Trash to Treasures

Summer the season of sun, fun and Rummage in the Ramp!  This year Rummage in the Ramp is calling on you creative types out there to upcycle a castoff into a work of art.  Rummage ReDux, a new event which supports the creation of artwork from items donated to Rummage in the Ramp, Iowa City’s annual mega-reuse and recycling event. Rummage ReDux will take the concept of reuse one step further by demonstrating how a little love, creativity and skill can convert usable, as-is, donated items from something that’s simply serviceable to something downright spectacular.

Selected applicants, who may include Johnson County individuals or businesses, will be allowed to choose one item from Rummage in the Ramp at no charge to repair, repurpose, or upcycle. Participants will be invited to work on their item during the last day of Rummage in the Ramp at a “meet the artist” event on Sunday, Aug. 2. Finished items will then be showcased at up to three public events in October and November.

If you are looking for inspirations, the Iowa City Public Library can help.   Two books by Danny Seo "Upcycling : create beautiful things with the stuff you already have" and "Upcycling celebrations : a use-what-you-have guide to decorating, gift-giving & entertaining" as well as "ReCraft: how to turn second-hand stuff into beautiful things for your home, family and friends" by Sara Ducahars and Sarah Marks  might be just what you need to get that creative spark.  If you recrafting is more than you want to tackle this summer, but you love a bargain and the hunt, take a look at the books in the library under the subject heading Found Objects (Art) in Interior Decoration.  Nothing is more satisfying to me, (well, except maybe ice cream and the perfect summer night), than finding an object on the side of the road or at a garage sale, taking it home and having it fit right in. Try it, you might be surprised.