As a self confessed hoarder I can never resist picking up things 'just incase' and during a visit to a local car boot sale last year, I decided that I just had to have some old vinyl records!! When I found them again recently (
gathering dust carefully stored away), I thought it was about time I put them to good use and decided to turn them into a record stand!
I had originally planned to keep the records flat, but then I saw this great post by
A Law Students Journey and changed my mind! If you fancy making your own, here's what you'll need....
Materials
- Records (different sizes)
- Metal threaded rod
- Nuts and Washers
- Buttons (optional)
To get the great wavy effect, you'l need to get melting! Set the oven to the lowest temperature and leave each record in until the edges start warping. I found the exact time depended on the size of record, but it is approx 2-3 minutes, so keep an eye on them.
Take them out of the oven and mould into shape straight away. They will cool quickly and don't force them as they could snap. But the best bit is that you just pop them back into the oven to soften and then keep moulding until you get the shape you want.
For the larger records, I just used my hands to mould them, but for the smaller/bowl shapes I found moulding them over a Pyrex bowl helped. I should also mention that although they don't get very hot, it's worth keeping an oven mitt on hand just in case :)
To assemble the record stand, I used a metal threaded rod with nuts and washers (from a DIY store), but you could also use a cake tier stand. As my rod was too long for what I wanted, I cut it to size using a hacksaw and glued on some buttons to finish off the top.
I was so amazed at how easy it was to melt and mould the records, I got slightly carried away and made a bowl....
.... and bookends!
As you can see, I'm using my record stand as a fruit basket and think it would be a great cupcake stand as well! Now I've seen how easy they are to make, I want to make some more... I think I may give some record coasters a go next!
3rd May 2013: Update - This post was featured
here at Someday Crafts
10th July 2014: Update - This post was featured
here by DIY Projects
What a neat little transformation! Love the bookends! Found you at the Find a Friend Friday party - looking forward to reading more! =) Hope you have a great weekend!!
ReplyDeleteDanielle
SewMuchCrafting.com
Thanks for stopping by Danielle! Hope to see you again soon :)
DeleteWow,this this post of yours a flashback! My mom used to make all kinds of things with the old vinyl records(many moons ago lol!) Like you, she made bowls, and fruit stands. She made lamp shades, and flower pots too! Thanks for taking me back in time and reminding me of my wonderfully talented mom! I love your bolg, thanks for so many great ideas! God Bless and Keep You! Jodie
ReplyDeleteThanks Jodie. Your mum sounds so talented and I love the idea of making lampshades and flower pots... will have to give that a go!
DeleteTakes me back a good few years to a time when Dad and I used to make bowls from old records. We would put a poker through the hole and hold the record in front of an open fire, but that was in the days before health & safety!
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of heating them a fire... who needs health & safety anyway!!
DeleteOh WOW.......such a nifty idea! Looks really great! I have a pile of old records which I have been wondering what I could do with them. i tried playng one and have to admit to wondering how we ever thought any record sounded good! LOLL Thanks for sharing......
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine, would love to hear what you decide to make with your records :)
DeleteOMG what a fab idea for old records. Glad I spotted your link at sew many ways. I will be back for more great ideas!
ReplyDeleteRaven J. www.truebluebaking.com
Thanks Raven, look forward to seeing you over here again soon!!
DeleteRecords are so much fun aren't they? Thanks for linking up to the Upcycled Linky Party at http://love2upcycle.blogspot.com/2013/04/upcycled-linky-party-6.html
ReplyDeleteI had great fun making these & it was so simple as well! Thanks for hosting a great linky party too :)
Deletehow fun, I love working with records also
ReplyDeleteThanks, it was loads of fun!!
DeleteI know if I told my kids that we could use records or albums to do this little project, their first words would be, "What's a record? What's an album?" This is so neat. I would have to find some records at the thrift store to try this. Love it! Saw this at the Upcycle Party and had to click.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon. Haha don't think it would work as well with an ipod!!
DeleteI love this! I did a "40 Rocks" themed birthday party for my husband and these would have been a great addition.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Someday Crafts link party.
Thanks Erin. A 40 rocks party sounds like great fun!
DeleteI love these ideas. I am going to do this this summer. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks Patty! Would love to hear how you get on :)
DeleteThose are really great ideas. I have some old records that are all scratched up. I may have to try some of these. I nominated you for a Liebster award. Check it out http://whohastimeforthegym.wordpress.com/2013/05/11/liebster-award/.
DeleteThank you! Would love to hear how you get on with trying it out :)
Delete