Hey there, beautiful friends! Welcome to Trash-to-Treasure Tuesday!! Y’all know I love to rescue trashy decor and breathe new life into it, and today, I get to do it with four of my favorite treasure-maker friends! Be sure to check out their makeovers at the bottom! My trashy makeover is a repurposed spindle footboard.
Some of y’all may remember my Mother’s Day Haul of 2020. I don’t know if any of you recall that I didn’t exactly finish that haul.
I still had this spindle bed left:
I really enjoyed bringing these pieces back to life, but the bed had me stumped. It was too long to turn into a bench, and the headboard was damaged beyond my ability to repair it where the side rails attached:
So, I finally decided to do something with just the footboard which was in better condition but still quite battered:
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
Finding a new purpose
I set out to repurpose this foot board in some way, and the first idea that came to mind was to turn it into a shelf since shelves are always good sellers for me. However, it was a bit too long for that, so I started by cutting a section of the middle out using my miter saw in order to shorten it:
Build
Then to reconnect the pieces, I found the center of the cut pieces and drilled a hole in each:
This allowed me to insert a dowel into each piece to help hold it together along with wood glue:
I also cut the straight piece across the bottom here (will end up being the top) and drilled new holes for the dowels for that piece as well:
I wood glued and clamped everything together:
Adding the shelf
The last part of turning this footboard into a shelf is to add the actual shelf.
For that, I used one of the side rails:
Once I unscrewed the support piece attached, I was left with a beautiful chunky piece of wood, perfect for my new shelf! If you’ve priced lumber lately, you understand what a prize this bedrail really is!
I cut it to size using my miter saw.
Then I used my Kreg Jig Jr to create a pocket hole in order to attach my new shelf. The Kreg Jig is perfect for connecting two pieces of wood!
I simply followed the instructions to set the right depth for my hole, clamped it to my shelf support, and used the included drill bit with my own drill:
After removing the Kreg Jig and clamp, you can see it left the perfect pocket hole behind:
Then, you just screw your screw down through the hole and into the piece you want to attach, which in this case, is my new shelf:
And here is what I ended up with:
I’m always so excited at this point that I actually built something!
Clean
I sanded any any rough areas smooth and then mixed up some White Lightning in order to prep it for paint:
Some prefer to mix it into a spray bottle and just spray it on, but I like to mix a fresh batch for each new piece. I just mix one TBSP of White Lightning with a 1/2 gallon of warm water.
I saved this Mr. Clean Sponge container which is the perfect size, and I just marked on the side where 1/2 gallon is for quick mixing.
The applicator pads work perfectly for cleaning, and you can use them again and again!
Wow this piece really needed to be cleaned! White Lightning is a deglosser also so gloves are recommended. And be sure to give your piece a final rinse by swapping out the water for clean water and giving it another once over.
BOSS
Because I got so much color from cleaning, I knew this piece would likely have bleed-through issues, so I decided to start with a coat of White BOSS to prevent that:
BOSS is also available in a clear formula and a gray as well. I let that dry overnight for best results.
Paint
The next morning, I gave it one coat of Cotton white which is a nice bright white:
I planned to really shabby this one up to make all those imperfections of time work for this piece, so I stuck with just one coat.
Then I sanded all over liberally with 220 grit sandpaper.
Seal and Protect
To seal, I used Best Dang Wax in clear. applying it with my Best Dang Brush:
A clean soft cloth was used to remove any excess wax and to buff.
I chose wax over the Clear Coat in Satin which I love also, because there are too many places for the Clear Coat to pool, so I just stuck with the wax.
Repurposed Spindle Headboard: The Big Reveal
Here is how this cute as can be spindle footboard became a shelf!
I just love how it turned out!
As you can see, I also added knobs for hanging.
These were ho hum unfinished knobs I had in my stash that I painted white and then embellished with these knob transfers from Redesign:
I just burnished them onto the surface like regular transfers:
They really turned these boring knobs into the perfect addition to this shelf!
Adding knobs also added more function to this sweet shelf…
Only adding one coat of paint over the BOSS made it super easy to shabby up…
I’m one step closer to officially completing my Mother’s Day Haul! I remain confident the Headboard will find its new purpose one day too!
Be sure to check out my friends’ trashy makeovers today too!
If you missed what happened to the rest of my Mother’s Day Haul pieces, you can see all the makeovers at the links below:
How to Paint an Antique Dresser
Painted Side Table
Antique Serpentine Dresser Makeover with Transfer
Drop Leaf Kitchen Table
Antique Night Table Makeover
Painted Antique Dresser
Antique Twin Bed Makeover
And for even more Trash-to-Treasure Inspiration, visit all of my Trash-to-Treasure Tuesday makeovers in one place HERE!
I’ll be back next with take two on this thrift store head board:
Update: See the second look I gave this $3 find HERE now!
Have a fantastic week!
XOXO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
I just love these turned pieces. You did a fantastic job upcycling it, Christy.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Larissa! I do too…so classic! XOXO
Babette says
Christy, I’m having a hard time finding where the entry is for the giveaway. I click the link and it takes me to the spindle bed you recently did but there isn’t an entry box. Hopefully I can find it later. Must be a broken link?
Christy says
Yes, it was my error…I’m so sorry about that. I hope you received the email with the corrected link, but if not, you can enter here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/dixie-belle-giveaway/ XOXO
Denise Cox says
Oh Christy, I LOVE this piece!!! And, for once, I DO have a perfect place for this either in my living room or bedroom. Wish I was there to buy it 😮💨. You should be quite proud of yourself…😚😃
Christy says
Aww thank you, Denise!! If only you were closer! XOXO
Christina says
Wow, you really blew my mind with this one Christy!! Your joinery is amazing!! This shelf really has some cheerful personality now! I love it!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Christina! I’m so thrilled it all came together! XOXO
Janice Holt says
The shelf turned out just perfect and adding the knobs set it off. Love how you always see one thing out of something else.
Christy says
Aww thank you, Janice! I really enjoyed this project and yes, the knobs with those tiny transfers really make it! XOXO
Mary King says
Love what it became. Has new life and new use. Went by your booth yesterday, did not see this piece. Perhaps not there yet or I missed. So happy to see your beautiful talent update my family memories.
Christy says
Oh I am so thrilled you love it, Mary! Thank you! It took me a bit, but I finally got to it! I will be dropping it off at my booth this week. I’ll drop you a quick email when I do, so you can check it out if you like. I am so appreciative of the opportunity to work on these family treasures! XOXO
Susan says
Wow! That turned out so stinkin’ cute!!!!
I would buy that! Maybe you can make some other cute stuff from the leftovers. I love those old spindly pieces!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Susan! I kept all the leftovers just in case ha ha! XOXO
Jackie C says
You never cease to amaze. I would have never thought of a shelf. I love it!
Christy says
You are the sweetest, Jackie! Thank you! XOXO
Cecilia says
Nice repurpose! Sometimes it just takes awhile before an idea happens. This one was worth the wait. 😊
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cecilia! Yes…it sure does and I’m so thrilled to have finally found a use for at least part of this set! XOXO
susan says
So, so cute! And what a great idea for the knobs! I’ll have to remember that 😉!
Christy says
Thank you, Susan! Yes…the plain knobs were not cute at all, but those tiny transfers did wonders! XOXO
Niki says
Very cute Christy. It’s too bad this spindle frame wasn’t in better shape but as always you made lemonade! See you Thursday!
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! I agree, but at least the condition of it did make it easier to chop it up ha ha! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
I cannot believe how that turned out, Christy! Another brilliant re-use of stuff you already had.
And you’ve inspired me to use a bunch of unfinished wood knobs that I’ve had forever. The tiny transfers are the perfect finishing touch.
Christy says
Thank you, Marcie! I’m so glad you like it! Yes…who knew those plain knobs could be so stinking cute? XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
What a GREAT save! I didn’t realize that the spindle footboard was in such bad shape. Salvaged at its best my friend! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, my friend! I’m so glad to finally have found a use for at least one of those pieces! XOXO
Jenni says
Yay! The spindle bed! I did remember this one was leftover from the mother’s day haul because I love spindles so much and was dying to know what creative way you would repurpose it. 😉 And you did not disappoint! It was worth the wait! The shelf is so cute 😍 I can’t wait to see what else you do with the rest of this gorgeous bed!
Christy says
Aww thank you, Jenni!! It took a while, but I finally found a purpose for it ha ha! Hopefully it won’t take that long to find something to do with the headboard now! XOXO
Leslie Smith says
The knobs really finish this perfectly! The joy is in those simple embellishments. You’re clever! And I bought some BOSS on your Etsy shop. Thank you!
Christy says
Thank you, Leslie! Who knew those knobs could be so cute and they really did finish this shelf off so nicely! And yay! You BOSS is on the way!! XOXO
Debra Hubbs says
I love this!
Christy says
Thank you, Debra! XOXO
Addie says
You tricked me!!!! I Always try to guess the outcome. My guess was a bench….wrong!!!! Clever as always.
Christy says
Oh ha ha! Had it been a bit shorter, it would most definitely would have become a bench! Thanks, Addie! XOXO
BlueHome says
I guessed wrong too! Or little bench seat (?)
Christy says
It would have made the cutest bench seat if I could have made it sturdy enough after cutting down! 🙂
Constance Colvin says
Maestro!
Christy says
Thank you, Connie!! XOXO
Becky says
SO cute! Amazing!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Becky!! XOXO
Rose Lefebvre says
Cute and very useful.
Christy says
Absolutely! Thank you, Rose! XOXO
Shannen Leigh says
Amazing! This transformation left me awestruck. I had to keep looking over the photos just to take it in. Thank you for sharing. I think you’re a genius.
Christy says
Aww I appreciate that so much, Shannen, and I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you!! XOXO
Kay says
Well done, and so creative, you are so inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Kay! I appreciate that! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
That turned out so pretty, Christy! 🙂 xoxo
Christy says
Thank you, Nancy! It felt so good to build something again! XOXO
Sandy says
It turned out beautiful. I can think of several rooms it could be used in.
Christy says
Thank you, Sandy! Absolutely! XOXO
Barbara says
You are a Unique Artist!
I have seen a lot of repurposed projects by
Numerous people over the years but; yours are very professionally done!!!!!!
Love this spindle shelf!
Thanks for sharing with us:)
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Barbara!! I appreciate that! XOXO
Gail says
Christy,
HELP!!! I must be blind, but I can’t find where to enter for the Dixie Bell paints, etc. BTW: I just love this makeover! You are so clever.
Thank you for your help!
Christy says
Hi Gail! Thank you! That was my fault as I linked it to the wrong post. Hopefully, you received an updated email with the correct link, but if not, you can enter here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/dixie-belle-giveaway/ Good luck! XOXO
Jill Guthrie says
You amaze me with your talents and inspiration!! I have never used Dixie Belle paint and would love to win and try it!! Thank you for all your great ideas…keep it up girl!!
Christy says
Aww thank you so much, Jill! Good luck! XOXO
Debbie says
Did I miss how to enter the Dixie Belle giveaway? I clicked on the link and it took me to your post that I read yesterday. I love Dixie Belle paint and have used it on several projects.
Christy says
Hi Debbie! That was my error. I hope your received the updated link, but if not, you can enter here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/dixie-belle-giveaway/ Good luck! XOXO
Victoria says
Knob transfers? This is my first time seeing this and I am in love 😍!! Such a small detail gave it so much life.
Christy says
Right?? They totally transformed those blah knobs lol! XOXO
Tracey A says
Good Morning!
I really love this and all of your creativity. Your little knobs are so cute. I am a very tentative crafter and just need to study your projects and jump in. The Dixie Belle product looks awesome too. You inspire me! Thank you for all of the fun things you post.
Christy says
Thank you so much, Tracey! Yes…find a piece you don’t care about so much to practice on and go for it! XOXO
Tracey A says
Great idea! Thank you!
Christy says
You’re welcome! Have fun! XO
Kathy Schroeder says
I’m the first to admit, I sometimes skim your posts to get to the end. But this spindle bed to a shelf? I had to follow it every step of the way to see what you were doing and how you were going to get there. Beautiful!
Christy says
Oh ha ha! Skimming is perfectly acceptable to get to the good stuff! I always include all the details just in case, and I am so glad you liked this one, Kathy! XOXO
Hannah Reyor says
I read everything and can’t find how to enter the give away. I’m feeling rather stupid. The post the link takes me to is Tuesday’s makeover.
Christy says
Hannah, that was totally my error as I linked the giveaway to Tuesday’s post by mistake. You should have received an updated email with the corrected link, but if not, you can get there here: https://www.confessionsofaserialdiyer.com/dixie-belle-giveaway/ Good luck! XOXO
Karolyn says
Love how this turned out!! You are so very talented…I love following your projects!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Karolyn!! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
Christy, this looks like it was always a charming antique shelf. Beautiful work, my friend! xo
Christy says
Thank you so much, Jen! I’m so happy to have found a use for part of that bed! XOXO
Cara says
I grew up with a bed just like this one, brought back some childhood memories… this is another lovely make-over by you yet AGAIN! I always love how you come up with these ideas. And thank for the video on stenciling. Do you know I have never stenciled like you showed before? I like the painted look much better too! Maybe one of these days I will actually try the things you show us on a piece I have laying around in need of some beauty.
Christy says
Thank you, Cara! How sweet! It is a beautiful bed! I like the painted look too when stenciling and this way has worked well! XOXO
Marietta says
Where is your booth? I have to stop by while we are traveling this summer and buy myself a little “sumptin purty”! 😉 You are so telented you should be signing and numbering all you works of art!!! Seriously, Name of shop, address, and booth number please.
Christy says
Thank you, Marietta! You are the sweetest!! You can find my booth at the Virginia Beach Antique Mall at 3900 Bonney Rd in Virginia Beach. My booth is along the back wall in a small room, opposite the front counter! I hope you get the chance to stop by! XOXO
Michele M. says
What a clever and so so cute transformation, Christy. It is truly adorable.
Christy says
Thank you, Michele! This was a fun one to work on! XOXO
Virginia says
WOW! Just WOW! I’m so addicted to watching you complete projects. I struggle with altering a piece to change its function. You make it look so easy. Keep the amazing projects coming!
Christy says
I love that so much, Virginia, thank you!! It can be daunting to cut something up…there is sometimes a little praying involved lol! XOXO
Susan Renaud says
Oh my this is so cute and I love your imagination at adding a shelf to it. When I look at a piece like this, I never think to cut it down. You give me inspiration. Thank you so much. I have learned about products from viewing your posts. I love using found items and have the urge to redo a buffet/hutch cupboard that I have previously painted black with yellow interior. Any ideas/hints on color would be welcome. I plan to keep it and pass it along to a relative later.
Christy says
Thank you!! I couldn’t unsee the “ladder” in the center and always thought it was destined to head in that direction. Glad I was able to look at it again with fresh eyes! Without knowing what space your cupboard will end up in, it’s hard to make suggestions, but I do always love a fresh white! XOXO
Kerryanne says
I absolutely adore your repurposing style Christy and this is another fabulous project…. I’d love it in my own home. If only we lived in the same country – lol.
Thank you for sharing this repurpose project at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week. I’m delighted to be featuring your spindle footboard turned in to a beautiful shelf at the party tonight and pinning too.
Hugs,
Kerryanne
Christy says
Thank you so much, Kerryanne!! I took it to my booth, but I’ve been thinking about going back and getting it lol! The feature is always so appreciated, my friend!! XOXO
Julia says
I have this EXACT BED! Head and foot board. This is exactly what I needed. Thanks!
Christy says
Oh awesome! It’s a beauty! XOXO