What to Do with Old Trophies: 8 Clever DIY Upcycling Ideas

What to Do with Old Trophies: 8 Clever DIY Upcycling Ideas
By Meream • Nov 9, 2012 • MD

From repurposing tuna cans, we move to fun ways to upcycle trophies. Wondering what to do with old trophies collecting dust in your attic or closet? Whether you are figuring out what to do with old high school trophies or looking to repurpose old sports trophies from soccer games and bowling matches, you do not have to toss them out. We have 8 clever ways to repurpose trophies and all of these diy trophy ideas are super easy to execute. They are perfect for parties or giving your home a quirky, custom touch. Hope you enjoy these homemade trophy ideas to recycle old trophies!

| Upcycling Project | Key Materials Needed | Best Trophy Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Bottle Toppers | Corks, electric drill, craft glue | Figure tops (soccer, bowling) | | Coat Rack | Wooden board, screws, drill, shellac | Human figurine tops | | Vintage Vases | Fresh flowers, metal polish | Tarnished cup trophies |

1. Bottle Toppers

Bottle Toppers Wine is already a very cheerful creation, but with an added trophy topper, you will make the beverage presentation even more amazing. To upcycle trophies this way, you will need the top figurine parts of the trophy and standard corks. You will also need a drill to create a small hole in your cork tops so that you can securely attach the trophy parts. If you love functional table accessories, you might also enjoy turning trophy cups into vintage flower vases.

Tutorial

2. Coat Rack

Coat Rack Here is one clever way to upcycle trophies into practical wall decor. For this particular DIY project, you will need trophies with "human" or action figurine tops. You will also require a long wooden board, drill, clamp, nuts, washers, sandpaper, rags, and shellac finish. The basic idea is to make use of the trophy tops as sturdy hooks for your coat rack. Check out the link for the complete step-by-step how-to.

Here are the essential supplies you will need for this coat rack project:

  • Old sports or high school trophy figurines
  • A sturdy wooden board or mounting strip
  • Electric drill, screws, nuts, and washers
  • Sandpaper, wood stain, or shellac for finishing

Tutorial

3. Vintage Centerpieces

Vintage Centerpieces One cute way to upcycle trophies is to use them for storing or displaying other items around your home. Here, classic cup trophies serve as gorgeous flower vases or rustic wedding centerpieces. You will need the cup types of trophies for this particular DIY idea. The more vintage or tarnished the trophy cups look, the better they fit a vintage aesthetic.

Inspiration

4. Paper Maché Vase

Paper Maché Vase This idea is basically similar to the previous DIY mentioned above, but instead of displaying the tarnished trophy cup in all its vintage glory, you will be covering it with pretty decorative paper or decoupage. You can do this if the trophy cup is not tarnished or vintage-y enough. This technique is especially useful if you can only find plastic trophies at your local thrift store.

Inspiration

"Finding creativity in every aspect of life, women constantly seek out new outlets for their talents. Among one such talent is the gift for preserving memories in an innovative, artistic way. If you're looking for some fresh inspiration, check out these fantastic scrapbook ideas to add a touch of personal flair to your collection. Let your creativity bloom!"

5. Cupcake Stand

Cupcake Stand From trophy to cupcake stand? Why not? The best types of trophies for this dessert stand DIY project are the ones that are tall and substantial. If you can find trophy styles that feature wooden or metallic pillars, even better. For a matching party setup, pair this stand with trophy bottle toppers on your drink table.

Tutorial

6. Candle Holder

Candle Holder Here is another easy way to upcycle trophies for ambient lighting. To make this candle holder, you will need to remove the top figures of your trophies and attach the remaining base or columns upside down or right-side up to a sturdy foundation (such as a round wooden block or metal disc). Easy and elegant!

Inspiration

7. New Trophies

New Trophies A no-brainer way to use old trophies: turn them into fresh, customized new awards! You can achieve this by embellishing them with paper, glitter, colorful spray paint, and custom labels. If you are organizing a game night, birthday party, or family competition where games are played, repurposing vintage trophies this way adds tons of fun and nostalgia.

Tutorial

8. Painted Modern Art

Painted Modern Art Last but not least is this easy idea to recycle trophies into modern decor objects. What you do is spray paint them in solid monochromatic shades—like matte black, crisp white, or bright gold—and then display them on a bookshelf or mantel. Easy, right? This is great if you love home decor accents that are bold and uniform in color.

Quick tips for modern painted trophy art:

  • Clean trophies thoroughly with soap and water to remove dust
  • Use a high-quality primer spray before applying color
  • Apply 2-3 light coats of enamel or metallic spray paint

Tutorial

I'm sure you have even more ideas for repurposing old trophies. If you cannot upcycle them all, consider inquiring whether you can donate trophies to special olympics local chapters or community centers. Don't hesitate to share your favorite project ideas with us! We'd love to learn about other ways to upcycle trophies here on All Women Stalk.

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Stacey

    2023-02-05T13:05:11.083Z

    Wow! Thank you for the fantastic ideas! I am not a naturally crafty person, yet I’m often disappointed by suggestions I find online after doing searches such as this. I will be using more than one of your suggestions! Thank you!
  • Esther

    2012-11-10T17:57:34.000Z

    Haha how clever! The flowers are just beautiful.
  • Jeanette

    2022-10-11T15:16:52.778Z

    pondering how to use the event identifier, statue etc..., as a Christmas ornament for my now adult children. The labels, am pondering what to do with them, wind chime parts. The rest of the trophies you have given me some good ideas for.
  • mindy

    2013-02-23T16:45:59.000Z

    Very interesting ideas! I would have never thought of these!!! I may have to raid my parents closets to find some trophies! :) thanks for sharing!
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