October 7, 2010

By: Beth B. from Muskegon Heights, MI
Comments: 16

Posted By: Beth Bessinger
On: 8/4/2010 10:48:12 PM

I am an artist (art teacher by trade) who sees the potential in items that are no longer useful as they are (were ) intended. I, like many others before me, collect these items and give them new life...they are no longer useful as they were originally designed for but now have a new life as a "re-purposed" item. Somehow this concept has become the new "it" thing to do. I know we have all seen these items and how cleverly artist have de-constructed and then reconstructed items such as old blue jeans into purses, spoons and forks into wind chimes, tires into yard decorations. I am all for this. It cuts down on waste for one thing...go green! It causes us all to look at our environment and its man-made items in a new light and for me, allow me to be creative with things I (we) would normally throw away. As a teacher, I use many of these concepts with my students and quite a few of my lesson plans include "found" man-made items with the purpose of giving them new life. Next time you see a necktie skirt or a handbag made out of an old novel from the thrift store, remember, it's not only good for the environment, it's "in"!!

Posted By: Alicia Reeves
On: 8/15/2010 3:29:17 PM

Beth- My teacher assistant did an entire lesson with the kindergarten class using the design process we learned, recycled items, and making things that were used in our garden. Check Out her lesson plan on here under Katherine Edmondson. Very Cool!

Posted By: Catherine Mott
On: 8/24/2010 3:28:45 PM

Beth here is a new word for you "upcycling" Quote from wikipedia "Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value." I think this is a great word for kids too, teaching them to make some of value from something that otherwise seems useless.