Talking Trash Day 6: Notebooks and Paper

Designing my very own art notebook was not only a fun way to spend an afternoon but a terrific way to repurpose an old notebook and scrap paper in a fashionable way. An added bonus is that this project coincides with Inspire Me Thursday’s notebook theme. Many other paper and collage artists who posted at Inspire Me Thursday also created covers with impressive techniques and skill, so you may want to stop over there for more ideas on how to make your own notebook cover.

This project not only repurposes scrap paper and other whimsical odds and ends for a new life in art (I considered using old scrabble letters for “Dream, Create, Love, and Inspire” on my notebook) but is a wonderful way for artists of all ages to express themselves and create a place where they may draw, brainstorm, and journal on a daily basis (aside from their blogs of course!).

Inside my old notebook, I discovered my amateur collage work where I played with acrylic paints, stamps, and magazine photos.

Overall, the best way to manage used and unwanted paper (including notebooks) is to recycle. However, if you have the urge to make art with paper, these are some fun ways to give something old a second, more beautiful life.

What suggestions do you have for repurposing paper? Do you use magazine, newspaper, cards, and even old book pages to create new things? I am always ears for new projects, so please share away.

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