Record bowls, easiest gift ever!

[geetargeek]

This was the easiest project for me ever! I don't know why it took me so long to get around to it.

I basically used the instruction here.

I started with this Tifanny record that I got at the Goodwill for one dollar


I preheated the oven at 225 degrees and I set the whole thing in the there for five minutes.


Then, when it was melted, I put the whole thing in another bowl and gave it some shape, this was the fun part!


And viola! I'd like to lie and say that I got it right the first time, but I didn't.

I didn't like my first results so I put the whole thing in the oven and started over, no biggie.

I've made up my mind, these bowls are too easy and inexpensive to make. They will definately be stuffed with goodies under the christmas tree this year for my friends!

[crazy_bout_you11]

those are super cool and look really easy..i have some old records laying around..can't wait to try it!

[Starbelly]

Has anyone done it with the smaller records? What do they turn out like?

[solsistr3]

Did you use a rag or anything to handle the record?  I am scared to do this project bc I don't want to burn my hands!!

Also..I noticed a big red bowl thing in the oven...is that on top of the record, or did you just put it in there on a cookie sheet or something?

[divasteph]

actually if you let it cool for a second after you take it out of the oven - then it's like aluminum foil not hot but warm to the touch - and you can wold it with your hands - which is so much better looking than just kinda letting it flop around ---

[valetoile]

Has anyone done it with the smaller records? What do they turn out like?

They end up looking kind of like ashtrays, since the base, where the label is, stays flat and ends up relatively wide.  Of course there is also a huge hole in the center too. I haven't figured out what to do with these yet...

[geetargeek]

Did you use a rag or anything to handle the record?  I am scared to do this project bc I don't want to burn my hands!!

Also..I noticed a big red bowl thing in the oven...is that on top of the record, or did you just put it in there on a cookie sheet or something?

The record is on top of the red bowl and all that is on top of a cookie pan. The bowl help the sides of the record come down while it's in the oven.

And the record was pretty harmless when I took it out of the oven. It actually cools down quite fast, which is why my first try didn't turn out so good.

[kitsyv]

My window sill is full of these crazy little pots- each one the new home to a variety of greenery.  I melted down some 45's and filled the middle with these plastic discs I had laying around- of course you could pretty much use anything- and used them as a plate to put underneath the bigger size record bowls, so when I overwater my plants- which I do frequently-it doesn't run out the bottom and onto my floor.  It makes a lovely duo-I used some colored vinyl so some of the sets are Red and Orange, and one is Marble Green and Pink.  
Using different sized bowls during the melting process really changed the shape I ended up with.  Try anything (oven-safe that is).  We were throwing beer cans and bottles in there, tuna cans (which made a nice flip!), you name it!  Experiment!  I also cut the edges of one record into zig zags before melting which made a great shaped pot.  Be careful cutting the vinyl though...it's really slippery and stabbing yourself repeatedly really sucks.  Also I had a few record pieces crack right off.  
Plant and Cat and KitsyV approved!

[Olympia]

I am going to try this project this weekend,  one quick question....Do I need to use a ceramic bowl or would glass do?  I think I may have a ceramic bowl at home but I don't quite remember.

Also, I was thinking of trying one with some spray paint...something metallic...I will let you know how it turned out.

[m8888888]

Glass bowls are fine- any oven-safe bowl will work!
I just made them for the first time a few weeks ago, & they were so easy! I want to make one like this:
http://tinyurl.com/vhl1
Does anyone have any ideas?! I tried making cuts down to the middle of the record & overlapping a bit, which was kind of cool & gave it a smoother look, but it didn't give the same look. I want one without the ruffles!!