I was inspired by Susan’s faux ladder, and I knew I just had to make one to use as a craft display.
How to make a Ladder for Craft Display
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How to use crib spindles
I raided my stash of spindles, and purchased some 1x2’s from The Home Depot.
I need to drill holes in my 1x2’s, so I use this handy dandy gauge to see what size the spindle ends are.
Clamp ladder sides together
I clamped the two sides together so the rungs will match up on each side. Drilling through both boards was really tough on my bum shoulder. It hurt really bad that night, but it’s feeling better now.
Wood glue secures spindles
To hold the rungs in place, I reached for my favorite Gorilla Wood Glue.
I glued all the rungs in place, and then proceeded to put the other side piece on top of all the rungs.
tap, tap, tap with my rubber mallet
voila! we have a craft display ladder!
Paint DIY Ladder used for Craft Display
I wanted to use my Tricycle Red from MMS (Milk Paint), but I already know how it reacts to the new lumber, so I put a quick coat of dark walnut spray paint on the ladder.
It’s a really pretty color, don’t you think?
You can see how bright the red paint looks when it is first applied.
It quickly changes to THE best shade of red!
You can see that mine is quite different from the inspiration piece from Susan, very tall!
This is my third display piece using this color. Did you see my vintage screen door, and the tri-fold piece, both made with chicken wire?
I just love the way my rustic signs look against this red.
I found some hooks in my hardware stash that work perfectly to hold the signs.
It's a great idea to have many different craft display options when you're selling in a booth.
Here’s a recap of the others, which is your favorite?
Ladder? Tri-fold? Vintage Screen door?
gail
see more bits and pieces projects here
Sharing here:
Jennie
Well I don’t know how I missed this project, how adorable. It would be so cute with frames hanging from the rungs with family photos. Always trying to display photos. I wish we still had old cribs here. For a few years in the 2000s there was a wonderful group that was giving a safe crib if you turned in an old crib.
Gail Wilson
That's a great idea Jennie to use this ladder as a photo display. Maybe I should make another one. 🙂 I sure have enough spindles!
This one found a new home with my good friend and she's using it to display jewelry and scarves.
gail
Linda at Mixed Kreations
I love this idea! I have been wanting a ladder for my afghans, and was going to make one out of some branches that I have been saving, but I think that I like this idea better and would be a lot easier to make and I have a basket of wooden spindles. They don't all match but that won't matter. Thanks for sharing!
Gail Wilson
Ohhh, Linda! I think it's better that the spindles don't match! 🙂 So happy you found this idea helpful.
gail
Tina W
I absolutely love this - now I just need to find some spindles!
Becky
Love this and I am so going to copy it! The drilling through both boards at one time is brilliant, I was wondering how you got the holes so precise!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
That's why we do tutorials, right Becky? To help our friends learn new tips and tidbits! I'm actually about to make a couple of more, so I'll be referring to my own tutorial. 🙂
LaVelle Nott
When I saw the post that said you had buckets of spindles I really sat up and took notice. You see, I knit and spin, so to me spindles has a very different meaning. 🙂
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
There you go again with bits and pieces ... of course you have a spindle stash! Love your ladder Gail!
Laurel Stephens
Gail, your show display is going to look so good! I hope you take lots of photos of it all put together. I think your display pieces show off your rustic signs perfectly. I'm loving this ladder and picturing it with a flowering vine climbing up it in my garden. Must watch out for spindles! Thanks!
Mimi
I love the spindles as rungs. Much cuter than plan dowels. Also love that red!
Tuula @ The Thrifty Rebel
Love the ladder and what great reuse of those spindles. The colour is fabulous! I can see this being used in so many ways.
Holly
I love it. A great look for displaying your signs. Funny, I just used dark walnut spray paint on a bench I made. A great use for those spindles! I made one for my studio to hold pip berry garland. Maybe you should make one for your kitchen. By the way, you should look into getting a drill press...it would be so much easier on your shoulder.
Vicky Hunt
I love the ladder! So pretty...and what a great way to display your signs. It would be pretty to hang vintage linens such as tablecloths on as well! Nice job!
Blessings, Vicky
Life On Willie Mae Lane
Carrie
Now THAT is super clever! Great job!
Beverly
What a great way to display your signs. It looks fantastic. And, I like that you used your spindle stash. Thank you for sharing.
cassie
what a great idea with those spindles! and red makes everything better! 🙂
Ruth
They all look great , love the screen door best. Red is one of my favorite colors slso....
Laura / The Shed blog by Pet Scribbles
Love your (faux) ladder, Gail! Pinning!
Cynthia @ A Button Tufted Life...
Someone took their clever pills today! I love this project! So creative and the red was a great choice!
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
lol clever pills! that got a chuckle out of me. I was inspired to copy Susan's ladder. I'm in love with RED these days. 🙂 Thanks Cynthia for your comment!
Mindi
I love it Gail! It is seriously so cute, especially with the rustic signs! You are awesome!! I hope your shoulder feels better quick!
Pat
That looks pretty simple. I'm sure it did aggravate that shoulder. Hope it continues to improve and not hurt.
The ladder is so cute, I think it will make a lovely display at your booth!
Great tip on the MMS paint...didn't know that about the new wood.
Patricia
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
Thank you all very much! This was a fun, and mostly easy (except for the shoulder) project!
Tammy
This is so Cute! What a wonderful idea.
Korrie@RedHenHome
Love that you were able to re-use spindles! No favorite here; they all look great.
Terri
Very cool...I love all your displays!
Margaret
I really like them all - I love repurposing and red is my absolute favorite color!
Paige @ Little Nostalgia
Totally cute. Too bad you don't live near me, otherwise I would totally buy all of my displays from you.
katie
Oh Gail... this is awesome and uber creative!
Amy Renea
SO smart - I absolutely love it! ...and to go from a basic ladder to the wedding signs? Just genius! Now give that shoulder some REST!