After many years of building up your trophy collection, it can be a difficult prospect to just toss out precious memorabilia of well-earned feising achievements. But when the time comes to declutter the trophy shelf, there are a few better options than just putting them in the bin. Here are six fun DIY projects to try out after your next spring clean.
1. Ornaments
Turn those old trophies into souvenir ornaments by removing the topper figure from the base and screwing a hook onto the top of it. Add a hook or ribbon, and then you can put it up on your Christmas tree. It’ll bring a touch of nostalgia and Irish charm to your decor every year.
2. Bookends
The heavy bases of your trophies can be repurposed into excellent bookends. Use super glue to attach each layer to the next, going from largest up to smallest. If your trophies have small figures on them, attach those to the top to cover the hole. They not only keep your books from falling over but also spark nice conversations about your past wins.
3. Wine Bottle Stoppers
For a fun twist, use the toppers or figures as wine bottle stoppers. Drill a hole into the top of a cork, add a dash of super glue in the hole and place the stem of the topper in. You’ve now got a chat-worthy piece for your next dinner party or a great present for a family memory. These wine stoppers also make excellent accessory gifts if you’re giving a bottle of wine to a party host.
4. Candle Holders
Many trophy bases are made from heavy, well-cut stone. These bases could be beautiful decor on their own, but by adding a small piece of pipe (like a copper tube shown in the picture), you create a lovely set of holders for your dinner candles. Now you can have the candles casting a warm glow while quietly remembering your achievements.
5. Aesthetic Decor
You can even use old trophies as cool decor for your home. Spray paint your favourite ones in colours that complement your room. Put them on shelves or mantels to add some individuality to your space. Their unique charm and eye-catching colours create an eclectic and personal atmosphere, letting you stylishly celebrate your past placings.
6. Pencil Holders
Do your trophies have cups on the top instead of victory angels or dancers? Then this one is for you. Remove the long middle of the trophy and superglue the cup part to the base. Now you have a small cup fit for pens, pencils, or make-up brushes. If you have a topper that’s more wide than deep, consider using it as a dish for candies or as a catch-all.
Did you try all these crafts and still have more trophies you need to get rid of? Some charity feiseanna around the world rely on used trophies to keep costs down. Contact your local charity feis to see if they accept donations of old trophies.
