pin pricks. This ancient technique dates back to France and produces my most treasured art pieces.
Altered books: See how I create a book of pockets, bookmarks, new book covers, etc. out of used and broken books.
Découpage: This technique is used in my box making, for many inserts made for journals as well as to mask images on junk mail papers.
Flower making: A variety of flowers are made using different mediums and supplies such as dried flowers, paper, rope, ribbon, lace, fabric and trims, puffy paper, cold handmade porcelain…
Quilling tools: Using paper strips rolled and glued together, I create illuminated letters, flowers, leaves, paper beads and 3D paper masterpieces.
Card making: Unique and original designs for family and friends are created using different mediums from gelli printing to simple line work. Matching envelopes are also homemade on my table.
Drawing: During my teens, I had the opportunity to learn the basics in arts. I have taken up the pencils, inks and charcoal once again years ago to create nature based drawings. In addition, I have begun adding zen doodles, my own mandala creations as well as black and white images for others to color in my artwork.
Painting: Two introductory classes taught me the basics in folk art, rouging, oil and watercolor painting. I thank my sister Claudine who encouraged me in these endeavors. She produces formidable scrollwork and paintings.
Altered paper: Faux rice paper, faux vellum to faux leather and everything in between are created as I transform unremarkable paper into something new and different to use in my practice.
Altered paper clips: Hidden paper clips are one of my most liked treasures to add to gifts and artisanal journals. Follow along to see the many kinds I come up with to make mini and large ones.
Needle work: : Slow stitching, quilting, embroidery, cross stitch and paper sewing are a few additional ways I use to create unique art pieces. My dear mother taught me the essential skills that will be her legacy to me. She is still part of a quilting group.
There are no shortages in what we will explore in regard to artistic pursuits. I never tire or have artist’s block because of the extensive interests I explore.
Through this webpage, I will share how I transform what others consider garbage into beautiful keepsakes and practical, functional items and artwork. Each blog will focus on a specific item to recreate along with the materials required and instructions.
As we progress, I invite you to come and join me as I learn and practice more about the new and exciting initiatives I have recently undertaken such as:
Papermaking, eco-dying,
paper weaving, basketry, rope baskets, handmade rubber stamp alternatives, stencil making, and wood burning.
In my next blog, we will begin our reimagining by making storage boxes to house our art supplies and household items as needed. It will include instructions on making a box to house the items that you can recycle instead of throw away in the bin or to use as storage in your home.
Your homework this week is to keep or find a cardboard box and an old book or magazine that we will decorate together.
I use a box to store potential “junk” that I can use in my artwork. It houses the paper and cardboard items to be carried away and recycled by our city. My family is well trained to keep all items that go into the blue bin that are clean such as junk mail and envelopes, food packaging, plastic bottles, tin cans and tabs, aluminum foil, and even juice boxes with aluminum interiors. When the box is full, I go through it and process each item for future use. For example, a cereal box will be flattened to be made into a decorative box or cut apart to make bookmarks and gift tags. I then store them in small labeled bins. Once the bin is full I either need to stop collecting that material or mass-make it into something else. So far mass making has won as I have never stopped collecting items to be transformed into something new.
Let the recycling begin as we reveal that trash can be treasured!
For next week you will need
- A box: the size you prefer
- An old book or magazine that you are willing to cut up
- A ruler or scissors for tearing or cutting
- Something to stir with (I use an old popsicle stick or a wooden skewer
- PVA school glue
- A container with a cup of water
- A plastic container such as a margarine tub
- An old medium-sized paintbrush
- Table or floor protection (a garbage bag or old tablecloth)
- Protective gloves (optional)
See you soon for the instructions on making a storage box from used or recycled materials!
Lets create a world we are proud to live in using and creating a “PEACE” OF JUNK!