Giving Old Artwork A New Life
We’ve all got them - those piles of artwork that didn't quite make the cut, sitting in the corner of the studio, glowering at us. Experimental pieces, offcuts, quick sketches, or odd mark-making exercises - at the time, they served a purpose. Now, they just take up space, both physically and mentally. But a pile of ‘rejects’ doesn't have to feel like wasted effort. With a little sorting and play, even the most stubborn scraps can be reborn as inspiration for your next piece. Here’s how:
📄 Gather it all together
Collect every scrap of paper, every half-finished sketch, every experimental work.
✂️ Sort into three piles
Do this quickly and intuitively:
Definitely something - pieces that immediately catch your eye.
Might be - the ‘maybe’ pile.
No way - pieces that really don’t grab you.
Be ruthless! Anything in the ‘no way’ pile can be torn up and used for collage, or even a satisfying bonfire if you’re feeling dramatic!
🎨 Salvage the ‘maybe’ pile
Take your time with the ‘might be’ pieces. Look for compositions, colour combinations, or even just a mark - a brush stroke, a pencil line - that sparks something. Crop or cut out the bits you like and stick into a sketchbook, creating a library for future inspiration. Offcuts can either join your collage pile or stoke your bonfire!
🎁 Gift it.
Even ‘rejects’ can make charming, personal gifts. Frame a small section, or cut them into cards or tags. Friends and family often love the unique, handmade touch.
📔 Make journals or notebooks
Old sketches or watercolour sheets make excellent covers for small handmade journals or notebooks. Bind with staples, thread or ribbon.
✉️ DIY stationery or wrapping paper
Turn colourful or textured pieces into envelopes, bookmarks, or gift wrap for a personal, eco-friendly touch.
🎨 Experiment with mixed media
Layer old work under new painting or drawing attempts. Paint, ink, or pencil over it - old textures and marks can spark something unexpected.
🔄 Swap or donate
Local schools, community centres, or craft groups often welcome donated materials. Your ‘rejects’ could inspire someone else. You could set up a swap with a fellow artist/s. Seeing someone else’s work might spark new ideas.
🖼️ Upcycle into home décor
Use pieces in homemade bunting, framed collages, or other decorative arrangements. Even small scraps can make eye-catching compositions.
💻 Digital experiments.
Scan old artwork and explore digitally - adjust colours, crop, or create collages. Preserve your originals while experimenting freely.
📚 Teach or share.
Use old work in tutorials, workshops, or social media to demonstrate process, experimentation, and learning. Your ‘fails’ can be inspiring to others.
Quick note: these methods work best for work on paper (for obvious reasons). Work on canvas? No, worries - those can often be sanded down, primed and painted over.
