Old wooden spindles might seem like junk at first glance, but give them a second look, you’re holding a goldmine of DIY potential.
Whether they’re salvaged from a broken chair or rescued from a flea market, these beautifully turned pieces can be transformed into striking home decor, whimsical garden art, or rustic seasonal crafts.
In this collection, you’ll find 20 wooden spindle projects that are equal parts clever, charming, and surprisingly easy to recreate. Some are practical, others purely decorative, but all breathe new life into forgotten materials.
#1. DIY Spindle Snowmen
The vibrant colors on repurposed spindles paired with wooden beads create a cheerful outdoor melody.
Materials Needed
- 8 wooden spindles
- White paint (1 small can, 8 oz)
- Orange and black paint (1 oz each)
- 8 red fabric scraps (12×2 inches)
- 8 brown felt hats (3 inches wide)
- Hot glue gun and sticks
- Paintbrush (1-inch wide)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Paint the spindles white, applying two coats and letting dry for 1 hour per coat.
Step 2: Paint orange carrot noses and black dot eyes and buttons on each spindle, letting dry for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Glue a brown felt hat to the top of each spindle and tie a red fabric scrap around as a scarf.
#2. DIY Spindle Birdhouse Welcome Posts
Whether you line them along your porch, gift one to a neighbor, or brighten up your garden path, these posts add cheerful charm wherever they go.
Materials Needed:
- Wooden spindles (approx. 24–30″ tall)
- Scrap wood
- Small clay/plastic flower pots
- Paint (various bright shades) + brushes
- Hot glue gun and wood glue
- Faux moss
- Wooden hearts
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Paint each spindle and wood pieces in your favorite bold colors. Let dry.
Step 2: Assemble the birdhouse top: glue two angled wood pieces for the roof and attach a flat painted front with decorative holes.
Step 3: Attach the birdhouse to the top of the spindle using wood glue or screws.
Step 4: Fill flower pots with foam or weight, then cover with faux moss. Insert the spindle and secure. Add flowers, tie a welcome sign.
#3. DIY Spindle Christmas Ornaments
These DIY spindle Christmas ornaments add a festive, handmade flair to my tree.
Materials Needed
- 4 wooden spindles (6 inches long)
- Yarn (red, green, silver, 1 skein each)
- Hot glue gun and sticks
- Paint (gold, silver, red, 1 oz each)
- Paintbrush (1-inch wide)
- 4 string (6 inches each)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Paint the bottom of each spindle in gold, silver, or red, applying one coat and letting dry for 1 hour.
Step 2: Wrap yarn around the spindle in a spiral pattern, securing the start and end with hot glue.
Step 3: Tie a string loop to the top of each spindle for hanging, knotting securely.
#4. DIY Spindle Wind Chime
This project cost me around $10-$15 using salvaged materials, and it adds a playful, handmade touch to my garden.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden plank (12 inches long, 2 inches wide)
- 6 wooden spindles (10 inches long)
- Acrylic paint (6 colors, 1 oz each)
- Wooden beads (30, 0.5-inch diameter)
- Strong string or fishing line (10 feet)
- Drill with small bit
- Paintbrush (1, 1-inch wide)
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Paint each spindle a different color with the paintbrush, applying two coats and letting dry for 1 hour per coat.
Step 2: Drill a small hole through the top of each spindle and the center of the wooden plank.
Step 3: Cut string into 6 pieces (18 inches each). Thread beads onto each string, then tie one end to a spindle and the other to the plank, spacing evenly.
#5. DIY Garden Spindle Decorations
These hand-painted spindles bring such a cheerful garden vibe! I’d love to scatter these around my patio, making it feel like a whimsical, colorful retreat.
Materials Needed:
- 6-8 assorted wooden spindles
- Acrylic craft paints (various colors for bases and details)
- Assorted paint brushes
- 1 can outdoor-grade clear protective sealer
- Optional: Small decorative bird figurines, plus strong adhesive
- Medium and fine-grit sandpaper
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Clean and lightly sand each spindle; wipe away dust.
Step 2: Apply 2-3 thin coats of chosen base colors, letting each dry.
Step 3: Paint floral and botanical designs using fine brushes.
Step 4: Once dry, apply 2-3 coats of protective sealer. Attach optional embellishments after sealer dries.
#6. DIY Spindle Welcome Signpost
This project gave me major cozy inn vibes, perfect for fall decorating or adding personality to a front porch.
Materials Needed:
- 1 large wooden spindle (approx. 3–4 feet tall)
- 2 wood planks (approx. 12″ × 6″)
- 1 crosspiece (12–18″ long)
- Green paint (or any color of choice) + clear sealant
- Stencils and black acrylic paint
- Screws, eye hooks, small chains
- Faux leaves (optional)
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Paint the spindle and all wooden pieces in your chosen color. Let dry fully.
Step 2: Use stencils and black paint to add your custom wording on the hanging planks. Allow to dry.
Step 3: Screw the crosspiece horizontally near the top of the spindle. Attach eye hooks and chains to hang the signs.
Step 4: Add faux leaves or seasonal embellishments using hot glue or twist ties, then seal everything with a weather-resistant clear coat.
#7. DIY Spindle Side Table
I’m thrilled with this DIY spindle side table as it adds a charming, rustic touch to my living room!
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden spindle (18 inches long)
- 1 round wooden top (12 inches diameter)
- Green paint
- Sandpaper (medium-grit)
- Wood glue ( 2 oz)
- 4 screws (1.5 inches long)
- Screwdriver or drill
- Paintbrush (1-inch wide)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sand the spindle and wooden top with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth surfaces, then wipe clean.
Step 2: Paint the spindle and top with green paint, applying two coats and letting dry for 1 hour per coat.
Step 3: Attach the spindle to the center of the wooden top using wood glue and secure with screws using a screwdriver or drill.
#8. DIY Spindle Coat Rack
Repurposing an old headboard with spindles and adding hooks for towels is really cheap, and the whitewashed finish blends perfectly with my decor.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden headboard with spindles (24 inches wide)
- White paint (1 small can, 8 oz)
- 4 metal hooks (1.5 inches)
- Sandpaper (medium-grit)
- 4 screws (1 inch long)
- Screwdriver
- Paintbrush (1-inch wide)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sand the headboard with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth surfaces, then wipe clean.
Step 2: Paint the headboard white with the paintbrush, applying two coats and letting dry for 1 hour per coat.
Step 3: Attach the metal hooks to the front of the headboard with screws using a screwdriver or drill, spacing evenly.
#9. DIY Junk Tree
Using salvaged wooden pieces and a star topper, this project creates a Christmas tree for festive decor.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden backboard (18×6 inches)
- 12 assorted spindles and wood pieces (6-10 inches long)
- Gold star topper (3 inches wide)
- Red base piece (4×2 inches)
- Hot glue gun and sticks (1 pack)
- Sandpaper (medium-grit)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sand the backboard, spindles, and base piece with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth surfaces, then wipe clean.
Step 2: Arrange the spindles and wood pieces in a tree shape on the backboard, varying sizes and angles.
Step 3: Glue the pieces to the backboard with hot glue, starting from the bottom and working up, then attach the red base.
Step 4: Glue the gold star topper at the top and let the glue set for 30 minutes before displaying.
#10. DIY Vintage Spindle Shelf
This gorgeous spindle shelf looks like it walked straight out of a cozy antique shop but it’s actually a budget-friendly DIY you can make at home.
Materials Needed:
- 5 wooden boards (approx. 28” wide x 10” deep each)
- 16 stair spindles (18” to 24” tall)
- 1 decorative wooden applique (optional)
- Wood screws (1.5” to 2”)
- Wood glue
- Measuring tape
- Power drill
- Sandpaper
- Chalk paint (vintage green, teal, or color of your choice)
- Clear wax
- Clamps (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Sand all spindle and shelf pieces thoroughly to remove rough edges, paint, or dirt. Wipe clean with a dry cloth.
Step 2: Measure and mark four evenly spaced spindle positions on the underside of each shelf. Drill pilot holes at those marks and on the ends of the spindles.
Step 3: Start assembling from the bottom shelf up. Apply wood glue to the ends of each spindle and screw them into place. Stack the next shelf on top.
Step 4: Paint the entire shelf with chalk paint and let it dry completely. Lightly distress the edges using sandpaper for a vintage look, then finish with a coat of wax to seal and protect.
#11. DIY Spindle Veggie Wreath
Turning old spindles into colorful veggies like carrots and beets, paired with a rustic twig wreath, feels like a fun outdoor art piece.
Materials Needed
- 1 twig wreath (12 inches diameter)
- 3 wooden spindles (10 inches long)
- Acrylic paint (orange, purple, beige, 1 oz each)
- 6 Artificial leaves and ferns
- Moss (1 small bag, 2 oz)
- Hot glue gun and sticks
- Paintbrush (1-inch wide)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Paint each spindle a different color (orange for carrot, purple for beet, beige for turnip) with two coats, letting dry for 1 hour per coat.
Step 2: Attach moss to the top of each spindle with hot glue to mimic veggie tops, then glue artificial leaves and ferns for detail.
Step 3: Secure the painted spindles to the twig wreath with hot glue, spacing them evenly around the circle.
#12. DIY Spindle Flag Holders
I love the patriotic vibe of these DIY spindle flag holders, perfect for celebrating Independence Day!
Materials Needed
- 2 wooden spindles (12 inches long)
- 2 small American flags (6×4 inches)
- 2 metal springs (4 inches long)
- White paint (1 small can, 4 oz)
- Hot glue gun and sticks
- Sandpaper (medium-grit)
- Paintbrush (1-inch wide)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sand the spindles with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth surfaces, then wipe clean.
Step 2: Paint the spindles white with the paintbrush, applying two coats and letting dry for 1 hour per coat.
Step 3: Attach a metal spring to the base of each spindle with hot glue, then secure a flag to the top.
#13. DIY Wooden Spindle Dragonfly Wall Art
This rustic dragonfly wall piece instantly brings character and charm to any porch or garden wall.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden spindle (approx. 24–30 inches long)
- 4 corrugated metal pieces (about 12–15 inches long each)
- 2 small rusty bolts
- 2 flexible black wires (about 10 inches each)
- Rust spray paint
- 8 screws
- Drill with metal bit
- Mounting hook
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Sand down the wooden spindle to remove rough edges, but keep some of the original wear to preserve character.
Step 2: Cut the corrugated metal into four rounded wing shapes. You can use tin snips for this. Smooth any sharp edges with a metal file.
Step 3: Use screws or rivets to attach the wings to the back of the spindle, two on each side. Offset them slightly for a more lifelike appearance.
Step 4: Attach two bolts or knobs to the top front end of the spindle to act as eyes. Then twist and curl your black wires into antennae shapes and insert or glue them behind the eyes.
#14. DIY Spindle Harvest Basket
You’ll feel excited about this DIY spindle harvest basket as it brings a warm, autumnal feel to your home!
Materials Needed
- 1 woven basket (12 inches diameter)
- 4 wooden spindles (10 inches long)
- Yellow raffia (4 bunches, 12 inches each)
- Green paint (1 small can, 4 oz)
- Hot glue gun and sticks
- Paintbrush (1-inch wide)
- Decorative gourd (6-8 inches)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Paint the spindles green, applying one coat and letting dry for 1 hour.
Step 2: Glue yellow raffia to the top of each spindle with hot glue to mimic corn tassels.
Step 3: Arrange the spindles in the basket and secure with hot glue around the rim.
#15. DIY Spindle Table
The elegant black spindles paired with a rustic wooden frame give it a vintage outdoor vibe.
Materials Needed
- 4 wooden spindles (18 inches long)
- 1 wooden frame (24×12 inches)
- 12 wood screws (2 inches long)
- Sandpaper (medium-grit)
- Black paint (1 small can, 8 oz)
- Paintbrush (1-inch wide)
- Screwdriver
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sand the wooden frame and spindles with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth surfaces. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth.
Step 2: Paint the spindles black with the paintbrush, applying two coats and letting each dry for 1 hour.
Step 3: Attach the spindles to the underside corners of the wooden frame using wood screws and a screwdriver or drill, ensuring they stand upright.
#16. DIY Spindle Christmas Tree Display
Using salvaged spindles as bases for mini trees, adorned with snow and berries, this project adds a rustic holiday charm.
Materials Needed
- 4 wooden spindles (10 inches long)
- 4 mini artificial trees (6-8 inches tall)
- Faux snow spray ( 6 oz)
- 4 red berry picks
- Hot glue gun and sticks
- Pinecones (optional, 4-6 pieces)
- Sandpaper (medium-grit)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sand the spindles with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth surfaces, then wipe clean.
Step 2: Spray the mini trees with faux snow spray and let dry for 30 minutes. Add red berry picks to the bases.
Step 3: Attach each tree to a spindle top with hot glue, pressing firmly for 20 seconds.
#17. DIY Spindle Candle Holder
I’m delighted with this DIY spindle candle holder set, it adds a serene, rustic elegance to my coffee table!
Materials Needed
- 3 wooden spindles (12 inches long)
- White paint (1 small can, 8 oz)
- 3 pillar candles (3 inches diameter, 6 inches tall)
- Hot glue gun and sticks
- Sandpaper (medium-grit)
- Paintbrush (1-inch wide)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sand the spindles with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth surfaces, then wipe clean.
Step 2: Paint the spindles white, applying two coats and letting dry for 1 hour per coat.
Step 3: Glue each candle to the top of a spindle with hot glue, pressing firmly for 20 secon
#18. DIY Spindle Firework Decorations
Using old spindles painted in red, white, and blue with festive streamers, this project feels timely with June 10, 2025, approaching the Fourth of July vibe.
Materials Needed
- 3 wooden spindles (10 inches long)
- Red, white, and blue paint (1 oz each)
- Glitter spray (1 small can, 4 oz)
- Streamers (red, white, blue, 3 packs)
- Hot glue gun and sticks
- Paintbrush (1-inch wide)
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Paint each spindle with red, white, or blue paint, adding polka dots with a contrasting color, and let dry for 1 hour.
Step 2: Spray the top of each spindle with glitter spray and let dry for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Cut streamers into 12-inch lengths, then glue them to the top of each spindle with hot glue to mimic fireworks.
#19. DIY Spindle Holiday Swag
You can repurpose painted spindles with greenery and ribbons, it will be perfect for holiday planning.
Materials Needed
- 3 wooden spindles (10 inches long)
- Red paint with gold accents (1 small can, 8 oz)
- Green ribbon (3 yards)
- Artificial greenery and berries
- Hot glue gun and sticks
- Paintbrush (1-inch wide)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Paint the spindles red with gold accents, applying two coats and letting dry for 1 hour per coat.
Step 2: Arrange the spindles in a triangular formation and secure them with hot glue.
Step 3: Glue artificial greenery and berries around the spindles, then tie with green ribbon into a bow.
#20. DIY Spindle Jewelry Organizer
This organizer will help store your treasures, it repurposes a spindle and an old board with thread spools.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden board (24×4 inches)
- 1 wooden spindle (12 inches)
- 6 thread spools (2 inches diameter)
- White paint (1 small can, 8 oz)
- 6 screws (1 inch long)
- Screwdriver
- Paintbrush (1-inch wide)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Paint the board and spindle white, applying two coats and letting dry for 1 hour per coat.
Step 2: Attach the thread spools to the board with screws using a screwdriver or drill, spacing evenly.
Step 3: Secure the spindle to the board as a base with screws, ensuring stability.
Step 4: Let the paint cure for 24 hours, then hang the board and place jewelry on the spools and spindle.
