Fact: Kids come with a lot of stuff. It can be hard to keep on top of the clutter – especially, when it comes to toys. Instead of throwing toys out as they outgrow them, why not get crafty and give them a second life as home decor that grows with your child? Enter Steven Sabados, who’s come up with four upcycling DIYs that transform old toys into designer decor.
POP ART ANIMALS
![1-Pop-Art-Animals-(1).jpg 1-Pop-Art-Animals-(1).jpg](/content/dam/bellmedia/marilyn/images/home/2020/10/01/1-Pop-Art-Animals-(1).jpg)
Materials
- hard plastic toys that are smooth to the touch with no texture
- high-adhesion paint
- colourful acrylic paint
- clear gloss varnish
Directions
- Paint the toy white using the high-adhesion paint and let dry.
- Using your colourful acrylic paint, paint sections of the toy. Once it's dry, add contrasting colours in stripes or polka dots to create a statement pattern. Don't be afraid to get creative!
- Apply a coat of clear gloss varnish for added sheen.
- Place on display in your home.
ANIMAL CUPCAKE STANDS
![2-Animal-Cupcake-stand-(1).jpg 2-Animal-Cupcake-stand-(1).jpg](/content/dam/bellmedia/marilyn/images/home/2020/10/01/2-Animal-Cupcake-stand-(1).jpg)
Materials
- large, sturdy plastic animal figures
- ¼-inch wooden dowels
- drill
- table coaster
- hot glue
- high-adhesion primer or gesso paint
- acrylic gloss varnish
- interference paint (optional)
Directions
- Cut sections of dowel into 6-, 7- and 8-inch lengths.
- Drill a ¼-inch hole in the centre of the back of the animal, depending on the size of the dowel chosen.
- Using the same drill, drill a small hole into the centre of the coaster.
- Secure the coaster to the dowel using hot glue and set aside.
- Insert the opposite end of the dowel into the top of the plastic animal and secure it with hot glue.
- Paint the entire piece white, including the dowels and coaster, with a high-adhesion primer or gesso paint. Use several coats of white until covered completely.
- Once dry, apply a coat of acrylic gloss varnish and let dry again.
- Optional: Apply a thin coat of interference pain to achieve an iridescent effect.
ACTION FIGURE/SUPERHERO LAMP
Materials
- variety of plastic action figures (dragons, superheroes, dinosaurs, etc.)
- lamp with a narrow, straight base (roughly 14 inches in height)
- hot glue
- epoxy glue
- masking tape
- spray paint
Directions
- Tell a story by hot-gluing a collection of action figures to the lamp base. Apply the epoxy glue to secure (use a two-part epoxy), then let it dry overnight.
- Tape out the plug and electrical cord using masking tape.
- Take your piece to a well-ventilated area. Using spray paint in the desired colour, spray the entire piece, applying in thin coats.
- Let it dry then attach the shade.
FIRE TRUCK SIDE LAMP
![3-Super-Hero-Lamp.jpg 3-Super-Hero-Lamp.jpg](/content/dam/bellmedia/marilyn/images/home/2020/10/01/3-Super-Hero-Lamp.jpg)
Materials
- toy fire truck with an extension ladder
- hot glue
- epoxy glue
- spray paint
- pre-wired light
- thin wire
Directions
- Using hot glue, secure the extension ladder so it sits upright to the desired height. Use epoxy glue to secure it permanently and let dry.
- In a well-ventilated area, spray paint the entire toy truck and let dry.
- Make sure the toy truck is heavy enough to hold the weight of the hanging light. Using a pre-wired light, secure the cord to the extension ladder using thin wire. Get creative with the wire!
- Enjoy the decorative light!