Upcycled Record Bowls

Lately I’ve been really into repurposing and upcycling items. I blame Pinterest! Over the past few months, I’ve been collecting old vinyl because there are so many things I want to make out of records. Fear not. I’m not intending to destroy any useable vinyl. That is on par with cutting up a perfectly good book just to make a craft. Instead I’m giving new uses to scratched records that would otherwise end up in a dumpster somewhere.

While cleaning house this morning, I realized how many records I’ve amassed and put into a pile in the corner. I decided it was time to peruse my Record Craftiness board on Pinterest and start making things with all these records. Years ago I coveted bowls made out of records in an Uncommon Goods catalog. Luckily I have a pin from Stars for Streetlights that details how to make them yourself. She was inspired by one of my favorites, Mark Montano. It was a total no-brainer that I had to try these bowls.

My first attempt was with a standard 12 in. record. Well, maybe not so standard – it was a rap single. We are who we are. I learned with it not to walk away from the oven. Vinyl warps quickly at 350 degrees. Keep a close eye on it because it shouldn’t take more than 2-3 mins.

Confident in the technique, I moved onto brightly colored records that I rescued from the trash a couple of months ago. Working at a music store has its perks! Bowls were exactly what I had in mind when I found them. I haven’t seen many crafts made out of colorful records, presumably because they are harder to find. If you do come across some, make sure to snag them.

These bowls were so quick and easy to make that I can’t believe I waited so long to try them. I can see myself making many more of these to gift at Christmastime. Happy upcycled crafting!

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