Broken Record - Shannon's Record-breaking Idea

When a chance came up to subsidise the family income for Kippa-Ring stay-at-home mum Shannon Musson, she embraced it. Shannon said the opportunity came in the form of disused LPs that she didn't want to waste.

When my uncle died, leaving a massive collection of old LPs, they were gifted to me. Many were so damaged they couldn't be played. My creative brain told me to mould them, so I began using heat to shape and repurpose the albums,� Shannon said.

I sold the resulting bowls, handbags and other treasures at markets.�

Shannon said musicians, bands, TV shows, movies, sports, mandalas, clocks, cars, bikes and more could be featured on a record.

The centre of the record can support a small clock mechanism. It turns a simple plaque into a striking timepiece. But if a plaque is all that's wanted, I'll try to find an album with a title, band name or song title that matches the subject in the design.�

However, as an interior architect, Shannon wanted more of a challenge, so she tried cutting the records by hand.

That was too labourious and time consuming so I searched for a machine that would cut them cleanly, effectively and safely. Laser machines weren't the answer. Another artist copied my idea using a laser machine, but the resulting PVC dust was toxic. Over time the dust emissions also damaged the machine,� Shannon said. �

Shannon sought out other light industries that were using cutting machines to see what was being used.

That's when she discovered the computer numerical control (CNC) Router. She programs a picture into her laptop, connects the computer to the CNC, places the router drill on the record and the image is created precisely. Shannon then files away any vinyl residue to complete the product.

Shannon said she can create sketches on request for an additional cost, as well as producing her designs on wood.

Shannon's work is unique and a brilliant gift for the person who has everything. Find out more at www.brokenrecord.com.au