Upcycled Art – Dayna J Collins

Tuna Can Reuse Challenge

I created a special Curious Element in response to a challenge put out by Salem’s DIY Creative Reuse Studio. Here’s the challenge:

Each month DIY Studio hosts a Reuse Challenge to encourage creatives to rethink and reimagine. February’s challenge must include a tuna can. Post your photos of your recreation by midnight Feb, 22 on our timeline. The participant who earned the most likes by midnight, Friday the 28th will win a bulk bag of reuse supplies at DIY! Game on!

Turns out, my little tuna can creation received the most likes!

Funky Junkyard Birds: A New Flock

I recently finished up a batch of my Funky Junkyard Birds, birds made from recycled, upcycled, and found objects. I haven’t made these birds for over a year, maybe longer, so it felt good to get back in the groove. Once I made the new flock, it got me clamoring to make more, so I spent a couple of days cutting out bird body parts and I can’t wait to dig in because I’ve got some great ideas to embellish and make the next batch a bit more flamboyant.

I thought it might be fun to see some of the materials in my basement studio (where my metal, wood, and plaster work is done). From raw materials to finished art.

A sampling of my most recent Funky Junkyard Birds.