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Farmhouse Tools Become Rustic Decor

One of my favorite things to do is take unwanteds and give them new purpose. You can imagine my excitement when I got to hook up with several of my favorite DIY bloggers to bring you Trash to Treasure Transformations. Yay! It’s a monthly challenge to see what thrifted or yard sale finds we choose to give new life. I’m all about some farmhouse decor. mmmm….

Trash to Treasure Transformations by 5 Awesome DIY Bloggers

I know you’re going to love this series! Let me show you what I chose to work with. Rusty objects are somewhat of an addiction for me, and when I had a chance to snatch up a box of farmhouse tools, insulators, and what-nots, I jumped on it.

Old Farmhouse Tools Perfect for Upcycle | prodigalpieces.com

Any guesses as to what these are? I know you see a piece of chain, but do you know what the hooks are for? They are hay bale hooks – a farmer would have one in each hand and grab up a hay bale with them and stack or load the bails in a much easier fashion. Pretty cool, huh? That round piece with holes in it is a bit of a mystery to me. It’s embossed with a serial number and I believe was part of a tractor.

PROJECT 1

So, what would you do with this rusty goodness? First, I dug into my stash of reclaimed wood and pulled out some pieces that I thought would suit my project.

Chippy Barn Wood for Reclaimed Candle Sconce | prodigalpieces.com

No cutting, sanding, or any prep, just straight from the stash. Also, isn’t the patina gorgeous?

Reclaimed Barn Wood for Upcycling Farmhouse Tools | prodigalpieces.com

With that small round piece, I immediately thought it looked like a candle holder, so that’s what it became!

Rustic Candle Sconce from Farmhouse Tools | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Can’t get much more simple than that. tsk. I love its sweet rustic touch to my decor. Likewise, it makes me sing a favorite childhood Bible song, “This little light of mine…”

Farmhouse Tools Upcycled into Candle Sconce by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

PROJECT 2 & 3

Next, the hay bale hooks, it wasn’t hard to choose what to do with them. They’re hooks, so they’ll be used to hang something. Check it out….

Drilling Hay Bay Hook to Board | prodigalpieces.com

First, I use a conduit strap to mount it to the board, and then wanted to make a vase out of a canning jar. Everyone has a bent paperboard pants hanger in their closet (if you don’t, you’re my idol), and I can imagine most of you have a canning jar too.

Wire Hanger & Ball Jar | prodigalpieces.com

Then, to make a jar hanger, just slip off that paperboard sleeve of the hanger, and you’ll see the end should look like this…

Bending Wire Hanger for Farmhouse Tools | prodigalpieces.com

Last, take the separated hanger and straddle it around the canning jar.

Wrapping Wire around Ball Jar | prodigalpieces.com

Criss-cross the ends and wrap it back toward the hook end of the hanger, and connect it to itself.

Making Hook for Ball Jar | Farmhouse Tools Upcycle | prodigalpieces.com

Bend up the hook of the hanger, and squeeze the hook closed. (I hadn’t closed mine yet in this picture)Wire Hook Hanger for Ball Jar | prodigalpieces.com

Now we can hang up our wall decor and create endless displays.

THE REVEALS

This hook has that bit of chain on it to create more texture.

Farmhouse Tools Hay Bale Hook Sconce by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

I know that Queen Anne’s Lace is considered a weed, but to me it’s nature’s lace. Sooo beautiful!

Queen Anne's Lace in Farmhouse Tools Sconce by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

See how the jar is hung? Simple, rustic, perfect. If you’re loving my shutters, you can get the DIY tutorial HERE.

Rustic Farmhouse Tools Barn Wood Sconce by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

ONE MORE

As for the other hay bale hook, it too became a wall vase hanging filled with summertime flowers from my yard.

Flowers in Farmhouse Tools Sconce by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

My 9 year-old said she could have flowers hanging like that everywhere. ♥

Wild Flowers in Rustic Sconce by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

In addition, these wall hanging are so versatile…they can hang candles, pictures, teacups, coats, towels, and even be a bird feeder too. Endless possibilities.

Hay Bale Farmhouse Tools Bird Feeder by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

With that in mind, I also adore the stars found in apples. God is an amazing creator.

Apple Core Bird Feeder | prodigalpieces.com

Finally, I hope you’ve enjoyed my rustic creations. If you would like to purchase any or all of them, they are available in my shop. (that is if I don’t decide to keep them…hee hee hee)

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

SHARE

Additionally, pin and share this farmhouse decor to inspire others! (head below for more eye-candy!)

Rusty old farmhouse tools are perfect paired with reclaimed barn wood to make functional decor. Just grab a hanger, Ball jar, and a DIY attitude. by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!

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Now, don’t head off just yet, I know you’re going to love what these ladies have done with these thrifted finds. Click on each picture for some amazing inspiration!!

Confessions of a Serial Do-It-Yourselfer                                    Artsy Chicks Rule

Trash to Treasure Transformations by 5 Awesome DIY Bloggers

Girl in the Garage                                         Bless’er House

Trash to Treasure Transformations by 5 Awesome DIY Bloggers

Likewise, I think you’ll enjoy these farmhouse projects too!

Build A Farmhouse Bench for Less than $20 - DIY Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesOutdated 1980's Dining Set Gets Farmhouse Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

 

 

Comments

  1. Paula@SweetPea says

    You are so clever, Larissa! These are great ways to both use and display old tools that most people would never give a second glance.

  2. Susan Homeroad says

    Larissa I love using old tools like this… my favorite is whatever that rusty thing is that you made into a candle holder… beautiful and right up my alley! 🙂

    • Larissa says

      Hahaha…thanks, Christy! I’m reallt thinking on keeping one, but for now they are available. 😉

    • Larissa says

      I can’t decode which I like more, but they’re all fun to create! Thank you, Nancy.

  3. Lauren @BlesserHouse says

    A-dorable, Larissa! I would have bought these somewhere like Antique Farmhouse. I can’t believe you made them! Just beautiful.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks so much, Lauren! I can’t get enough of rusty junk and love the juxtaposition they create with frilly things. 🙂

  4. Barbara says

    I have a couple of very old farm implements that my dad reclaimed from his childhood farm years ago when we went to visit family (he found them in weeds along the cow path’ I’ve been hanging on to them as a tribute to him without knowing what I could do to make them part of our present day life. Now one hangs from a window latch in our sunporch, but since I’ve seen what you can do, I’m fixing it to the kitchen wall to use as a towel hook. The other few will have to wait until inspiration strikes, but you’ve helped the process along. I love having vintage things from our family past to enhance our home and keep us connected with previous generations.

    • Larissa says

      How wonderful, Barabara! A sweet way to remember your father, and I’m flattered that I inspired you. Thank you for stopping by!

  5. Marie@The Interior Frugalista says

    You, my friend, are one clever gal. Not only are these a clever use of old tools but they are beautiful farmhouse chic. These would look fabulous in my UNfarmhouse/cottage style home too. Your talents are endless Larissa!

    • Larissa says

      You are one awesome friend! {{hugs}} Thank you, Marie. What a DIY party we could have, eh?

  6. Samantha says

    Say what?! You have some mad crazy creativity! I never could have come up wtih those! Each thing is amazing! I especially love the jar holder with the chain and the queen anne’s lace. So, so great!

    • Larissa says

      Hahaha…or maybe I’m just mad? 😀 You made me giggle. Thank you!

  7. Kim says

    I love all of your pieces, and enjoy following you on Facebook. You have so many great ideas and projects! I just have to tell you that Queen Anne’s Lace has always been my favorite! I grew up in Ohio, and it was abundant. But, now I’m in Florida and I had to pay quite a premium for our florist to special order it for my daughter’s wedding. I couldn’t believe I was actually going to pay for a “weed”, but she and I were determined she had to have it in her bouquet.

    • Larissa says

      So sweet of you to stop by! Yes, Queen Anee’s Lace holds so many memories for me and I love having it in my home. I would have done the same thing for my daughter. You’re a good mom.

  8. Jen @ Girl in the Garage says

    Larissa, I totally didn’t expect these to turn out the way they did! I should have known you’d make them into something amazing. 🙂 SO rustic and beautiful <3

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Jen! I’ve already sold some, so I guess I better decide if I want to keep one, eh? 😉

  9. Chris says

    Larissa I LOVE< LOVE< LOVE your website! I am still a blogging newbie. My site is all about unique and creative ways to decorate using old disgarded items! Can I join the Tuesdays Trash to Treasure Challenge?

    Chris

    • Larissa says

      Thank you so much, Chris! Glad to have you. I do believe the group has capped with our 5 members for now. Keep up the good work and check back to see if things have changed. 😉

    • Larissa says

      Doesn’t it though? Yes, always fun to dig around and create – you rock at it!

    • Larissa says

      Yay! Happy to hear it, Carole. I’d love to see what you do with it!

  10. JUDY IN TEXAS says

    Larissa you inspire me to create. I have “junk,” I mean treasures, similar to yours just sitting on the garage floor waiting to be used. Keep on creating!

    • Larissa says

      You’re a lady after my own heart, Judy! I hope you have fun creating with your treasures. Thanks for stopping by!

  11. Brenda says

    you must have seceded to keep them I don’t see them in your shop??

  12. Alayna says

    How unique! I’m now going to look at things differently every time I go into the barn. And when we do finally get around to cleaning out one of the barns, the keep pile might be a bit larger than I thought it would be 😉
    Great projects.

  13. Renae Foltz says

    I have a bunch of my grandpa’s rusty Farm tools. Do you think it’s best to leave the rust on them?

    • Larissa says

      It’s totally up to you. I like rust. If you like it, but are concerned, use a clear coat spray to seal it in.

  14. Christine says

    Wow! Everything is beautiful and looks super easy. Now to find some rusty old bits 😉

  15. Pat says

    The rusty tool is either an ice hook (people had ice delivered to their homes to put in their iceboxes) or a hay fork for grabbing hay bales).

    • Larissa says

      Yes, here it is a hay bale hook and also used for ice, particularly by the Amish in my neighborhood. I have several hanging around and in my online store.

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