Its Not Your Daddy’s Hardware Store is a new feature on the blog.  I will highlight several items a month that are unexpected finds:  different uses for everyday items that can be found at your local hardware store or unusual items.

The items I want to share are creative and clever works of art created out of normal, everyday hardware store items.  All are either made out of up-cycling, salvaging or reusing everyday items.

I saw this nut bowl created by Tammy Roy of 180° Design on Apartment Therapy, and just fell in love with it.  

Nut Bowl

Tammy  is obsessed with creating items out of reused scrap metal and discarded objects.  She boasts about her love of dumpster diving and learning how to weld.  Both her website and blog are filled with her awe inspiring creations.  Visit her site: 180° Design.

Ever thought you could make a clock out of wrenches?  MetalMedia from Chicago did. 

Wrench Clock

MetalMedia creates their clocks using found objects from automotive parts to antique roller skates.  Visit their shop on Etsy for more information.

Washer Necklace

Jewelry anyone?  Tanith created this modern, found object necklace from silver toned washers, and a salvaged chain.  I love the hardware earrings too.  Tanith considers herself an urban archaeologist, uncovering the treasures in other people’s refuse.  She can take something that looks like trash and turn it into a piece of jewelry.

Hardware Earrings

 Tanith also has a shop on Etsy filled with wonderful items she’s created.

Baseball Players

Scott from Bucket O Bolts crafts metal sculptures from found objects and car parts.  Look at the detail in the Baseball  Players and the Grasshopper.   Scott’s items are also available on Etsy.

Grasshopper

I realized you can’t buy any of these items at the hardware store, but next time you’re browsing the aisle think about the alternate uses for those tools, washers, nuts, bolts etc.  Have you created something using hardware store materials?  I would love to see it.

 Visit our web-site or the Store Location page to find a friendly staffed locally owned ACE hardware store near you.