Spindle ornaments out of repurposed chess pieces? YES! I have had these old wooden chess pieces for probably 10 years or more. If you’re a regular around here, you know I love spindle projects.
Repurposed Chess Pieces
That’s right, these guys have been waiting around for their perfect repurpose into spindle ornaments. I was going camping, and knew that this would be the perfect project to work on.
My first step was to match up pieces that I thought would work well together.
NOTE: Some of the pieces held felt on their base, I soaked them in water briefly and the felt came right off.
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When I made my last crafting while camping project I used a regular glue gun with a battery inverter. But, I just ordered this Ryobi Glue Gun on Amazon and I’m in love with it!
Use the hot glue gun to attach the pieces together. You can see the first one is already done on the picnic tablecloth.
Paint Spindle Ornaments
I really liked the darker chess pieces, but was not a fan of the lighter ones, so I painted them with a white base coat.
After applying blue chalky finish paint, I used a paper towel to remove some of the paint to allow the white to show through.
As I was testing out colors, I placed them on a plate to take a look. Which is your favorite?
Crafting While Camping
I opted to work on the “patio” of my campsite using my T.V. tray table I redid a few months ago.
While I was waiting for the colorful spindle ornaments to dry, I assembled more light colored chess pieces and painted them black.
If you camp, you may know that filling your tanks with unnecessary water can bring trouble. I’ve been using this fish cleaning table all summer for outdoor cleaning. It’s great for washing hands and dishes. I’ve also used it at home in the backyard for get togethers during his awful Covid 19. Wouldn’t it be great for potting plants too?
So, long story short, it’s where I cleaned up all my paint brushes and messy hands.
Paint & Glitter Spindle Ornaments
After the black chess pieces dried, I added several light coats of red glitter paint. The paint is clear, so you only see the red glitter. Perhaps it would be better OVER red paint?
But seriously, the look really is growing on me.
See? Aren’t the red glitter spindle ornaments pretty?
Seal With Mode Podge
Back at home, I wasn’t really thrilled with the sheen of the ornaments. I felt they needed just a little shine. Out came the Mod Podge. I need to start taking it with me if I’m going to craft while camping.
Don’t you think they look better with the mod podge applied? It’s still a little wet in this image.
Add Screw Eyes for Hanging
The red glitter pieces were shiny enough, no mod podge needed. It’s time to add screw eyes for hanging. Needle nosed pliers helped get the screw eyes started in the end of the spindle ornaments. These are so tiny--I bought them years ago for another project and never used them because they were too small.
I grabbed a fork to finish turning the screw eye into the spindle.
Christmas Spindle Ornaments—Jute or Twine?
These are the two options I had for hanging the Christmas Spindle Ornaments. I chose to use the jute (right) on the colorful ornaments, and the other twine for the glitter ones.
Spindle Ornaments Made From Chess Pieces
My goal was to make the spindle ornaments look old, I think I pulled it off, don't you?
Do you like the variety? Or maybe you like the glitter red ornaments better?
I'm really starting to love crafty Fridays! I use to stress out when I had to do glue gun projects--but as I get older, I'm loving them!
gail
I was inspired by the following:
Ornaments Made From Spindles Lolly Jane
Repurposed Mug Tree Ornaments Sadie Seasongoods
Repurposed Table Legs Repurposing Junkie
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.
Laurie L Kearnes
I love these!!!! I'd never have thought of it myself. I really, really like the black ones with the red glitter paint. You're amazing, Gail!
Gail Wilson
Thank you soooo much Laurie! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
gail
Shirley
I donāt know how I missed these before the holidays but I sure am glad I found them now. Iāve been racking my brain trying to figure out stuff to use for just this purpose and you did it! Congrats and thank you! Unfortunately the only sets I have are glass but they just might work too so Iām going to give it a try. So cool!
Gail Wilson
Awesome Shirley, like they say, better late than never! Have fun with your project!
gail
Kathy A
What a great idea! Rustic Christmas ornaments are beginning to grow on me--especially teamed with jute and buffalo plaid! I use some of the chess pieces for dollhouse table bases, lamps, etc. I destructed a magazine rack a while back with great spindles, had SO saw the spindles in half and and will eventually paint them to look like carrots (Lora B's idea I think). Prob not till after Christmas at the rate I am going! The ends became placques with small wreathes on them!
Gail Wilson
How clever to use chess pieces for furniture items in a dollhouse! I love it when people think so far outside the box!!!
gail
Catherine
Ilovethe ideas. I got the Ryobi glue gun a few months ago and love it too! Was a great investment for my crafting.
girlfromwva
such a cool idea! i will be on the look-out at the thrift store for chess pieces!
Diane Blake
It's been a while since I've been on Blogger. Found your posts and they never fail to inspire me. Thanks!
Sarah Ramberg
Ok, these are BRILLIANT, Gail!! What a fantastic idea!
Gail Wilson
Awww, coming from YOU, that means a lot Sarah! I guess you got the notification of a linkback? š
thanks for hopping over!
gail