# Junkyard Animal Sculptures ‘Yardbirds' Are Scrappy Eco-Critters Created from Recyclabl By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-02-07 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junk-yard-eco-sculptures-scrappy-critters-created-from-recycled-cast-offs References: [yardbirds.info](http://www.yardbirds.info/index.php/view/Catalog-Main/mc/yardbirds) ‘Yardbirds’ are decorative and functional animal sculptures made from recycled metal. They are unique, whimsical creatures full of personality. They’re great in the garden or at home. These [hand-crafted art pieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fyrn-studio-series) will rust to a beautiful natural finish when left outside. Richard Kolb and his father made the first Yardbirds over seventeen years ago in Jamestown, Kentucky. The elder Kolb has spent most of his career making things from metal. The first bird was a bit of tinkerer’s fun. It was received with such enthusiasm that the pair kept creating. Today, Yardbirds are handcrafted in Louisville, Kentucky by Richard Kolb and a group of artisans. The [menagerie of birds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cool-birds), critters, dogs, and cats has grown from one to over 300. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 46% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Recycled Metal Sculptures:** Opportunity for artists and craftsmen to create unique and environmentally friendly art pieces from recycled metal. - **Whimsical Home Decor:** Innovative and playful home decor items that add personality and charm to any living space. - **Rustic Garden Art:** Opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to enhance their gardens with handcrafted animal sculptures that develop a beautiful natural rust finish over time. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Craft:** Artists and craftsmen can capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable and creative art pieces made from recycled materials. - **Home Decor:** Home decor retailers can tap into the market of customers seeking unique and whimsical items to enhance their living spaces. - **Gardening and Landscaping:** Gardening and landscaping companies can offer customers a distinctive element by incorporating handcrafted animal sculptures into their designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modernism Birdhouse Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dwellings-project.md) - [Junkyard-Inspired Art Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junkyard-diving.md) - [Home Exterior Nesting Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/numbird.md) - [Giant Chicken-Like Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heir-and-a-spare.md) - [Almost-Extinct Animal Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fauna-series.md) - [Dual-Function Play Swings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birddy.md) - [Folk Creature Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fibredog.md) - [Iridescent Garden Decor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handpainted-school-of-fish-glass-bird-bath.md) - [Educational Linoleum Birdhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elvi-birdhouse.md)