Upcycle Plastic Dolls To Create Chic Spa Inspired Decor

Avant-garde decor appeals to those who crave bold, unconventional design that challenges traditional aesthetics. It often features abstract forms, striking contrasts, and unexpected materials. However, finding avant-garde art pieces can be challenging. They often exist outside mainstream markets and are typically produced in limited quantities by emerging or experimental artists. Fortunately, it's possible — even with limited art skills — to make your own interesting and unique artsy conversation piece. This can be accomplished with a variety of materials, but if you want something avant-garde and spa-inspired, look no further than old plastic dolls. That's right. Grab some thrifted posable plastic dolls and a few other supplies, and you can DIY a chic, spa-inspired decor piece that looks high-end. 

All you need for this project is a few old plastic dolls, air-dry clay, a toothpick, a paintbrush, sandpaper, industrial-strength glue, metallic spray paint, and some extra small candle plates. The end result will be a metallic, chic upcycled decor piece that is perfect as a unique entryway display, a living room conversation starter, or a bathroom centerpiece that elevates the room's look while also adding a bit of soft lighting. There are plenty of ways you can customize this art piece to suit your tastes. Whatever you decide to do, you will have a decor piece that will turn heads.

To start the project, gather your supplies, remove the dolls' heads, and disconnect the legs below the knees, if needed. Now, pose the dolls however you like and use your heavy-duty glue to keep the limbs in place. Be sure to extend the arms or legs in a way that will support the candle plates. Then, apply a layer of clay to the dolls and candle plates using your fingers and a paintbrush, filling in the joints and smoothing out imperfections with a toothpick. When dry, lightly sand the dolls with sandpaper. Then, take your statues and plates outside and spray them with metallic paint. Finally, attach the candle plates with your glue and arrange the statues wherever you like. You can also place them together on a small mirror or tray for an extra artsy touch.

While the perfect metallic finish will make this artistic candle display stand out, you can use any other paint color you like for this project. To maintain the high-end look, opt for black spray paint. It will stand out as a piece of art, while maintaining a look of sophistication. While small, thin plastic dolls are great for this project, slightly larger ones like plastic baby dolls can be used, as well. It's important to note that larger dolls will require you to purchase larger candle trays.