When CDs first came out, I was reluctant to jump on board. Part of it was that I was just getting older and didn’t like switching to new technology, but it wasn’t entirely that. Part of it was the fact that a vinyl record to me was an experience. The album cover art was big, not all scrunched up in a 5 x 5 inch space. Also, the record sleeve often contained more art, lyrics, or a combination of the two. I know many CDs have lyrics included, but honestly, you almost need a magnifying glass to read them!
Just like I am leery to get rid of my old vinyl records, I am also leery to get rid of the covers as well. So, what can you do with old vinyl record covers? Here are a few ideas:
Decorate your room with them
Most craft stores sell frames for record covers. Michaels web site even advertises a double frame now, so if you love both the front and back of a particular record, you can cut it apart and frame both sides. If you want to get real creative, you can cut and splice together different album covers by your favorite artist or band to make one distinctive album cover.
Create a cool calendar
Purchase a calendar that allows for photo inserts. Carefully cut the album cover and add those to the calendar for a unique, one of a kind calendar.
Make coasters
Just as you can make coasters with the record itself, you can also do it with the cover. Of course, this will only work for covers that are shaped so that you can cut out a 3” circle that will still look nice. Lay a real coaster or CD on top of the album cover, trace a line around it, and then carefully cut it out. Shellac it with a sealant or finisher then glue felt or cork to the bottom.
Make a magnet
Just like the coasters, you can cut out the part of the record cover that you really love and then glue a magnetic strip to the back. Presto, you have new art for the fridge!
There are plenty of other things you can do with vinyl record covers if you think about it. You easily decorate a purse by slipping the cut out album covers in purses with the clear vinyl inserts. You can also create a cool box by gluing album covers together then shellacking it. I found one suggestion online to make a room divider from the covers. Just punch small holes in the top and bottom corners then attach them with the metal rings and hang it from the ceiling.
(This image is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License)
