Upcycled Cable Spool as Painted Nursery Art

Tracey Bellion
by Tracey Bellion
3 Materials
$75
4 Hours
Medium
I am always looking for unusual items to make into something amazing! I realize cable spools of all sizes have been used for years to make clocks and tables….but I’ve never seen them painted on and used as wall art!
I came across an opportunity to purchase these in bulk…and I just couldn’t pass them up!!!  I love the rawness of the pieces…the mix of wood and metal…and the SIZE!!!!  You all know I like IMPACT and FEATURE pieces!  Especially for baby rooms!  So I stored these for months before I finally had my first vision!  The MOON...
First, I painted the entire piece in gray chalk paint. I felt this would be more acceptable in a boy’s nursery.  I’m always getting request for cool and creative things to use in boy nurseries… 
I used my electric sander and went to town with it.  I wanted to make this piece look aged and raw and very farmhouse! The paint is chalk based, which makes it very open to distressing!!!    Once I had it distressed to the level I wanted….I sealed the entire piece with a layer of clear Gel Wax.
I love how it turned out.  The mix of rough wood and old paint and metal grommets is oddly satisfying to me. It looks gorgeous on a nursery wall and can be customized for any nursery or kid's room.



You can also find me on Facebook: @TraceysFancy! You'll be able to catch me Live sharing other projects. I'd love to hear from you!!


Click the link below to see my full blog post and see how my girl's version turned out! it starts out black -- and is my version of FANCY BOHO!
Suggested materials:
  • Cable spool
  • Chalk paint
  • Gel wax
Tracey Bellion
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 6 questions
  • Nita Nita on May 18, 2017

    Not a question, just a comment. This is fabulous!

  • Amelia McCurdy Amelia McCurdy on May 29, 2017

    Since the spool's original purpose was for outdoors use, how do you know the wood hasn't been treated with any harmful chemicals?

  • Susan Woodward DeFanti Susan Woodward DeFanti on Jul 06, 2017

    Where do u get the cable spool?

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