Best use for these items?

Steps of reconstruction: 1. Cut the spool in to several parts. 2. Use the end pieces as a decorative "drawer pull" on exterior of one long side of each "box". 3. Then use the "dowel"/middle section of the spool after cutting it in half length wise. 4. Mount (by gluing then tacking) the resulting "half moon" shape of that dowel inside of each box; centering that long "half moon"/half dowel on the bottom surface of each box. 5. Screw 5 small L-shaped hooks on each half dowel.

Lightly sand the finished storage boxes and spool. Next, paint with white paint, then distress, and top coat all with a satin topcoat such as polyurethane.

- Use each box horizontally with the decorative "drawer pull" on the top.

-Mount one box to the wall. If you have use for both boxes yourself then attach them end to end or in 2 separate tiers on the wall. If you have use for only one box with five hooks, then give the other one to your friend!

-It can be used inside an entry in your home or apartment. It's a storage space for anything you need to drop inside the house once you arrive home. It will store keys, rings, or gadgets on the hooks. Place phone or small wallet on ledge at bottom of the box. You are organized again!

OOPS. Now I realize you already have a purpose in mind. Skip my hooks idea and don't coat the interior of the boxes with any paint of other product. Drill at least 3 holes in the bottom of each box. You could still cut up the spool if you want to use its parts as a decorative touch.

For the spool you can use it to organize stuff in a chic way!

Or as an adorable towel holder

Great finds! You can also paint the boxes and place bottles in them for a table center piece. Lettering, either freehand or stenciled would add a country touch to the boxes. The boxes can be used in the bathroom with folded bath cloths or candles, old jewerly, and other items. The spool can be used to make a candle holder. It would also look nice just laying in one of the boxes with other sewing items. Have fun!