How to Reuse Vinyl Records

Vinyl record bowl.

You may have boxes and boxes of vinyl records sitting in your home that you have no idea what to do with. If you can't resell them and don't want to keep them, consider turning them into objects that you can use around your home. You're reusing something that otherwise would have been thrown into the trash. In addition, they're fun craft projects and you're saving yourself some money, as well.

Instructions

1. Use a vinyl record as a cake plate. It makes for a conversation starter when you present your cake for people to eat on top of an old vinyl record. Put a circle of clear Con-Tact paper on the top and bottom of the round paper center. The cake won't leave a stain on the paper and it can easily be cleaned afterward. Leave a piece of cake cardboard between your cake and the vinyl record so it's easier for you to move the cake around. Also if you need to turn the cake around for any reason, vinyl records can spin around easily even when you have a cake on top of it.

2. Paint it. A vinyl record can make for an interesting "canvas." It's different than artwork that is square or rectangular shaped. You can hang it up by using the hole in the middle. In addition, you can lean it up against the wall or just put it on a table. Anywhere you place it, chances are people will ask about it. It's also a fun way to display your child's artwork in her room instead of regular paper.

3. Create wall art. Place your vinyl records in a design that you would want to hang on your wall. Overlap them and place them in various formations until you find a design that you like. Glue them together and hang them up for an interesting piece of wall art.

4. Make a bowl. You can use an empty coffee can to sit the record on. Take the lid off, empty out the excess grounds and take off the label if there is one. Place a cookie sheet on the bottom of the inside of the oven, then preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Put the coffee can in the oven upside down and place the vinyl record on top of it. You absolutely cannot walk away from the oven as it may take only minutes for your record to start to droop. Keep a close eye on it at all times. When you see the record start to droop, use pot holders to take it out and form it into the shape of the bowl that you like. Don't use your bare hands as the record will still be hot. Immediately remove your coffee can.