Repurpose: Old toys = new grown-up decor

I had a lot of fun putting this post together!  Using old toys as decorative items or home "accessories" requires a certain sense of irony.  Definitely a sense of humor. And now that I've joined the ranks of those who trip over toys on a daily basis, I look forward to the day when I can either donate them or cut them into small pieces!  For repurposing, of course. Read on for 20+ ideas.

First, let's talk about the doll-house chair jewelry tree.  Cool right? Alicia at Dismount Creative has the how to.  She bought the little chairs from Hobby Lobby.  I say, pile up a bunch of mismatched dollhouse pieces ... or plastic toys, which seem to be so craft-trendy right now.

Warrior becomes a peace-loving bookend?  Or perhaps Glamour Barbie becomes one with literature? Get the how to for the "War and Peace" bookend

Crafting with (or repurposing) plastic animals seems to be hot hot right now.  I have jumbo animals that my kid loves.... nevertheless, I'm tempted to steal them from her to make these planters

I think these "mounted" animal hooks are a stand-out because of the colors she's used.  (Instructions at Little Gray Fox).  For an awesome roundup of plastic animal ideas, go here

Give an uninspiring (or damaged) puzzle a new lease on life

Apparently I could dedicate an entire post to "repurposing Barbie".  Read more about these salad tongs at Treehugger

If you just can't get enough of those legs .... and for much more barbie bizarre-ness, see the amazing jewelry by Margaux Lange

Instructables shows you how to make a Xylophone Windchime

Or hang it on the wall as a colorful magnetic memo board

Ok .... more plastic animals.  It's just so damn fun

Ummmm..... cool if you can get over the creep factor. Care of Recycle Chicken

Use old Lego to make yourself a charging station

Or a super-simple key holder!

Or how about a Lego utensil holder?  Check out the whole round up of lego ideas at Graphic Leftovers

Installation of toy cars?  If you have this many, you might have a problem.  But it's really inspiring.

Here's an idea that will either make you feel like super parent or a sentimental fool:  Hang on to one of your child's favorite toy cars and turn it into a key chain ... you know, to use the day you present your kid with his/her first car?

Vintage toy trucks turned into pincushions!  More here and tutorial here

This is both a storage and display/decor idea. All you need are Ikea magnetic knife strips

Use old board games to create stand-out display shelves
  

A Slinky as a mid-century desk organizer .... instructions at Whole Living

Use old blocks to make a gravity-defying clock! Care of I love to create

Use old alphabet blocks to make a new key holder

I've seen skateboards repurposed as shelves ... but this raised pet feeder idea is new to me

Ok, not necessarily "grown up". But a fab idea right? Head to Makely School for Girls for the DIY

Perfect irreverence ... I could not love this more! Complete DIY at Tuts+