Mannequins (and mannequin limbs) are a wonderful “canvas” for creating a variety of art projects. They are no longer just a humanlike shape for displaying clothing.
They can be used for something functional like a lamp—
or decorative like a dress form Christmas tree —
or fun for Halloween projects.
Given that mannequins are made out of materials that do not biodegrade (fiberglass, plastic, styrofoam, metal) they do not belong in landfills. This is what used to happen to them when retail stores would close or remodel.
Since 2001 Mannequin Madness has made it our mission to recycle mannequins for retailers to give them an environmentally friendly alternative to throwing them in the trash. We then resell these used mannequins on our website. People who purchase these mannequins often upcycle them into all kinds of creative projects.
Our Facebook group Crafty Fun with Mannequins has examples from all over the world of how people are repurposing mannequins. Please join and post your work.
This article about 101 uses for a mannequin is written by my friend/associate who owns a mannequin recycling company in the U.K – Mannakin.com
