A collagraph is an artistic technique that uses everyday recycled materials such as takeaway lids to create an eye-catching, textured artwork. By experimenting with different tools and marks , you can create beautiful collagraphs without spending any money or contributing to the waste of our environment.

To get started with a collagraph using recycled takeaways, draw out your idea on tracing paper with soft pencil

Working on the waxy side turn over your tracing paper and draw with harder pencil , this should transfer your design to the takeaway lid

Using a dry point need, scribe or craft knife make your marks on the lid. Any areas you want darker you can remove the waxy coating to reveal the card below.

Rub the ink onto the lid with an old paintbrush or tooth brush. Rub off ink with a scrim or kitchen roll. You can polish the plate with old paper using the flat of your hand

Now the lid is ready to print using a craft press and presoaked paper you can create interesting print

So can print with the aluminium part of the take-away ?