When I decorate, I love to mix together items I have purchased with items I have made. And I really love to make the items I have made look like items I have purchased! Do you see those cute vintage wooden spools in the fall vignette below? I made those four years ago for around $6 and have used them often in my decorating over the years. You can find the real deal at flea markets or online, but depending on the source expect to pay between $7-12 per spool. Or just follow my tutorial and whip up some of your own for under $10!
Wooden Spool Tutorial
You will need:
- 3 foot dowel rod
- Wooden discs (found in wood section of craft store)
- Saw
- Wood glue
- Wood stain (I used Antique Walnut Minwax Polyshades.)
- Drill and 3/8 inch drill bit
- Circle stamps/marker (optional)
I bought a 3 foot dowel rod and some little wood disc thingies in the wood section of Hobby Lobby. Use your coupon to bring the price down. Then, I cut the rod with a miter saw every five inches or so.
Next, I stained all the pieces with some Antique Walnut Minwax Polyshades. I didn’t bother nailing these together and simply used Gorilla Glue to make the spools. I allowed the glue to set overnight and then came the fun part!
Using a 3/8 in drill bit, I drilled holes through the rods.
To finish off the look, I used some stamps from the craft closet, a marker, and various bits of twine, rope, and ribbon. Ta da! Vintage spools for around $6!
And here is the whole lovely autumn vignette showing off the spools back in 2010…
Just for fun, here is the same wall today in 2014!
Even Birch Lane recognizes that vintage wooden spools make for great props! Do you spot the in the picture below?
Thanks for stopping by and checking out my tutorial! Feel free to pin ideas for later reference. I’ll be back soon to share more easy DIY fall decorating tutorials.
Share this:
Emily says
Beth!!! I do needed to find this! I’m looking or ways to display my handmade bias tape and these will be perfection! So glad this post was recommended in my Pinterest Fred.
Beth says
Hi Emily! I created these years and years ago and I STILL love them. In fact, they are in a cute wood bowl on my coffee table with covered in twine and some wintery whites along with some faux succulents and pinecones. Enjoy!
Sandy says
where did you get the stamps for the spools ?
David says
These look awesome! And they’ve inspired me with an idea…..and now I can’t rest till I try it!
Thanks so much.
David
Kara says
This is such a fabulous idea Beth! I love how they turned out, and that bowl you are displaying them in is gorgeous!
Sam M. | Atkinson Drive says
I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve looked for some vintage spools – with no luck … can’t wait to try this!
Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says
This is such an awesome idea! Love it! I’m pinning and sharing!
Beth says
Thank you Leslie!
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says
Love your spools, what a great project. I also absolutely adore that brick wall and the current mirror and plates display is AMAZING.
Beth says
You have the gift of encouragement Marty and you use it well. You’re a blessing and I love your comments! Thanks girl!