Four Creative Ways to Recycle and Reuse an Old Globe

Globes provide a visual geographic display, and although they are nice to have, they are not really necessary. They are usually more decorative than functional, especially those that are made with limited amounts of geographical information. They are worth saving and reusing in other ornamental and practical ways that have absolutely nothing to do with geography. Consider the following four creative options, and up-cycle your globe in an easy and impressive new way.

Make a Light Shade

Many metal globes are designed using two separate pieces and joined during the manufacturing process. Take the two halves apart, and use them to make very cool light shades for lamps or hanging fixtures. Drill a hole of the appropriate size in the center of each one, and use them to replace less interesting light fixture shades. They will make fantastic directional lighting unlike anything available in stores.

Coat it with Chalkboard Paint

Another great way to recycle and reuse an old globe is with chalkboard paint. Buy the self-priming variety in a color of your choice. Black is the most popular option. Use it as a spherical desktop chalkboard to leave notes, words or messages of inspiration. It is more decorative than practical, and it will serve as a unique work of tabletop art.

Create a Conversation Piece

Anything made with an old globe is going to become a conversation piece. Consider using it to make bowls for holding memorabilia. Separate the two halves, and attach a small glass pedestal to the center of the bottom. It would make a phenomenal coffee table bowl, especially if it is filled with ticket stubs from concerts or flights, or it could be used to hold postcards or maps from family vacations.

Surround Stenciled Lettering with White Paint

One of the most dramatic and thought-provoking ways to use an old globe requires nothing more than white paint and stencils. Apply stencil letters in a style of your choice to form a single word. Consider stenciling the word peace by surrounding solid paper lettering with white paint. The color and design of the original geography will create the letters on the globe, and it will look absolutely amazing.

Source: Professional Home Decorating and Advanced Crafting Experience