DIY Projects: Salvaged Table Legs

{Source: Homegrown Country Girl}

I have quite a few projects rumbling around in my brain. I am in the pack up the junk and prettify mode. My particular style is no doubt eclectic. (This would explain the "pack up the junk" comment.) Eclectic quickly turns to chaos if not kept under control. I think I just came up with a new name for my style... 

Eclechaotic

Now that is a word everyone would be eager to come home to right? Yes, it is definitely time for me to whisk away some clutter. 

Well, in the cleaning process I always uncover some of my trash tipping stash I have collected on my journeys. I have SEVERAL salvaged table legs and spindles from treasure hunt travels. Oh, the goodies I can't seem to pass up when focusing on the word: REDEEMED. The potential & possibilities are endless. 

My family will quickly agree it is time to de-clutter and find purpose for those items of little value waiting to be redeemed into something of greater worth. They may even question the labor of attempting to re-purpose honestly. Usually, by the end of the process the doubters have converted.

So far I have, along with my dear hubs help, completed one DIY project. A Spindle Jewelry Holder. It was one of my first posts, so bare with me on it. I need to recapture better images of the little lovelies to post, but for now you will get the basic idea if you click on the link above.

For some fresh inspiration I have been searching a few of my favorite blogs. I'll show you a bit of what I have uncovered so far. Gotta share the love ya' know!

This Table would be PERFECT in my living room or bedroom. Isn't it charming? I love the soft colors with the vintage appeal, a perfect pairing. 

{Source: Ruche blog}

Vintage suitcases are another treasure piece worth salvaging. If you find one you think is beautiful snatch it up while you can. There are so many creative ideas for using them nowadays. My Daughter has made some incredible projects out of them. That will have to wait for another day though. For now I will try to stay focused.

I think these are the CUTEST Table Leg Cake Stands EVER!!! 

Imagine the possibilities.

{Source: The Rebuilding Center}

...and Tiered Trays made with plates.

{Source: wattlebird}

Old Coffee Table + Fabric= Ottoman

for this one you can save yourself from removing the legs,

 if you happen to score a table waiting to be salvaged. 

{Source: Tulip & Turnip}

Now aren't you ready to slip on your gloves & galoshes for dumpster diving? I know I am. If it wasn't so late I would hop in my car and go right now. After all there are priceless treasures just waiting to be redeemed.

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field- Matthew 13:34

-Simply Sublime

DIY Project - Upcycled Spindle Jewelry Holder - REDEEMED Line

REDEEMED: to free from what distresses or harms


Some of my favorite moments in life are when I find something that has been junked: possibly broken, fading, old, damaged...just plain discarded as useless & and I am able to restore it to something pretty, useful, interesting and valued. I might like to add in the process of getting older, used & discarded these pieces usually have developed some unique character of their own in this process as well. Reminds me a bit of my own life:

O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption - Psalm 130:7 esv

Today I am going to show you a REDEEMED piece I made: BrOkEn TaBlE PiEcEs upcycled in to an adorable Jewelry Holder. The main spindle in this piece was rescued from a garbage pile. Poor little thing - but look at her shine now! She has sparkle, color and a purpose.

This process is pretty simple. Once you have your spindle you will want to gather your other materials.

Wood Sign for Base

End Caps for Dowel

Felt Protectors - adhesive backing

Here is the official List of supplies:

• Glass knob for the top (hardware store or even better a local RE:Store for used home building supplies.)
• Wood sign plaque blank (see photo above):  from craft store with routed edges - this one is 8" square
• 1/2" diameter Wood Dowel: from craft store about 10" - 12" long
• 2 Wood end caps (see photo above): found near dowel in craft store to cover each end of dowel - make sure the diameter of the hole in the end cap matches the diameter of your dowel.
• Flat head screw: for base
• One can of spray paint in your favorite color.
• Felt adhesive back dots

1. Step 1) You will want to begin by drilling a hole through a larger diameter area of your spindle towards the top. The hole needs to be the size of the dowel you purchased.
2. Step 2) Apply a bit of wood glue in the recently drilled hole and slide your dowel in. Wipe of excess glue on dowel.
3. Step 3)Apply dowel caps with wood glue to each end of dowel. 
4. Step 4) Drill hole through center of sign plaque base. Helpful Hint: on bottom of wood plaque draw a straight line diagonally from corner to corner to create an X - Voila! where they intersect is the center. Drill away. 
5. Step 5) from the bottom of your plaque up screw into the bottom of your spindle. (I apply a little wood glue in the spindle hole first.) Make sure this is straight up and down - you don't want a Leaning Tower of Jewelry... (okay that was cheezy) 
6. Step 6) Sand a bit with a medium and fine grit sand paper
7. Step 7) Spray paint away with your favorite color. If you want a finer finish you can also prime this first.
8. Step 8) Once paint is dry it is time to attach the decorative glass knob on top - again with a bit of glue and then screwed in. 
9. Step 9) Attach adhesive felt dots on the bottom for protection.

Note: Most spindles in furniture have a screw hole in them that they attach to the other pieces with. If your are damaged you may need to fill the holes with wood filler and let it dry for a couple days before starting this project. See below:

Hope you enjoy this project and are able to give it a try. I wish I would have taken pictures in the process to show you. Next one I get my hands to I will! I hope you have a chance to REDEEM something discarded in your near future. It is a great feeling!