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Antique Rocking Horse from Upcycled Parts

When each month rolls around to the second Tuesday, it’s time for my Trash to Treasure friends and I to share with you our latest DIY transformations for you. You’ll see theirs in a bit, but take a minute to peek at what found me. Initially, my friend, Mandy, asked me if I wanted this dated carousel horse. I had no idea how big it was, but I spy an antique rocking horse makeover.

Vintage Carousel Horse Before | prodigalpieces.com

When I went to pick it up, I was like…whoa! It’s definitely bigger than a table top decoration I thought it was. However, that just means more fun for me. woot! Funny thing is, this poor old horse doesn’t have the get up and go it used to. The hole for the dowel is worn so much that it now rests on the ground. If I pick it up, it falls apart. Time for a makeover, right?

DIY TIME

First, let’s take a look at what I’m dealing with. It looks easy enough to transform. The key is I need to dig into my stash to make this happen.

Vintage Carousel Horse Disassembled to Make Antique Rocking Horse | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Then, looky at what I found. They’re leftovers from my upcycled lamp from broken rockers I made HERE in this post.

Broken Rockers for Antique Rocking Horse DIY | prodigalpieces.com

The only problem is that one is still broken. However, after a little bit of woodworking, I have a rebuilt rocker that is ready to go.

Rebuilt & Repaired Rocking Chair Rocker for Antique Rocking Horse | prodigalpieces.com

Next, I need to assemble it all. In order to do that, I have to figure out how to connect the rockers to the horse. I think the original dowel will work well for that.

Drilling Rockers with Forstner Bit for Antique Rocking Horse | prodigalpieces.com

Finally, once all the assembly is complete, it’s time for the finish work. I begin by painting a base coat of two colors, then follow up with the details.

Painting Antique Rocking Horse Rocker | prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

Not only did I get to recreate this vintage carousel horse, but I also got to make 3 different projects in one. Here’s my antique rocking horse from reclaimed parts up first.

DIY Handmade Antique Rocking Horse for Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #home #diy #horse #farmhouse

Handmade Antique Rocking Horse by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #horse #diy #home #farmhouse

Isn’t he cute? I had fun with this to the end. Plus, the bonus is getting to use up my stash and have fun art time too. In addition, he even as a twinkle in his eye.

Rustic Farmhouse Style Antique Rocking Horse by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #handmade

Hand-Painted Rocking Horse by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #horse #diy #gift

What shall we name him? Rocko? Spot? Let me hear it…

Dappled Gray Farmhouse Antique Rocking Horse by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #horse #diy #handmade

Farmhouse Bedroom Cupboard with Antique Rocking Horse by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #home #homedecor

MORE REVEALS

However, before I sign off, take a closer look at two more upcycles. First, let’s see the base of the carousel horse turned art.

Black and White Cow Print Art | Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #cow #farmhouse #art

DIY Cow Print Art for Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #cow #farmhouse #art

You can make one too using a vintage print from The Graphics Fairy. In fact, I use Karen’s site often for may fun DIY creations (seen HERE).

Vintage Cow Print with White Bull by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bull #cow #print

Last, but not least, the wooden heart needs some love. I sand it down and add a bit of typography on a fresh coat of stain. Much better, right?

DIY Wooden Heart Home by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #home #farmhouse #handmade

Side View Home Wooden Heart by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #heart

DIY Script Home Wooden Heart with Antique Rocking Horse by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #crafts #home

Now, it’s your turn. Which is your favorite? Also, if you’d like to own any or all of my creations, you can find them available in my online shop.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

In addition to leaving some comment love, do pin and share my antique rocking horse creation so you can inspire others too!

A dated & damaged handmade carousel horse is reclaimed into an antique rocking horse by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #antique #home #diy

UP NEXT

With this intention of inspiration, I’ve got a hot new tool that I’m eager to try and I have one for you too!

Wagner Micro Heat Gun Craft Kit by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Time to head below!

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Even more, it’s time to see what my Trash to Treasure friends have created for you. woot!

Trash to Treasure Tuesday | prodigalpieces.com

Trash to Treasure October 2021 at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

  1. Salvaged Inspirations
  2. Confessions of a Serial Do It Yourselfer
  3. Artsy Chicks Rule
  4. Girl in the Garage

Additionally, more trash to treasure fun like my antique rocking horse:

Two Upcycled Bunk Bed Ladders turned into DIY Tiered Shelf by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #garden #diy #home #homedecor #farmhouseHow cute!! This salvage junk turkey sculpture was created by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces using "junk" as her medium. Head to the blog to see | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #salvaged #junk #art #artist #home #homedecor #thanksgiving #farmhouse

 

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    From country “EEk” to farmhouse “Chic!!” You are AMAZING!!!! That is the cutest rocking horse!!! Hmmmm…. How about “Paint?” Or “Dapple?” ? ?

    • Larissa says

      bwahaha!! Love your typo! (fixed it. 😉 ) I had such fun with this. I love the names too!

  2. Vicki Bray says

    What a great transformation! 3 for 1 got to love it! Name the horse FAWN looks somewhat like a deer to me!

  3. Christy James says

    I never saw that coming! I love that you turned it into a rocking horse!! So cute now, and of course you used all the extra pieces lol. SO creative! XOXO

    • Larissa says

      Those misfit rockers have been waiting for just the right thing…this was it! Thanks so much, Christy.

  4. Lizzy says

    This is darling, and so perfect on top of an armoire. Great work!

    • Larissa says

      Thank you for saying so, Lizzy. I’m smitten with all 3 projects. 😀

    • Larissa says

      Right? In the picture she sent me it looked maybe 12 inches long. Huge!

  5. susan says

    He turned out so cute! Another one of your fabulous redos!

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