Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Team Ideas24
There are toys our children outgrow. You can give them away to friends with little kids or put them up for sale. But hold on to some plastic army men your son seems to have hundreds of them. They can be turned into a plastic army men bowl.
The words ‘toy soldiers’ will bring a smile to any boy’s face. There’s never been any evidence to suggest kids who play with them are more likely to be warlike when they grow up, anyway. In fact, by learning to cooperate and abide by rules, kids who play with toy soldiers can function better in society later on, according to some experts.
Check out these awesome plastic army men’s bowl designs! Whether you use them as decoration or as part of a play set, these bowls are sure to inspire you. So get creative and see what you can come up with!
Awesome plastic army men’s bowl design ideas
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You can breathe new life into your child’s plastic army men by turning them into a bowl.
This project is very easy. If you already have plastic army men, you won’t need to spend anything. However, if you don’t have plastic army men, you can buy them online. It was inexpensive. The price ranges from $ 3 to 6, depending on where you buy them.
Before you proceed, here’s a word of caution. Because you’ll be melting plastic, work outdoors. Wear a protective mask so you don’t inhale the fumes. And be careful not to touch the metal bowl during and right after work. Let it cool down first because it’s extremely hot.
Needless to say, do not work with, or near, children. Keep them away. Remember, it’s always safety first.
Contents
Creating Plastic Army Men Bowl
Materials & Tools
- Plastic army men
- Metal Bowl
- Heating gun
- PVA glue (optional)
- Oven gloves
- Face mask/protective face gear
How to turn plastic army men into a bowl
1. Arrange the army men
When you’re ready to arrange your army men, start by positioning the bases on the ground. Then, place your army men according to your desired arrangement.
2. Attach the two men
Now transfer them to the metal bowl.
Start with the first 2 army men. Attach these two by using the heating gun. Don’t let them get too near to the heating gun or it may burn or melt down. Heat them just enough to have them attached to each other.
This will serve as the center.
3. Add the rest of the army men
After attaching the two men together, next will be heating the other army men to join these two army men. Turn it around and continue adding army men until you occupy the full space of the bowl. Let it cool down for a while.
Be careful not to touch the hot bowl with your bare hands. The metal bowl may get too hot, be sure to use your oven gloves.
When working with these army toys, it’s important to use your protective gear to avoid exposure to toxins and poisonous fumes. If you’re not careful, you could easily become sick from inhaling the fumes or coming into contact with the toxins. So please be sure to take the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe. There are a lot of poisonous fumes generated by this process.
4. Remove from the bowl
Let the army men bowl cool completely before handling it.
Once the army men’s bowl has cool down, you can now remove it from the bowl.
5. Apply PVA glue
To make it extra sturdy, you may apply PVA glue on top of these army men. Apply it twice. On the last coat, your army men will have a nice shiny finish.
And that’s it! You can add a few stuff here from your kitchen. You can also place here your keys so you won’t misplace them.
For example, you can keep a fruit bowl or a tray with snacks on it. You can also place your keys here, so you won’t misplace them. By having a designated spot for these items, you can help yourself stay more organized and save time.
You can get step-by-step instructions here…
And here’s a quick video tutorial…
Creative Uses for Your Plastic Army Men Bowl
Have you ever wondered what to do with that quirky, handcrafted plastic army men bowl you’ve just created? Beyond being a fun DIY project, this unique piece can serve multiple purposes around your home. From functional storage solutions to eye-catching décor, your plastic army men bowl is more versatile than you might think.
Let’s explore some creative ways to put your new bowl to good use.
A Striking Home Décor Piece
One of the most straightforward uses for your plastic army men bowl is as a decorative item. Its intricate design and nostalgic appeal make it a conversation starter in any room.
- Living Room Centerpiece: Place the bowl on your coffee table or mantel to serve as a focal point in your living space. You can fill it with decorative orbs, dried flowers, or leave it empty to showcase the detailed craftsmanship of the plastic soldiers.
- Shelf Accent: Add the bowl to a bookshelf or display cabinet alongside books and other collectibles. Its unique texture and design can break the monotony of flat surfaces and add depth to your décor.
Functional Storage Solutions
Your plastic army men bowl isn’t just for looks; it’s also highly functional. Use it to keep small items organized and easily accessible.
- Key and Coin Holder: Set the plastic army men bowl on a table near your front door to serve as a convenient spot for keys, loose change, and other small essentials. You’ll reduce clutter and always know where to find your items when you’re heading out.
- Desk Organizer: In your home office, the plastic army men bowl can hold paper clips, thumbtacks, and other small office supplies. Its playful design might even make your workday a bit brighter.
A Memorable Gift Idea
Looking for a unique gift? A handcrafted plastic army men bowl can be a thoughtful present for friends and family.
- Personalized Touch: Customize the bowl by painting the soldiers in the recipient’s favorite colors or adding a personalized message. This adds a sentimental value that store-bought gifts often lack.
- Gift Basket Base: Use the bowl as a base for a gift basket. Fill it with snacks, small gadgets, or spa items, wrap it in cellophane, and tie it with a ribbon. The recipient gets both the goodies and a keepsake bowl.
Enhancing Party Decor
Hosting an event? Incorporate your plastic army men bowl into your party décor for a unique twist.
- Themed Parties: For military-themed or patriotic events, the bowl can hold snacks like pretzels or popcorn. Its design complements the theme and adds an extra layer of detail to your setup.
- Candy Dish: During holidays like Halloween or birthdays, use the bowl as a candy dish. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the creative presentation.
A Playful Addition to Children’s Spaces
Repurpose the bowl back into your child’s environment for both function and fun.
- Toy Storage: Use the plastic army men bowl to store small toys like action figures, LEGO pieces, or game cards. It keeps their room tidy while staying within the playful theme.
- Room Décor: Place it on a dresser or shelf as a decorative piece. It can serve as a reminder of the fun DIY project you completed together, especially if your child helped make it.
Garden and Outdoor Uses
Don’t limit the bowl’s usefulness to indoor spaces.
- Planter Pot: Line the bowl with a plastic liner and use it as a planter for small plants or succulents. The rugged look of the army men adds an interesting contrast to the greenery.
- Bird Feeder: To create a unique bird feeder, hang the bowl from a tree branch with sturdy cords. Drill small holes for drainage to keep the seeds dry.
Educational Tool
Turn your plastic army men bowl into a learning opportunity.
- Counting and Sorting: Use the bowl to teach young children counting and sorting skills. Fill it with colorful objects or different shapes to make learning interactive and fun.
- Storytelling Prop: The plastic army men bowl can serve as a prop for storytelling or history lessons in educational settings. It adds a tactile element that can enhance engagement.
Conversation Starter
Whether at home or in the office, your bowl can spark interesting discussions.
- Office Décor: Place the bowl on your desk at work. Colleagues might inquire about it, giving you the chance to share the story behind its creation and perhaps inspire others to take on DIY projects.
- Art Piece: If you’re into art exhibitions or craft fairs, display your plastic army men bowl as an example of upcycled art. It highlights creativity and environmental consciousness.
With so many potential uses, your plastic army men bowl is more than just a decorative piece; it’s a multifunctional item that combines practicality with aesthetic appeal. Whether you use it to organize your space, enhance your décor, or gift it to someone special, this bowl is sure to add a touch of creativity to any setting. So go ahead and experiment with different ways to incorporate it into your daily life.
Conclusion
Creating a plastic army men bowl offers a unique blend of functionality and artistic flair, transforming simple toys into a versatile household item. This DIY project not only promotes recycling but also adds a personalized touch to your home décor. Embrace the creativity and enjoy the numerous ways this distinctive bowl can enhance your space.
