Every now and then, I am so inspired by another blogger’s project idea that I can’t help but try a version of it myself. And I thought these spindle carrots were SO adorable as farmhouse Easter decor that I really wanted to make some myself. And when I found these vintage bobbins at a local thrift store, I knew right away that they were meant to become my version of decorative carrots.
The area where I live used to be a textile mill mecca in the mid-20th Century. So, I have made several upcycling projects using vintage bobbins, spools, and thread cones that are relics from that era.
And now with these vintage bobbins, I’ll be adding a new one to the list!
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Painting the Vintage Bobbins
First, I needed to paint them orange, of course! I had plenty of orange craft paints to play around with, but I wasn’t sure how to go about painting them.
I mean, how to paint them efficiently with a safe way to stand them up to dry.
That’s when it dawned on me…
An accordion peg rack would be PERFECT for holding them up as they dried.
And let me tell you, it worked like an absolute charm!
This is NOT the upcycling idea I had in mind for this accordion peg rack. But maybe I’ll just keep it around for random uses like this!
I ended up using this paint color for my decorative carrots and it was an excellent choice. I gave each vintage bobbin two quick coats and stood them on the accordion wall rack to dry.
Decorative Carrots for Farmhouse Easter Decor
After the chalk paint had dried, I lightly sanded the wooden bobbins to smooth out the paint and to bring out the ribbed nature of the bobbins.
Looking more and more carrot-y by the minute!
Once I wiped down the wooden bobbins to remove sanding dust (with a damp paper towel), I buffed on clear furniture wax.
And look at that! The accordion peg rack came in handy AGAIN for this project!
Of course, carrots (even decorative carrots) aren’t complete without green tops! I found some plastic greens that had just the look I was going for.
I snipped them to size with wire cutters and used hot glue to hold them inside the wooden carrots.
Decorative Carrots from Vintage Bobbins
And just like that, I had decorative carrots that would be perfect as farmhouse Easter decor. SUCH an easy upcycling idea!
Oh, and I hear you loud and clear- Who needs carrots to decorate for Easter?
But I couldn’t help myself…and they’re just plain cute! If I had kids, I would totally make these so they could play make-believe Grocery Store or Farmer’s Market, too.
So, maybe there’s a year-round use for these after all!
Either way, they were a quick and easy Easter craft that I could make before the holiday came and went! And I really do love using items from the closer-down textile and fiber mills that are found in the Carolinas.
And here’s another upcycling idea for Easter decor, and it only takes a few minutes to put together. And yes, it started on thrift store shelves, as well!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
These are too cute! Your ideas never cease to amaze me!
Thank you so very much!
This is a cute project and a great use for the spindles.
Thank you so much, Eileen!
These are so cute! I think I have some short turned spindles I thrifted that would be perfect for this! Thanks for Sharing!
They sound perfect for this, definitely! Thanks, Vicki!
These are so adorable! 🙂
Thank you, Christina!
OMGosh! LOVE IT! I thought that was real parsley sticking out! Oh I am on my way to thrift and find me something close to your project – thank you as always for sharing! I just love your stories, the way you give details about what you did or did not do… Thanks again!!!
Thank you so much, Angie!
I can just see those carrots next to a stuffed or paper mache rabbit! Also love your eggs on the blue milk glass egg plate. Such a robin’s egg blue! Happy Easter!
Thanks, Kathy- Happy Easter to you, as well!
Oh my gosh..too cute!! I wanna come and spend the day looking at all of your Easter crafts!!! 🙂
Awww, thank you, Scotty!!
Wishing you and yours a Blessed and Happy Easter.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
Thank you so much- to you lovelies, as well!
So darn cute!
Thank you, Naomi!
Another great post Sadie! Pinned! 😉
Thank you so much!
Great Easter decor ideas! I’ll have to them next year. Thanks for sharing! Carolina at Ironmongery Experts.