Today I’m participating in a series called Die Ugly Toys Die, thought up by the amazing Stefanie from Brooklyn Limestone.
The concept behind it is taking toys that you would normally throw out and transforming them in to something cool and usable. If you’ve been following the series on her blog you’ve seen some really cool DIY transformations so far.
Today I’m showing off what I do with toys that have reached the end of their life at my house…or have they?
Let me introduce you to Mr. G.I. Joe and his troop.
A toy staple in a boy’s toy collection. I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with these plastic figurines. They’ve entertained my boys for years but hot dang! Have you ever stepped on one of these in the middle of the night? You would have thought you actually stepped on a grenade. For being so small these things can do serious damage to the bottom of your foot.
I don’t have a hard time letting go of too many things but toys seem to be a challenge. There are just so many sweet memories attached to them. It’s not like getting rid of the toys will mean getting rid of the memories but it feels like that sometimes.
Instead, I like to turn retired toys in to art.
I took a glue gun to a handful of these guys and glued them to a frame. My oldest son may not play with GI Joe’s anymore but they look cool framed and hung on his wall.
And it doesn’t stop there…I’ve also hung and framed some old arrows.
As well as darts…
Then there was this vintage Printer’s Tray which I filled with tons of boyhood trinkets.
Just because toys are old doesn’t mean they have to die…some of the time.
Sorry stuffed Elmo, you have to go.
Keep following the “Die Ugly Toys, Die” series on Stefanie’s blog Brooklyn Limestone.
Hey there! I’m Michelle; I’m an Passionate DIY’er and in constant pursuit of how to bring beauty to my house full of men (3 boys + 1 hubby). Stick around and see what I’ve got up my hard-working sleaves!
I love the toy soldier one! I also feel like any of these toys could be spray painted before putting in the shadow boxes if you wanted to change the colours. Great idea!
Spray painting would be a fab idea. I just might take the frame and start over. Thanks!
I love this idea- the boys get a room that feels like “them” while you get to design a room that looks good! I’m putting this idea in my back pocket for when I have a couple babes of my own!
Katy
http://www.alittledailyhappiness.com
So true. We have to carefully curate a room to be a good balance of design yet still have a lot of “them” in the room. Thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing such a clever (and free!) idea. My daughter hasn’t quite gotten into the collectible stage just yet but I know I’ll be stealing this idea eventually.
Thank YOU for coming up with such a fun series! Love all you do! xoxo, Michelle
Love these ideas. It’s hard to find good ‘boy’ art that still has design appeal.
So true, so true. Thanks Jen!!
Okay okay so…. what size picture frame did you use for the toy soldier one? I LOVE all of these by the way!!!
11×12. 🙂