Young children understand about recycling, and a tactile, hands-on art project will work with this age group. Collect old paper goods and other safe materials to be recycled in a clothespin magnet project. Preschoolers will tear and cut materials to be glued onto a clothespin. Once finished, you will attach a magnet onto the back with a hot glue gun. Allow it to dry, and the clothespin magnet will hold art work to the refrigerator.
Ask elementary-school children to collect old paper goods, such as egg cartons and newspapers, for one week to create handmade art paper. Tear up all the paper and place it into a large pot with a little water and a drop of detergent. Cook over low heat for two to three hours or until the paper is soft. Use a food processor on the paper pulp until it is a smooth consistency. Strain it onto a screen, and flip it out. Put newspaper or old towels on top of the paper, and place heavy books over it for 24 hours. Remove everything and allow the paper to dry for another 24 hours before using.
Middle-school children have the hand dexterity for more complex recycled art projects. Ask students to collect old fabric scraps from clothing and other household items to create a classroom art quilt. Each student will hand-sew a 10-by-10 inch square from old fabric. Once all the students finish, all the squares will be sewed together. Use old towels for the filling inside, and use an old blanket or sheet for the quilt backing.
Assign high school students to create their own personal take on the theme of 2D art projects from recycled goods. Students will use old bottle caps, leftover paper goods, fabric scraps, old plastic and more to invent their own artistic creations. Once students are finished, a group art exhibition should be held at school or local art gallery for students and the community. High school students should write artist's statements with their art work about how they conceived their art projects.