I love using recycled objects in art and craft, and so do kids. These days we all seem to have plenty of bits and pieces in our own recycling bins, but if you want to take creative recycling to the next level, check out whether you have a local creative recycler in your area.

There are a couple of groups in Melbourne who provide this service, collecting and upcycling reusable and interesting items from manufacturers which would otherwise be heading for landfill and offering them for creative use to the public and schools. Here in Geelong we have Urban Upcycle, a small family owned company in Grovedale. You can visit their little warehouse to select and buy bags of materials chosen from their shelves, create masterpieces on-site, or pay an annual membership to visit and access their supplies as needed.

Urban Upcycle provide individuals, schools, kindergartens, childcare centres, artists and crafters, access to items which have been repurposed into art and craft supplies.

To learn more visit: www.urbanupcycle.com.au