1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse

Get ready, y'all!  I just inked a contract with Quarry Publishing to write the next book in their "1000" series.  I'll be writing 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse, a book filled with 1000 (you read right) examples of craft, art and design made out of repurposed, reused and recycled materials.  The book will be bristling with amazing contributions from artists and crafters around the world.  What do you make out of reused stuff?  I want to hear about it!  Here are some of the categories I'm looking for:

• Paper Craft– Consigning paper to the recycling bin is a shame. Do you make interesting things out of paper?
• Art– Does your art involve clever reuse of materials in installation, sculpture, collage, painting or other media?
• Jewelry and accessories– Our definition here is very broad—we’re looking for all kinds of personal adornment, handbags, belts, hats, etc.
• Clothing– We’re seeking all kinds of clothing mash-ups, stitch-ups, and makeovers.
• Fiber and fabric- How about renovated soft goods made from recycled or vintage linens, quilts, fabrics, fibers, sweaters, yarns, rugs?
• Housewares and furnishings– We’re looking for repurposed furniture, ceramics, serving dishes, utensils and miscellaneous home goods.
• Houses, interiors, and environments– Is your living space made of reused materials? Have you made a visionary environment out of recycled materials?
• GeekCraft and ManCraft– Do you make repurposed items with geek appeal? What about traditionally “manly” items such such as grills, antler furniture and armchair go-karts?
• UnClassifiable– We are encouraging the submission of work that doesn’t fit into any of the above boxes.

The Call for Entries is hot off the presses.  Download it today for image guidelines and more information.  The deadline on this puppy is January 5, 2009, but early submissions are HIGHLY encouraged.  I'll be adding more information to this page as it becomes available.  In the meantime, feel free to email me with your questions!  All of the information is in the call for entries.

LINK

Comments

[Downtowner]

I'm very interested, but wondering why I should give you my best idea for a 1/2 off book? Can you comment on motivation for the submittals?

[Garth Johnson]

Sadly, since Quarry isn't a giant publishing house, and because there will be up to ONE THOUSAND contributors for this book, Quarry can't send copies to all of the contributors. As for a motivation for submitting to a book like this....can you really not see the benefit of getting your work out there? Your name will be in the book, and your website will also be mentioned in the contributor index and the online contributor index.

I've had my work featured in around 1/2 dozen books, and when it's only a picture of my work with no tutorial or writing accompanying it, I've NEVER gotten a complimentary copy...but I have gotten invitations for shows, magazines and other books from it.

I think the best motivation of all is contributing to a book that will serve as a groundbreaking reference. I can't wait to hold 1000 pictures of dynamite repurposed and recycled projects in my hands. This book is going to be an inspirational touchstone for crafters, designers, artists and all types of creative humans.

This book will also create community. I can't wait for people who submit work to this book to get a copy and get to know others who are making amazing work. I'm already amazed by the submissions I've gotten in the first week. Share your work with the rest of us!

Garth

[becky]

hey garth,

i am considering submitting a project of mine but am wondering what the tone of the book is...by submitting am i encouraging other people to make the project i have submitted.

i have been published before and know that ripoffs are always possible when you put you work out there. i am just wondering if this book will say 'creative ideas for you, the reader, to use" or "look what all these people have done...now you think about reuse in a new way".

that's all.

thank you,

becky johnson
the sweetie pie press

[Garth Johnson]

Hi, Becky--

Great question. The book is simply going to be 1000 images with a tiny bit of information about materials and dimensions. I'm taking a way more "inspirational" approach rather than a literal step-by-step approach. I want every object in the book to have that little A-Ha! moment.

[Karen Anne Glick]

Could you, when you manage to find your way out from under the piles of submissions, give those of us who sent photos of their work an idea of when we might hear something? Thanks so much,and good luck with the book!

[Gene]

Thanks for asking the question Karen! I'd also like to hear when we might find out about the choices made and the anticipated publication date of the book.