What if they could be turned into stunning works of art?

Well, that’s exactly what French sculptor, Edouard Martinet, does.

From his website:

“Edouard Martinet transforms everyday objects found in flea-markets and car boot sales into works of art. Working with a variety of refuse materials such as rusted kitchen pans, typewriter keys, car lights and other scrap metals, Edouard Martinet sculpts several types of animals and insects. His sculptures are made without the use of solder. He fits each component into place as if putting together a puzzle of random pieces and parts. Each masterpiece is carefully assembled after having drafted several detailed sketches. This process requires a sufficient amount of time to get from the idea to the completion.”

When I saw Mr. Martinet’s work I know I had to share it. I’m still blown away by his incredible art.

What do you think about his sculptures? Do you like them? Would you put them in your house?

Let us know on Facebook.

All images are property of their various copyright holders. No infringement is intended. Number1Direct is sharing this story solely for the promotion of Edouard Martinet and his amazing artwork.

What is a man cave? It’s just a bit of space set aside in the home for man activities. Outfitting it is an important step, though.

Having a fully equipped man cave is vital to a man’s health. Okay, maybe not health. But it can make watching the game or practicing other hobbies more fun.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or that special father in your life, there are plenty of items that can give a man cave that something extra.

Let’s look at a few.

Bar

One piece of furniture that is a must in man caves is the bar. If you drink wine, liquor or beer you know why you need a bar. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, bars help define the space. They create a distinctive look that sets the man cave apart for every other room and a folding bar can fit in almost any space..

Mini-fridge

A mini-fridge or an under-the-counter refrigerator fits right into a man cave. Easy access to your favorite drinks will allow for more game-viewing and less running to the kitchen.

Microwave

Microwaves are essential. They provide much need flexibility when preparing snacks. Eliminate time running back and forth to the kitchen and keep your eyes glued to the game.

Barstools and Barstool Tables

Barstools and barstool tables are great for atmosphere as well as just hanging out with friends. These add that homey bar feel that some men enjoy. To top off your look find a barstool table with your college logo.

Fireplace

If you’re going for rustic, you’ll need a fireplace. There are many types and styles of electric fireplaces. They provide you that old world look without the mess of a real fireplace. Though, if you find yourself banished to the cold basement an electric stove is certainly needed.

Entertainment Centers

Entertainment centers are an important piece you can’t be lacking. Display that new TV in style and keep all your DVDs and other entertainment equipment handy. An entertainment center can really set the stage for an outstanding man cave.

Sofa

You need a comfortable place to park that man hide, luckily a sofa will take care of that. What you watch the game on is as important as what you watch the game on, if you catch my meaning.

Beverage Cooler

If you’re going for high class, a beverage cooler will work nicely. Your fine spirits will thank you for keeping them at exactly the right temperate. Heck, load it up with soda if you want it’s your man cave.

Why Wait?

Any of these items will propel your man cave to the next level. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s give dad that gift he’ll never forget.

Let us know how are you outfitting your man cave! Comment and share.

Need some ideas? Check out our Man Cave Pinterest board.

Heck, the ancients knew it so we’d better stop fooling ourselves. You know what I’m talking about.

The end of the world.

Maybe the Mayans were right.  Maybe we incinerate ourselves in a nuclear holocaust.  Maybe EMPs detonate near all major cities. Maybe some scientist engineers a virus that wipes out most of the population. Maybe the super volcano erupts. Maybe the dead will rise.

But whatever it is, we need to be ready.

How can we get ready, though? Stockpiling food, turning the pool into a fish pond, and building a shelter of some sort are popular options. You’ve heard of Doomsday Preppers, right?

But, let’s get real. Not many of us can do those things. So, what should we do?

We need to prepare ourselves to use the junk left around us. Tons of the items we use every day will be worthless after the apocalypse. Or will they?

Sure an iPhone will not work, but does that really mean it is worthless?  We need to put our brains to work, people.

Let’s start with the common things that will be everywhere: appliances. Yup, we’ll be tripping over these relics of a more civilized age. Let’s make them useful again.

We’ll start with the three most common and generate some ideas.

The Refrigerator

Ah, what’s more common than this workhorse of the modern world? The simplest use is as a storage unit. They are tough, strong and can keep out a lot of nastiness.

But, let’s get more inventive.

Refrigerators contain many tubes, wires and small engine parts that can be put to use.

Then there is the refrigerant itself. BE CAREFUL! The refrigerant is usually toxic.

Oh, sure. Bill Nye, the Science Guy, could probably figure out how to make it cool food again. But for those of us who are engineering-challenged, I’ve got a better idea.

Poison, yep, poison.

I’m thinking this would be perfect for coating arrowheads.

Seriously, you’re not going have the Internet to look up the world’s 12 most dangerous frogs or the top 10 deadliest plants. Poison-tipped arrows will be much needed protection from the crazed hoards of madmen we are sure to face.

Don’t you see? The refrigerator will have a long life ahead of it in the burnt-out wastes that are to come.

The Dishwasher

Okay, so the box and engine parts can be used. We’ve no need to cover that.

I’m certainly not MacGyver and I’m guessing you’re not either (No offense intended, there’s only one MacGyver!).

The most straightforward components to put to use are the handy dish racks. These can fill a variety of roles.

Just imagine fish traps that will not rust, because of the nylon coating. Imagine a pre-made trapdoor just thread leaves and twigs through it for excellent camouflage. Need a convenient drying rack for herbs? Got it!

The uses are practically endless. Dishwashers useless? Ha, poppycock!

The Washing Machine

Yes, that cleaner of clothes. That stalwart of suburbia. That… Um, that… (Sorry, I ran out of alliterations).

Okay, I know. You’re thinking there is nothing a washing machine is good for if you don’t have electric. No so, doubter!

Washing machines make great caldrons. That’s right a caldron. Just build a fire underneath, fill it with water and add your favorite ingredients. BAM! Your very own caldron.

Of course, you’ll need an old top-loader, not one of those trendy front-loaders.

Just imagine. Have you always wanted to be a witch? Now, you can have your very own witches’ brew. Have you always wanted to be Gordon Ramsay? Now, you can demand excellence from your zombie slave culinary students. Maybe you just need to boil up that deer you brought down with your poison arrows.

No matter what you decide, the power to accomplish it is at your fingertips.

You see, even the washing machine can be reclaimed from the ash-heaps and ruins of once mighty cities.

WARNING: Plug the drains before adding water! Not plugging the drains can foil many a fine wastelander’s plans.

Bonus Use:

All three of these modern megaliths can be arranged in cryptic patterns near your cave, fort or lair, just like Fridgehenge. This will make even the most hardened wanders or roving bands think twice before trespassing.  Also, it will give future archeologists material to speculate about.

Now, I gave you some ideas. Can you think of some of your own? Did I miss something? What are other common household items can be put to use after the apocalypse?

Don’t let the end of the world catch you off guard.  Look around your home and imagine the possibilities!

Then go to our Facebook page to comment and share your ideas. The life you save may be your own!