Old Spindle

Spindles, I’m obsessed with them.

You get an idea.  A really different and strange idea.  One that won’t so away until you try it.

This idea came to me in the middle of a sleepless night.

I love using junk to repurpose into household useful items and decor.

This time, a different use was in mind.

My dear friend is always on the lookout for spindles for me.  A couple of weeks ago we spent the afternoon taking apart vintage chairs that were water damaged.  Here’s a couple of home projects done with them so far.

Home Decor

Spindle Ladder

DIY Fall Decor

Sweater pillow with spindle arrow

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small percentage from any sale.  This helps me offset the costs of blogging.  I have not received any products or compensation for writing this post.  Any products mentioned were purchased by me to use in our home and share ideas with you.   🙂

This is the next project.

Not for the home!

Wear it!

I cut up a spindle into pieces.  Unlike the “feet” above for the tray, I was cutting up the whole thing instead of four pieces from an end.  So, to keep my fingers intact, I used the hand miter saw and a plastic miter box.  Then I lined the pieces up in order and sanded the cut ends.

Next, I set up a vice grip with a clamp to make a holder for the small pieces.  Then drilled a 1/8 inch hole through each piece.

Sorry for the fuzzy photo {I still snap bad pictures, but I’m learning!}  This photo was to remember the order of the pieces.  Little beads between help the pieces lay well.

Are you getting the idea of where this project is going??

Painting

A quick painting of the pieces using a “chalk-based” type of white paint was next.  Then “distressed” the paint using a wet paper towel.  I added a bit of soft green and lightly distressed.  To seal the finish, a clear wax brushed on and buffed does the trick.  This gives soft porcelain feel to the pieces.  The pieces have a soft beachy summer look.

Live tutorials

If you wish to learn more about using chalk-based paint, I’m hosting a LIVE video tutorial create and chat on March 17 at 10 am {MST} for all subscribers to Country Design Style.  Click here to follow.

The pieces were threaded onto jewelry wire and I added a silver chain and clasp.

Finished Necklaces

Voila!  A wood bead necklace.

I’m not a fashionista type of gal, but I like pretty and work boots.  This seems to fit both! 🙂

I gave the necklace to my friend as a thank you for all the spindles and friendship.  I’m planning to make more necklaces.

To keep my fingers, I made a jig to hold spindles.  A Drimel saw easily cuts the pieces.  Fast and safe.

Designing an architectural line of jewelry might be my next adventure.

Would you wear a spindle around your neck?  I would love your comments on this project below.  This is a bit outta the norm for me.  Thoughts??

10 Things to do with a Broken Spindle