By Stacey Iden
Don’t know what to do with all those old cassette tapes and vinyl records you have stored away collecting dust? Now that all your old favorite songs from the 80s are probably happily filling your MP3 player, what should you do with all your hard-to-let-go music media memorabilia? Break the Record knows exactly what to do with it to “keep the music alive.” Break the Record transforms previously-loved vinyl records and cassette tapes into functional and decorative household items, including clocks, bowls and lighted center pieces (a particularly awesome choice as a centerpiece to your 80s party decorations).
Vinyl Records Ideas
Vinyl records and cassette tapes are both made of materials that will never biodegrade if they are thrown away and sent to a landfill as their final resting place. Wouldn’t you rather see your favorite record album hanging in your living room or office as a totally rad retro vinyl record clock? Pick up a clock movement at your local craft store and pop it into that old favorite record and hang it on your wall so you can admire it everyday and reminisce of the good ole days when you went to your favorite little record shop and flipped through to find the perfect new album.
Other ideas include vinyl record bowls to hold keys, remotes, jewelry, snacks and whatever else you may need to throw in there. Just place vinyl record into oven and heat at 200 degrees for approx. 5 minutes, remove with oven mitts and then press into a glass or ceramic bowl to shape by hand.
Cassette Tape Ideas
And for those old cassette tapes packed away in the attic or top of your closet, how about a pencil holder for your office? Just glue four of your favorite old tapes together, attach a cardboard bottom, and now your pens and pencils will be happy to rest in their new home surrounded by great music from the 80s. And the most recent item at Break The Record is the Cassette Tape Night Light. Eight or more cassette tapes and one CD are handcrafted together along with LED lights into a “totally 80s” lamp which can be used as a night light, a decorative lamp, or a super fun 80s party centerpiece. This and other great ideas can be found at www.BreakTheRecord.etsy.com.
April 29, 2015
Have been planning a surprise 30th birthday bash for my sister, of course 80s themed. We did the tape box thing, except we spray painted them black, neon pink, orange and green. Can wait to show you some pictures.
I scored a few movie posters from the 80s to (not actually from the 80s, but the movies were out in the 80s). I got Princess Bride, Romancing the Stone, Pretty in Pink, Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the Breakfast club. Lots of neon… but not too heavy in the decor department. I don’t know how to get picture of the party posted, but as soon as I figure it out, you’ll get them!
I love your site… and the 80s!