BOTTLE tops, electrical wire and vinyl off cuts might not seem the obvious materials to create works of art but two Darlington artists believe recycling left over bits and pieces can fire the imagination, as well as helping the environment. Vicki Henderson went to meet them.

“PEOPLE get a bit frightened by the word ‘scrap’ because they think it means dirty and unwanted, but to us it means something that just isn’t needed for its first use any more,” says Rosi Thornton.

“We want to work with people and show them that they don’t need to go and buy expensive kits in arts shops to be creative, they can use recycled materials and come up with their own ideas.”

Community artists Rosi and Yvonne Preston have been working with recycled materials for years, teaching children and adults to look differently at things they might otherwise throw in the bin.

Scrap Studio, a not for profit social enterprise, is their latest project reusing safe, clean materials collected from businesses and organisations around Darlington for use in art and play.

To collect the materials they need the pair have made links with pubs and wine bars around the town to collect bottle tops and corks, sign makers to collect unused vinyl and an upholsterer for material offcuts.

They are looking to make links with as many businesses as possible to pick unwanted, clean material that can be transformed into works of art and help companies hit their green targets.

Rosi says: “There are various benefits to using recycled stuff. There’s the environmental side, the thrifty side and also it makes more accessible to people.

“A lot of people are scared of art because they feel they aren’t good drawing but when you are using different materials it breaks down barriers and boundaries. People of a certain age say it’s like Blue Peter, and kids just love it.

“They don’t see scrap materials, they instantly see things they can be using or making.”

Scrap Studio is still in its early stages, and Rosi and Yvonne are looking for premises where they can hold workshops and art classes, as well as storing the materials they collect.

They plan to hold workshops for children, to teach families how to have fun with recycled items, and for adults, taking advantage of the new craze for sewing and make do and mend.

As well as their art materials the pair are keen to reuse and recycle furniture, shelving units and equipment to kit out their studio, when they find it.

Yvonne says: “We had a lady whose mother had lots of craft stuff in the cupboard, lots of balls of wool and a sewing machine, but she couldn’t use it anymore. She liked the idea that it was going to be used again for good, instead of sitting in the cupboard.

“We think there might be lots of people with stuff hidden away that they don’t use. We are always looking for different materials, things that are a bit novel.”

Anyone who would like to donate unwanted craft materials and equipment, or businesses who have scrap materials for recycling, can contact Rosi and Yvonne at scrapstudiodarlington@gmail.com The project is part of Scrapstores UK and follows strict rules on environmental recycling and waste management.

For more details visit scrapstudio.co.uk or facebook.com/scrapstudiodarlington Yvonne and Rosi will also be holding family workshops at community events around Darlington this summer.