9 Brilliant Ways to Turn Your Spare Pennies Into Art

It’s fair to say that most consider the penny to be more of a nuisance than a benefit. In fact, as recently as last year, the United States’ Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew publicly stated that he thinks it would be a good idea to get rid of the currency entirely. Yikes! Things aren’t looking so hot for our copper coins.

So, since it seems as if these one cent pieces may actually become a thing of the past sooner rather than later, we think it would be nice to give them the send-off that they deserve by making them into art! Here are 9 of the most creative ways you can get the most out of your shiny Lincolns…

  1. Make a penny floor

    Add some serious personality and shine to any room by literally paving your floors with spare pennies. The best part is it won’t set you back THAT much; this particular floor was completed for just $150 worth of pennies!

  2. Make penny napkin rings

    Dress up your boring kitchen table with some flamboyant accoutrements in the form of these ultra-chic napkin rings. These penny-coated wonders will certainly have your dinner guests talking!

  3. Make a penny mirror

    If your aim is to gaze at your reflection and be met with perfect, glowing skin and bright eyes, then look no further than this DIY. It will take those mirror selfies you’ve been working on to the next level!

  4. Make penny ombré art

    Though pennies are traditionally a burnt orange hue, we bet you have many in your piggy bank that are brown, blue-green, or even black. This range of colors can be set up in a gorgeous penny ombré display that, we think, would make an ultra-cool gift.

  5. Make a penny necklace

    Try your hand at jewelry making with the cheapest supply around—the penny! Note that this particular necklace looks MUCH more expensive than it is because, simply put, the centerpieces don’t look like coins. Sometimes defacing money is just the fashionable thing to do!

  6. Make a penny coaster

    The coaster is most definitely a beginning crafter’s rite of passage. Everyone has to complete one at one time or another—it’s just the thing to do! So, why not get your feet wet by trying out this easy DIY. Bonus: It’s a great craft for the kids, too!

  7. Make a penny tabletop

    Stuck with an ugly kitchen table? If so, why not give it the makeover it deserves? We love this project because you can really try your hand at some original, intricate designs.

  8. Make a penny backsplash

    Like the penny floor, this DIY won’t cost you an arm and a leg, but it certainly will yield some rather dramatic results. Just be aware that these copper coins may oxidize when exposed to the moisture in your kitchen!

  9. Make a penny picture frame

    Yet another great project to complete with the kids, this picture frame is colorful and certainly eye catching. Your loved ones will finally know their worth in cents!

What do you think of these penny craft projects? Have you ever attempted any of these before? Do you have a special coin masterpiece that you would like to share? Tell us all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!