Wanta see how I took these wooden wire spools from plain to gorgeous in one afternoon?
*This post may contain affiliate links that help support my blog. For more information, please read my Disclosure Policy.
First, find some spools 🙂
The type I wanted are wooden and used to carry electrical wires. I reached out to a local contractor who uses them. They had just finished a job and happened to have three left over that were perfect for what I wanted!
After getting them home, I removed the paper labels from each one, and brushed them off to remove any dirt or debris that may have been on them. Then grabbed a small handheld propane torch like this one on Amazon (ad) and went to work!
There really is no right or wrong here other than keep your torch moving or the spool will catch fire! It is wood and wood burns 🙂 Other than that, you move quickly for a lighter look or linger a little longer for a darker look. You could also come back and do a second pass if you want more of a darker finish.
Here’s a video to show how quickly I moved the torch on mine:
I had originally planned for mine to sit outside so I added a coat of polyurethane to protect them. I love them so much that the small ones are now a part of my inside decor 🙂
That’s it! How easy was that?
I hope you found this tutorial helpful. If you did, please comment down below and also let me know if your planning to create some decor spools of your own! I’d love to see your pics!
These are gorgeous! I have no clue where I’d find something like that, but they are definitely something i’d enjoy making and having in my home! Thanks for the idea and tutorial!
Thanks Megan! You can always call a local electrical contractor or shop and ask if they have them. Most will give them away free! I’m glad you like my idea <3
I love this, my mother-in-law has something similar as part of her outdoor decor. Thanks for showing me I can make it at home for a lot less!
I love, love, love this! Upcycling is such a favorite hobby of mine.
Thanks Bonnie! I love upcycling too <3 There's just something so gratifying about creating your own home decor with stuff that someone else considers "junk" isn't there? 🙂
Those are beautiful!
Thank you Jenn 🙂
This is so simple and it looks fantastic. The video is mesmerising to watch! I think I need to take a trip out to our local electrical contractor…
Thank you Trish! I really is easy and SOOOO gorgeous! If you try it please come back and let me know; I would love to see them!
Picked one up but has staples did yours? Did you remove staples?
Hello,
I also am a collector of others trash to make unique treasures.
I have a small wooden spool and was very interested in making an little table with umbrella inside middle for the grandkids for an outdoor table. But,my only problem are the big bolts that hold the round circle top on,they stick out too far.
What could I do to eliminate them? Small children could get cut easily from them,plus their in the way of making it a table as well, not enough room,to place plates ,cups, and other utensils down.
Love what you did with torch, that would be so much easier than painting too. Blend in real good around play area too.
Any suggestions for me would be appreciated?
These came out great! Never thought to torch them, I like how it gives it such a unique look!
Thank you so much Anitra! It was so simple and I am very happy with how they came out 🙂
Wow! Those are so cool! I love the different sizes! Plus, it’s so simple! This looks like I may be adding one to my husband’s “Honey-Do” List! 🙂
Thank you for your comment Brenda! It really was easy to do and the results look even better in person! If your husband is anything like mine, he won’t mind the task of “torching” something lol 🙂
Wow what a difference! I love DIYs like this. 🙂
Me too Cathie! The spools look so “high end” now 🙂 #trashtotreasure is my favorite!
did you sand them?
Hi Veronica!
I sanded just enough to remove any splinters. Basically like 5 minutes worth 😉
There is certainly a lot to find out about this subject. I love all of the points you ave made.
Thank you! It was a fun project 🙂
Thank you 🙂 It was a fun project!
Hi, if anyone in the Ontario Canada area and is looking for wooden wire spools you can contact Jason or Rose @rosemandall@man.com
Thank you Rose! That’s great information to have 🙂
I have one big and four small ones …I loved the idea..will do the same!
Thanks 😍👍
I’m glad you like them 🙂 Good luck with yours! I’d love to see the finished product <3
What type of blow torch do you recommend?
Hi Beverly, I use a small propane torch like this one: https://amzn.to/36U5831 from my Amazon Affiliate site (ad). I hope you try it and if you do, please come back and let me know how it went 🙂
I’ve been doing this for a couple years for our campsite. You don’t sand it first?
Hi Deb,
I would love to see yours! As far as sanding, I didn’t on these. Although, if you find some that have rough edges or splintered pieces, you would certainly want to 😉 but it wasn’t necessary for this application.