Image via ReadyMade

Looking for an easy, cheap DIY project to put those old cassette tapes to good use?

Display some music history and clear clutter in your entryway with a cassette tape coat hanger. It’s a piece of cake with ReadyMade’s easy-to-follow instructions.

Jeff McClure, the mastermind behind the idea, had this to say about his inspiration for the project: “Like most people, I love music. I have switched over to CDs and MP3 files, but I can’t bring myself to throw any of my old cassette tapes into the trash. I love their classic, iconic look, and I made these hooks to reuse a few of the tapes as a place to hang my hat.”

Although cassette tapes went out of vogue decades ago, there’s something very modern about the look of this coat hanger. I never considered how perfectly the right screw would fit into the holes in cassette tapes… Ideas for other cassette tape-related projects are already percolating in my brain!

One thing to keep in mind when planning your own cassette tape coat hanger is that each hook can only handle up to 10 pounds. Hats, scarves, and light jackets get the green light; hang winter jackets and heavy purses and bags at your own risk.

Now find your drill and fine-tooth saw and get to work!

via ReadyMade

Robert Smith by iri5 via Flickr

Yes, it’s exactly what you think it is.  Self-taught artist iri5 has ripped out the innards of cassettes and molded them into the likenesses of musicians. The original cassettes remain intact, serving as vessels not unlike Aladdin’s magic lamp.

Robert Smith, pictured here, is joined by Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and others in a series entitled “Ghost in the Machine.” The collection, which also includes a few portraits of Hollywood icons made from old film reels, can be viewed at iri5′s Flickr gallery.  Iri5 explains the inspiration behind her art:

The idea comes from a philosopher’s (Ryle) description of how your spirit lives in your body. I imagine we are all, like cassettes, thoughts wrapped up in awkward packaging.

I’ll end with some good news and some bad news. The good news: she accepts commissions! The bad news: completely out of my price range (prices start at around $700). But if you’ve got the cash, visit iri5′s website and get yourself one of the most interesting pieces of art made with reused materials ever, music-related or otherwise.