What are you drawn to when shopping antique and thrift stores? Let me know in comments below while I share my obsession, spindles!
10 things to do with a broken spindle.
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1. Projects with simply the spindle
Restyle junk. Using the spindle as a display object. Two different types of spindle candle holders
Spindles so cool they carry off the display without the candle! Like the one in the spring decorating ideas mantel.
The spindle I mention in the video that’s hanging on the wall can be seen here hanging next to our DIY chalkboard.
2. Farmhouse style spindle projects
After the flowers faded this piece moved to my desk in the craft room. It turns with marbles. Spindle Lazy Susan DIY with marbles
The Spindle crate combines my two obsessions. It holds my tea and ironed vinegar.
I made the popular arrow sign in my favorite style, Spindle arrow sign.
3. Spindles help organize
You know those DIY projects that you “think” is a good idea, but could be a total failure? I wasn’t sure which way this one was going. The spindle as a DIY craft organizer Whew! It works!
Organizing my little workshop with spindles
- Thread twine and tape on an old spindle add a hook for your scissors. Mount between studs.
- Mount three spindles to hold frame clamps. My toes love this one! Those clamps were always falling from the tool cabinet!
- A spindle makes cool edging on boards and shelving.
These hooks make me smile! I wish I could live in one. Wait, we do live in a cabin. Cabin Hooks
4. Spindle jewelry
The tutorial for the necklace I’m wearing in the video is on this post called, Spindle beads.
This necklace was a gift to a DIYer friend. There are a few more projects on the post too. Spindle necklace
5. Holiday Spindles
This is very easy to make after you get the spindle arranged by length. Pass on the pile of pine needles in the corner of the living room this Christmas and create a Spindle Christmas tree. You might have a couple of paint chips to sweep up.
My favorite eggs…fried with butter, but I second fav… Easter egg spindles. Tons of farmhouse style in twine nests too!
Another gift for a talented blogging DIYer, Santa boot chalkboard with spindles and seashells. Spindle in a beach style.
My favorite little Christmas tree..so far! Mr. Brown’s Christmas tree
6. Chalkboards and spindles
I only use this easel a couple of time a year, but the spindle really tops it off. Easy chalkboard easel
7. Broken spindles built into furniture
My grandson and I created a taller box and used the metal cart pieces to add industrial to our farmhouse living room. To keep the cart from becoming too masculine I added a spindle in the middle of the top. Industrial cart coffee table
Over the years, I created about 100 mantels. This one is my favorite of all time! It was like putting together a huge zigsaw puzzle, only I could cut the pieces to fit. Scrap wood mantel
I don’t like seeing gadgets, cords, phones or cable boxes. Please note this post is one of my first and the photos are horrid. Hiding the cable box
8. Easy spindle projects
There’s nothing easier than standing a spindle on end to display. This collection of spindle projects are slightly more complicated than balancing a spindle. But only slightly. 10 easy wood projects using a spindle.
9. More spindle ideas
This is a mixture of ideas to create spindles projects 10 more repurposing old furniture spindles. Told you I was obsessed.
10. How to find spindles
A popular question I get from readers is, “where do you find all your spindles?” I put together a pretty detailed list at How to find wood spindles. The best way is to train your eyes to look for those beautifully turned pieces as you scan thrift stores.
After hundreds of projects using steel wool and vinegar, I had to develop and expand the technique.
Above are some of the wood techniques I developed and included in the ‘How to Distress Wood” digital book. Click to learn more.
This post went through a major update to give you better help in finding a spindle project you can create.
Above I included the college of the older photos.
Please let me know in the comments below if you have any questions. I enjoy helping readers with DIY projects and ideas.
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Donna says
July 11, 2014 at 12:00 pmWhere do you find such interesting spindles? Are they costly?
Jeanette says
July 11, 2014 at 9:09 pmDonna,
Thanks for asking. I’m always on the look out for spindles. I’m not afraid to take a chair apart for great spindles. Scouring thrift shops and yard sales keep costs down. Many spindles have been remade into other projects. The spindle tree has been taken apart and I’m getting ready for a more things to do with a broken spindle post.
Just keep your eyes open.
Becky says
April 27, 2014 at 5:33 pmLove all of them!
Jeanette says
April 29, 2014 at 4:40 pmThanks! I’m gonna have to do a part two! I came up with more ideas. 🙂 ~Jeanette
amanda @ mommy is coocoo says
April 23, 2014 at 7:15 amI have so many old spindles around. I can’t part with them. I love this!
Jeanette says
April 25, 2014 at 7:47 amOoooh, Amanda! I know just what you’re talking about. Why would anyone part with a perfectly broken spindle?? ~Jeanette
Meegan says
April 22, 2014 at 6:56 pmJeanette,
What an amazing post! I am not surprised, but blown away at all of your ideas and projects. AND, you made all of them! You seriously rock!
Pinned and bookmarked 🙂
Jeanette says
April 25, 2014 at 7:44 amMeegan, thanks so much for stopping by! I have two problems with spindles; one I can’t stop making things with them and two I can’t ever throw one away! ~Jeanette