Copper Metal Spool repurposing? Help!

Question

Hi! I have been racking my brain trying to repurpose three copper metal spools that I have. The only ideas I have seem (to me) a bit lame. I have thought of sectioning each part with wood to create a small flower 'box' however there must be some people on here that might have better ideas than me just trying to sell them for 15$ each. They're quite industrial looking which is throwing me off as I'm more of a country farmhouse style person.

Karen · Answer

Maybe a wine rack?

Carole · Answer

Could they take a light fitting and bulb and be used as industrial looking lampshades? Might look good in a big warehouse type space? If they are too big for that - I have no idea what size these are - could you put a piece of MDF over the top and make into little seats or stools? You could always pad the MDF with foam and cover with fabric or paint the MDF? When you take a photo, if you include something else in the photo so we can get an idea of the size in comparison that helps to get some good answers or include the dimensions of the object in your post.

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Erica I came on to share my idea of a lighting fixture but @Carole beat me to it LOL.
You could also do a blingy lamp by using a repurposed old lamp base and perhaps string glass beads along the frame - need a place where this would fit in though - perhaps easier to fit in as a hanger in a corner needing a little pizzazz.

Johanna Smith · Answer

How big are they?? I like the light fixture idea with Edison bulbs --- if they are big enough you could lay them on their side and make an occasional table/ coffee table or ottoman.   Wall hanging to display knick knacks after you add some rough wood for shelves??  book shelf if they are big enough??  the possibilities are endless --- I would have fun with these :D

Erica · Answer

They're smaller unfortunately- about 10'-12' however the light fixture idea is fantastic! Thanks everyone!

Erica · Answer

And I really appreciate all the awesome suggestions. :)

Lynn Scapatici Couch Myers · Answer

I actually have one of these myself that my husband brought home for me because 'it just looked like something I'd like' according to him (he knows me so well...lol). I have been trying to figure out what to do with it for months now, so it's funny that as soon as I saw yours, a couple of ideas popped into my head. I make jewelry (among MANY other crafts) and have been looking for a way to DIY a 'Clip It Up' storage carousel that's usually used for scrapbooking and use it instead for sorting strung beads and chain. I have been on the look out for the wire skeleton from an old lampshade to make one by attaching it to a center post and turntable and it just occurred to me that this would work just as well if not better because it would have two levels, one for shorter items on top/longer ones on the bottom. My other thought was to basically make the same thing to actually store/display your own jewelry - earrings/bracelets on the top and necklaces from the bottom. You could even simply place the center of the spool over the neck of a wine bottle and achieve the same effect and not have to break out any tools or hardware.....I also like the lighting Idea a lot....very steampunk-ish!

Salvage Sister and Mister · Answer

First thing I wanted to make with that beauty is an industrial light fixture. No shade just light.

Janiel Phillips · Answer

My cooking utensils have hooks on the end, so I imagined this is a 'country/farmhouse' kitchen attached flat to the ceiling with the fish slice, ladle, and soup ladle etc hanging from it.

Gabriella Olocco · Answer

I think you could use them to make a lamp. What do you you think of my idea?

994568 · Answer

I have never been to this site... but an email popped up with 6 photos showing repurposed projects... and your photo.  My jaw dropped & I wondered if it was me that wrote the question!  About 4 years ago I too had 3 of those exact spools!!  I held onto them for a couple years & sometime last year sent them away with the metals on the annual garbage pick up.
Love the industrial light idea... without a shade would be adorable...you can get the muted lights so they don't shine too brightly but these types usually look best with the old fashioned, bright white bulb!  I'm picturing just a simple black cord hanging down from the ceiling!  These would look great over a kitchen island, or at staggered heights in the middle of an airy guest room,  in a sun room, game room, in a straight line over a pool table... I want mine back!!  Have fun with these.  :)

Car1123134 · Answer

Wine glass chandelier?

Debbie Cable · Answer

They would look awesome stacked in a triangle as a wine rack.
Also as a country farmhouse lamp shade for a floor lamp weaved with wicker.

Ramona Lundrigan Sturge · Answer

hang it on wall and put rolled up towels in it ..cool for industrial style bathroom

Lisa O. · Answer

You could attach wood legs and a top and make a side table or two.

Robin Miller · Answer

They scream Steam Punk don't they?

Susan Ellwitz · Answer

They are screaming 'chandeliers'!

Cynthia M · Answer

Hang on the wall and use to store rolled up towels in the bathroom or kitchen.

Jonny Appleseed · Answer

Put pole in middle and mount on pole out side by porch and hang plants on it!!

Sandra Walker · Answer

I'm like Susan Ellwitz. I would buy some Crystals and make me a beautiful Chandelier. I can picture it now. It would be so, so very beautiful. And you can even get some beads and wrap around it after you put the Crystals on it. Not many beads because it wouldn't need many. I might even paint it first. You have so many possibilities. I would go crazy with all of the possibilities you have. But I think I would have to go with the Chandelier because I love them so much. Good Luck with your decision and please let us know what you decide to do.

Karin Carson · Answer

Hang in bathroom and roll your face clothes and towels then place in the spaces.

Erica · Answer

Thanks again everyone :) Since I have three, I'll be able to do a couple of different things- one definitely is going to be a light fixture and the others I'm contemplating just using them as wall hangings. :)

Sha1123957 · Answer

My son made me plant stands by welding 2 or 3 together and painting them with outdoor paint ,over 15 years ago and I still use them on my deck.

Dianne Miller · Answer

This just screams outdoor chandelier ... Wire some solar icycle lights arund each ring...too cute from a big old country tree out back!

Marie M · Answer

Wine rack

Junkaroo · Answer

I have several of these also. They are the spools from mig wire for the welder. They scream lamp shade to me. For feathers w/glitter, keys, spoons, etcetera. Those are my plans for the ones I have. Enjoy!

9530106 · Answer

I have been wanting to make a steam punk wind chime, wish I had one of your cool spools. HMM, my brother is a welder!

Lilli H · Answer

Light fixture, wall hanging, or something outdoors--would love to see the copper get that beautiful green patina over time.

Marcella Hazelwood · Answer

first thought that came to me was a beautiful chandelier with lace or crystals or whatever flips yer boat, then i also thought of the table... with glass on top and cool legs and even cooler items in the spaces.what ever u do take pics

Lee Cunningham Green · Answer

Some chain and lights great kitchen lighting, if you have a nice size kitchen, a pot hanger with some hooks. I think they are cool.

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