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 2x6 into squared off pieces, which makes them about 1 ½ by 1 ½. You can buy 2x2’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
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Natalie
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.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Yay! that sounds like a great project Natalie. I'd love to see it when you're done.
gail
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
(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!!!!!!!!!!
Cynthia - Clockwork Interiors
That ladder would be perfect in a guest room for towels, extra blankets, magazines, etc. Love it!
Jill S.
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?
Jill S.
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?
Diane
That would make a perfect scarf rack in my dressing room, love it!
Patricia
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
Rosellen Ralph
This ladder looks great!
Mindi
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! 🙂
Pam
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.
Tracy@www.bluridgevintage.com
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.