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Rusty Farmhouse Decor

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.

Reclaimed Metal Parts from Singer Sewing Machine and Rusty Hook | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

 

Rusted Cotter Pin on Treadle Sewing Machine Foot Pedal | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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

Removing Treadle Cotter Pin to make Rusty Farmhouse Decor | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Disassembled Antique Singer Sewing Machine Treadle Pedal for Upcycling | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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

Spray Painting Tread Machine Foot Pedal White for Rusty Farmhouse Decor | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Wooden Dowel for Repurposed Treadle Pedal Shelf | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Rusty Farmhouse Decor Shelf Sketch | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Using Forstner Bit to Make Holes in Dowel for Treadle Pedal Shelf | DIY Rusty Farmhouse Decor | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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

Eye Hooks for Rusty Farmhouse Decor Shelf | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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!

Reclaimed Sewing Machine Shelf from Antique Singer Treadle Pedal by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Side View of Rusty Farmhouse Decor Treadle Shelf by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Top View Treadle Shelf for Rusty Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Vintage Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Antique Clothespin Jar for Rusty Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Vintage Sugar Sack with Handmade Wooden Spoon available at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

 

Bottom Up View of DIY Treadle Shelf for Rusty Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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!

Repurposed Treadle Sewing Machine Pedal Shelf for Rusty Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Upcycled Rusty Farmhouse Decor from Antique Singer Treadle Machine by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Damaged Thrifted Finds | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Broken Bench Before Upcycle for Rusty Farmhouse Decor | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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

Old Bench Seat for Rusty Farmhouse Decor | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Welcome to the Farm Sign for Rusty Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Rusty Iron Sign Bracket with Hand-Painted Sign | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Side View of Welcome to the Farm Sign for Rusty Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Hand-Painted Welcome Sign | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Rusty Farmhouse Decor | Welcome to the Farm Sign by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Create Rusty Farmhouse Decor from Curbside Finds like an Antique Singer Sewing Machine by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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

Mini Glass Cabinet Before from Thrift Store | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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

Create your own flea market farmhouse decor using barn finds | Head to Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #home #fleamarket #home #farmhouse

Old Farmhouse Tools Repurposed as Rustic Decor by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Caye Cooper says

    Larissa, I always feel like such a dunce after I see your posts. You have such clever ideas while mine stay with arrangement and color. What a great piece you made. Good job!!!

    • Larissa says

      awww…not at all! Most would say I’m crazy. haha! Thank you for the smile and giggle, Caye. 🙂

  2. Kim Banko says

    Love how both of them turned out, but especially love the shelf Larissa!
    You knocked it out of the park once again!

    • Larissa says

      That’s my favorite one too, Kim. It’s such fun to create and I know you know that too! 😀

  3. Jo-Ann says

    Larissa, you did an absolutely awesome job on the Welcome to the farm sign!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! Making signs is fun in many ways and this one sure fit the bill.

  4. Gayle Stewart says

    Glad you are finally feeling better, Larissa. The sign is really cute! Had you thought about painting both sides so that it could be mounted to come straight out from the surface it’s mounted on? As always, may God bless you and keep you.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Gayle. Almost 100%! I did consider that as I loved the red, but ran out of time and gas. haha. 😀

  5. Niki says

    How fun to get more than one….it’s nice to get so many uses out of one well used item. Bothe the shelf and sign are great Larissa! Hope the weather is holding out for you. We are getting our first winter storm just in time for my sons wedding.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you! I couldn’t let them go to waste. We are having gorgeous weather this week so I’m savoring every bit as I know what the end of the week holds. I’m sorry you’re getting bad weather for the wedding! Congratulations to you and your family.

  6. Rita says

    Larissa you have an amazing vision for items that people have discarded. There is an old saying
    “Waste not, Want not” you don’t waste anything. Thank you for sharing your projects.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you so much. Yes, I have often quoted that in my blog or in daily life…tee hee. I’m so glad you stop by to read and visit my crazy creations. 😀

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Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

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Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

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~ Mikki

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2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

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2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

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2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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