Upcycle Scratched Vinyl Records And Make Funky Flower Pots

If you're an avid vinyl collector, you know that not every $1 record ends up being gold. We've all fallen victim to a screamin' deal on a vinyl record that ended up being unrecognizable due to surface damage. While there are tons of fun ways to organize and display your vinyl collection and use the outer sleeves as wall art, the records inside might not be of playing quality. Once you've deemed a vinyl record unusable, it doesn't mean you should throw it away. Keep the cover artwork if you want to use it as wall decor, but convert the record into something functional and stylish. You can easily turn your scratched record into a plant pot with the right tools.

The only materials you need for this hack are a flower pot, a heat gun, and the record of your choice. First, turn the flower pot upside down. Next, place the record directly on top — so that the center of the record lines up with the bottom of the flower pot. Then, use the heat gun to melt the record so that it wraps around the body of the pot. You can use your hands (with gloves!) to guide the record around the pot in the shape of your choice.

The easiest and most realistic shapes are rounded or softly folded forms that wrap around standard cylindrical or tapered flower pots. The vinyl becomes pliable when heated, but it could crack if bent too sharply, so it's probably best to avoid tight corners or sharp angles. This DIY vinyl flower pot makes a unique, personal gift for music lovers, plant enthusiasts, or both! To customize it as a gift, choose records with labels that mean something to the person, like their favorite band, a nostalgic album, or a cool color vinyl if you have one. Pair it with a plant that's easy to take care of, such as a small succulent, pothos, or snake plant. It's a fun way to upcycle records as home decor while giving a gift that's useful and super simple to make.

For a more creative take, experiment with colored vinyl records, which melt just as easily but add a bold pop of color to your pot. To avoid wasting good, playable records, check thrift stores, flea markets, or record shops for cheap, scratched, or damaged vinyls. Many sellers have dollar bins or clearance sections where you can pick up a stack without feeling guilty about repurposing them. Spider plants, ponytail palms, or even air plants are a great low-maintenance option because they don't require heavy watering, which could help keep your upcycled pot in good shape longer. To upgrade the rest of your collection, you can transform your vinyl collection display with a Dollar Tree essential.