While some leftovers can be tossed, that’s surely not the case with these bits below. If you recall, I recently repurposed the legs of an antique Singer sewing machine I found curbside (aka. #trashure). Instead, I am making rusty farmhouse decor that will take these two finds to new levels…literally. tee hee.

What are we looking at exactly? Well, we have the foot pedal from the antique Singer sewing machine and a piece of a standing hook. Let’s get this DIY party started!

LET’S CREATE

First, let’s take a closer look at what we’re working with. I spy a rusted solid cotter pin holding on to a bit of wood. I need to remove that in order to get the treadle pedal free from its mounting bracket.

 

In order to do that, I use my gripping pliers to break the pin and pull it out.

Then, once it’s free, I clean it up and spray a couple of coats of paint in a flat white.

While the paint cures, I head out to my workshop to dig into my wood scraps of random pieces. It’s a box full of trims, turnings, and dowels I keep just in case. (funny aside: one of my daughters got her first car and I got her a jumper cables roadside kit called “Justin Case”…haha)

ASSEMBLY

After first glance in my “supplies” I spy several pieces of this large dowel that will do the trick.

My end goal is to take this pedal and make it into a folding shelf. To get a better visual on what I want to achieve, I doodle. Here’s my doodle for this idea.

Stay with me now as my brain works and you may be like…whaaaattt?? haha. However, I think you’ll see how it all comes together. My kids kept asking, “what are you making?” My reply, “not exactly sure yet, but I’m letting it form as I go.” In order to make this all assemble as my vision, I need my drill and forstner bit to make holes for the pedal as well as a rake handle piece as a spreader.

Okay, so next I need to create a way for my folding shelf to hang. Enter in some bits and baubles.

While I start out with these eye hooks and chain, I decide to use the hooks with rope instead.

FIRST REVEAL

First, here’s what became of the antique Singer treadle machine pedal…woot!

Do you see the pedal incorporated there? It makes a great shelf for any room. Meanwhile, here I have it as a towel holder below with vintage gems on the shelf above.

I have my canning jar full of antique clothespins, a handmade wooden spoon, and a vintage sugar sack in an embroidery hoop. (most available in my online store!) Don’t you just love clothespins? I used to play with them, they remind me of fresh laundry with an unsurpassed scent or making toys and dolls with them.

It’s a story-telling piece that functions as well as adds style to your space. I just love filling my home with pieces like this!

TAKE TWO

Next, let’s not forget that metal hanging piece. It looks to be to originally be part of a standing item where this part slipped into a base and held in with a pin. However, now it’s free to become whatever I want…mwahahaha… If you remember from this previous post of damaged vintage goodies, I had this broken bench I promised to give new life.

The leg is broken and pretty much rotted out. However, the top of the bench is great for making a sign.

To begin, I design my typography in my software using my transfer tutorial HERE. Then, I hand-paint the design on the board and attach it to that rusty hook.

And when I say rusty farmhouse decor, I mean RUSTY! Likewise, I call it patina perfection. What is more, if you’d also like to make this part of your home story, you can find it in my online store as well as the shelf above.

SHARE

Finally, I’d love to hear what you would have done with pieces like this? Would you have even brought them home in the first place? In addition to leaving some comment love below, do pin and share to inspire others too.

Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter so you can see what happens to this thrifted cabinet over HERE.

Until next time!

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While you’re at it, check out these other rusty farmhouse decor projects: