Not only does recycled metal decor look appealing, it's good for the environment, too. This eclectic type of artwork is constructed out of a wide variety of metal scraps and items that are no longer being used, such as forks, knives, spoons, car parts, vintage milk buckets, nails, and hardware. 

Not only do the recycled metal decor pieces make great additions to your yard and patio, they make thoughtful gifts for special occasions such as bridal showers and housewarming parties. You can either make the decor yourself if you're crafty, or buy them from both online and in-store retailers. As a personalized touch, have the artwork customized with favorite colors, designs, shapes, and even quotes.

If you want to add interest and color to a boring outside space, consider recycled metal decor. Following are some ideas for choosing and displaying the conversation-starting pieces:

1. Potted Flowers 

If you want the vibrant look of potted flowers and plants but don't want to have to care for them, buy metal ones. As one idea, choose a sculpture featuring a vintage tin pot, a pipe "stem," sculpted metal leaves, and a flower made out of a red water faucet handle.

You can buy or make several of the metal plants and display on a patio table or front porch, just as you would real greenery and flowers. 

2. Animal Sculptures

If you're an animal lover, you can find a large range of recycled metal artwork made to look like your favorite creatures. For instance, you can buy a lizard made out of old bike gears, a bird constructed out of an old shovel head and other garden tools, or a whimsical-looking dog created with an old trowel, a horseshoe, and a bearing.

Set the sculptures up around your yard or garden for a creative look. The animal artwork also makes fun gift ideas for both kids and adults. 

3. Scrap Metal Signs

Use signs constructed from scrap metal to make statements on your front door, patio or porch. If you want to make your own sign, start by painting an old board any color you'd like. Next, use old metal objects, including silverware, gears, nuts and bolts, hooks and even scissors to create words and sayings such as "welcome friends," "love," "home sweet home," or your family's last name.

If you don't want to hang the signs or if you have no available wall or door space outside, you can purchase or make them on stakes that insert into the ground.