An assemblage is a 3-dimentional artwork made from different kinds of materials.  The artist gathers a selection of found objects to create this kind of sculpture.  'Found objects' may be natural objects such as stones or seashells or the artist may use manufactured objects such as toys, machine parts or empty containers from paper goods or food.  These objects are arranged into a larger form.  Using found objects such as gum wrappers, bottle caps, plastic lids cardboard tubes, cartons and other such items can be a creative way of recycling.  Recycling saves natural resources, reduces the amount of trash that needs to be disposed of and also conserves energy needed to make new products.  Your assemblage may be created from any combination of found items of your choice.  You will need to decide whether you want your assemblage to be arranged in a box or as a free-standing sculpture.  There are many examples here made by students at HarperHouse Studio.  This is a fun way to use up old things.  1.  You will need a piece of cardboard or the lid from a cardboard box to use as your base and a selection of found objects.  The found objects may center around a theme such as a favorite sport, music, school or family. 2.  Paint your cardboard base choosing a color that goes well with the colors of the materials you collected.  Also, you may choose to paint all of the items in your assemblage one color to unify your design.   If so, paint your base the same color. 3.  I like to use a hot glue gun because it is a fast way to join things together.  Be careful if you use hot glue!  A basic white school glue can also be used.  Glue smaller objects onto larger ones and add other things like straws or chenille sticks.  You may add photographs or other items of personal interest that are special to you.

This assemblage is made completely from wood and painted gold to unify the design.

These assemblages were made from a combination of recyled containers, old toys, straws, lace and cardboard cut into interesting shapes.  They are arranged inside a cardboard box lid.

Once you have a selection of found objects to choose from try arranging them in your box.  You may arrange and rearrange the items until they look good to you.  Glue some of them in place and then do some more adding a arranging.  Paint everything when you are finished.

This assemblage is constructed from the plastic holders from lunches that held meat, cheese, crackers and a snack in the separate holes.  They have been glued in a cardboard box lid.  Straws are added to separate the containers and 'even up' the edges.  Photographs will be added to create a memory box type of assemblage.

A cardboard box lid may also be turned upside down and used as the base for your assemblage.  If you choose to construct a 3-D sculpture remember that it will need to look good from all sides.  Walk around the assemblage as you are create it and glue things in place and make changes as needed.  Remove labels or paste pictures or colorful paper over the labels if you do not plan to paint your sculpture.  This one looks pretty good unpainted but I think I will like it better if I spray paint the whole thing silver.