April Reuse-It Item: 7 ideas for wooden spools

April's Reuse-it item is spools. Our blogger team has compiled a creative, easy DIY list to make such things as furniture, massage tool or organizers for your crafting items. Share your ideas in the comments section or on our Facebook page!

Lana:
Achy muscles can usually benefit from a massage - and a massager can easily be made from small / medium wooden spools and other materials found at the Reuse Centre.
The Back Massager from Story Soup Kids website needs only 4 spools and twine (length according to own measurements).
I decided I wanted something a bit stronger and structured for hands and feet and started off with spools and coated hangers.

And, made this as a first attempt:

Unfortunately, it's not very pretty, but it is a start. 

During the making, I realised another cool item that could come from the same materials: A bead roller coaster (as inspired by IKEA ):

Hours of fun I'm sure, but first I'll save up some more spools.

Sarah:

This is a really easy craft that you could make a thousand different ways. Write out a message on long slip of paper or fabric, and attach it to an empty, decorated spool to make a unique greeting card! 

.You can use wooden spools or paint plastic ones a bright colour or cover in pretty fabric or paper before attaching your scroll. This is great for any celebration, and makes a cute keepsake ornament for a Christmas tree. 

This would also be a great project for kids to make and play with. Instead of a greeting, draw an adventurer's treasure map or write a secret message inside!

Here's a link to a really basic tutorial.

Hayley:

Using spools as picture holders is a creative way to display those smaller pictures, especially those gems from elementary school that we all have. 

Miniature Rhino has a great tutorial on how to complete them. I also like Belrossa's take on the project. It leaves the thread on, adding a burst of colour to the end result.

Emma:

Empty spools are a great way of organising small pieces of treasured lace, ribbon or trim, just wind it up and pop in a pin. It solves the problem of them getting tangled or mixed up and if you have a lot of little scraps you could even separate by colour and keep them tidy in a Mason jar. Check out Gertie and Mabel for inspiration.

Kelly:

I've always liked the ease and speed of spool knitting. ...but never quite knew what to do with the lengthy cord, which is likely still living in my parents' attic. Pinterest to the rescue! These pieces are great inspiration to whip up a new Knitting Nancy by tapping finishing nails into the top of a large spool. 


- Reuse Centre Blogger team