Comments on: 6 Textile artists using recycled materials

By: Joan Flynn

Joan Flynn — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 03:17:56 +0000

I refer to myself as a 21st century Womble, in homage to the old children’s TV programme The Wombles. The Wombles were little creatures who “Made good use of the things that they find, The things that the every day folk leave behind.” My shed is overflowing with goodies awaiting my inspiration – recycled fabrics, lace and other trims, beads, buttons, broken jewellery and other bits and pieces too numerous to mention. All put together with a vast collection of threads. Most of these treasures have come from thrift shops, or friends’ leavings from their projects, which would otherwise be discarded. My family and “non arty” friends think I am a little un-hinged, which is probably right, but I can get really excited about an ancient embroidered Japanese kimono or a worn out dress trimmed with exquisite lace or beautiful beading, and why not? As most of my work is based on Victorian Crazy Patchwork and appliqued landscapes, I am quite happy to disappear into my workroom for days on end just being creative and using my imagination. As I am hopeless with a pencil or brush, I design “on the hop,” never quite knowing where my work will take me.Probably not everyone’s cup of tea, but my work gives me great satisfaction.

By: Judith

Judith — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 16:23:46 +0000

You should add Gwen Henley to your list of textile artists using found and recycled objects. She is teaching at TSG Summer School this year.

By: loozer

loozer — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 01:44:58 +0000

I think u care for the environment

By: Moniek

Moniek — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 16:13:19 +0000

I have been making a number of pieces using teabags in the last couple of months. A challenge for me as I usually work with really bright colours. But restrictions have really helped me to be more creative and look for different solutions.

By: mirjam Bruck -Cohen

mirjam Bruck -Cohen — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 12:52:32 +0000

I was born to my refugee parents during WW2, my mother returned with me t Holland to find she lost her whole famile , and she strated life from scrap. Than we moved to Israel than a young country abosorbing many refugees, Thus from childhood i was taught not to throw away anything. sweaters were ripped and made into new sweaters, clothes were ripped and comined into new ones. `Boring ` plain clothes , were embroidered to look `nicer `and more Unique, we never complained anou needing we made what we needed and waht we could, I think this was my strat as a fibersrtist in later years. everything was copuld be rnewed , niot having much money was no reason not to have somethings. But we also never bought without thinking about waht we intend to buy. if and when buying we chose good stuff, that will last. in my art and my clothes i have cloth parts that are 6o years old ,,,,,, and i still have them .

By: Georgia Rowswell

Georgia Rowswell — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 14:52:53 +0000

Great Article! I am an artist that up cycles and recycles for my art and my own own wardrobe. I am a big supporter of thrift store fashion and household linens. When things cycle out of my closets , they end up in the “art pile” awaiting a new life as fine art. If you are interested check out what I do with old sweaters, towels, blankets, etc. (Haven’t stooped to using underwear yet) , on my website.

By: Krystyna Sadej

Krystyna Sadej — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 16:14:40 +0000

In reply to Daniel.

20 years ago people laughed at me. It brightens my heart as I can see, this type of art is fashionable and popular now. I wonder if you like my “upcycled” work:

http://krystynarecycled.blogspot.com

Thank you for sharing awesome textile artists using recycled materials. Cheers!

By: Daniel

Daniel — Thu, 12 May 2016 17:09:07 +0000

In reply to Jan ru wan. Absolutely! Would you care to share with us some of your favourites?

By: Jan ru wan

Jan ru wan — Wed, 11 May 2016 19:31:47 +0000

There are much more with textile artist using upcycle materials than the ones in your list

By: Jeanette tindall

Jeanette tindall — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 10:30:44 +0000

You should add Jo Atherton to the list. She collects rubbish from beaches…alsorts of marine waste and makes the most intricate weaving x