I have a bunch of spindles and lots of scrap wood, so I decided it was time to do an easy DIY blanket ladder project. If you have a few spindles laying around, you can make one too!
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Using a drill guide will help you find the right size drill bit.
I ripped a 2×6 into squared off pieces, which makes them about 1 1/2 by 1 1/2. You can buy 2×2’s at The Home Depot. I clamped them together and drilled all the way through both boards at the same time. TIP: Using a scrap piece of wood underneath while you drill will help prevent splintering where the drill bit exits on the bottom board.
You can see the hole is pretty clean.
I used Gorilla Wood Glue to secure the dowel ends of the spindles.
There’s no secret tip to getting the dowels in and lined up. I struggled with this step slightly, wishing I had an extra pair of hands to help out. (ignore the mess in the shop, particularly all those cable wires. I was having an issue getting the t.v. to work.
After that, I clamped the blanket ladder and checked for square, then left it alone to let the glue set.
I mixed up some diy chalky paint with some gray oops paint.
I used Heirloom Traditions clear wax to give a nice seal for the chalky paint.
This blanket ladder is a little large, here’s a smaller version I made for my craft show displays.
DIY Blanket Ladder
It’s a little on the wide side, but I think that makes it great to hold larger blankets. It could even be used in a bathroom or guest room.
I have a LOT of spindles left, any ideas what else I should do with them?
gail
I’ve been wanting a short section of ladder to hang horizontally over my laundry folding cabinet in my laundry room to hang up clothes to dry. This would be perfect! I have an old Jenny Lind baby bed that was given to me. I think I’ll make a ladder and hang it from chain attached to hooks in the ceiling. Great idea! Thanks for the inspiration.
Yay! that sounds like a great project Natalie. I’d love to see it when you’re done.
gail
(I’m way behind on my blog reading) That “ladder” is great! But I really must comment on your beautiful photo, the wall, the floor, etc. Fabulously displayed!!!!!!!!!!
That ladder would be perfect in a guest room for towels, extra blankets, magazines, etc. Love it!
For some of your other spindles, could you drill down into center and glue in a section of metal rod to make some fancy roasting sticks (for hot dogs or marshmallows)? Could you use portions of the spindles for the bars on a doll-size crib?
For some of your other spindles, could you drill down into center and glue in a section of metal rod to make some fancy roasting sticks (for hot dogs or marshmallows? Maybe cut down the spindles for the bars on a doll-size crib?
That would make a perfect scarf rack in my dressing room, love it!
That’s so cute Gail.
I like the tip about the extra board on the underside while drilling holes to prevent splintering! Good one!
I like the color you chose and all your background props…floor and wall!
Hey! I also LOVE your new photo on the side of your blog!
You look great!
😉 Patricia
This ladder looks great!
So cute, I have been wanting to make a ladder, such a great idea to use the spindles! By the way, your shop looks way better than my shed! 🙂
Love it….so simple yet so much needed at my house! Trying to figure out a place to store my throws and stuff for the summer! Fantastic job.
Gail, you are one smart cookie!!! That is an awesome way to create and reuse spare and loose items around the shop. I love it.