One of my favorite things to do is take unwanteds and give them new purpose. You can imagine my excitement when I got to hook up with several of my favorite DIY bloggers to bring you Trash to Treasure Transformations. Yay! It's a monthly challenge to see what thrifted or yard sale finds we choose to give new life. I'm all about some farmhouse decor. mmmm.... Trash to Treasure Transformations by 5 Awesome DIY Bloggers I know you're going to love this series! Let me show you what I chose to work with. Rusty objects are somewhat of an addiction for me, and when I had a chance to snatch up a box of farmhouse tools, insulators, and what-nots, I jumped on it. Old Farmhouse Tools Perfect for Upcycle | prodigalpieces.com Any guesses as to what these are? I know you see a piece of chain, but do you know what the hooks are for? They are hay bale hooks - a farmer would have one in each hand and grab up a hay bale with them and stack or load the bails in a much easier fashion. Pretty cool, huh? That round piece with holes in it is a bit of a mystery to me. It's embossed with a serial number and I believe was part of a tractor.

PROJECT 1

So, what would you do with this rusty goodness? First, I dug into my stash of reclaimed wood and pulled out some pieces that I thought would suit my project. Chippy Barn Wood for Reclaimed Candle Sconce | prodigalpieces.com No cutting, sanding, or any prep, just straight from the stash. Also, isn't the patina gorgeous? Reclaimed Barn Wood for Upcycling Farmhouse Tools | prodigalpieces.com With that small round piece, I immediately thought it looked like a candle holder, so that's what it became! Rustic Candle Sconce from Farmhouse Tools | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Can't get much more simple than that. tsk. I love its sweet rustic touch to my decor. Likewise, it makes me sing a favorite childhood Bible song, "This little light of mine..." Farmhouse Tools Upcycled into Candle Sconce by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

PROJECT 2 & 3

Next, the hay bale hooks, it wasn't hard to choose what to do with them. They're hooks, so they'll be used to hang something. Check it out.... Drilling Hay Bay Hook to Board | prodigalpieces.com First, I use a conduit strap to mount it to the board, and then wanted to make a vase out of a canning jar. Everyone has a bent paperboard pants hanger in their closet (if you don't, you're my idol), and I can imagine most of you have a canning jar too. Wire Hanger & Ball Jar | prodigalpieces.com Then, to make a jar hanger, just slip off that paperboard sleeve of the hanger, and you'll see the end should look like this... Bending Wire Hanger for Farmhouse Tools | prodigalpieces.com Last, take the separated hanger and straddle it around the canning jar. Wrapping Wire around Ball Jar | prodigalpieces.com Criss-cross the ends and wrap it back toward the hook end of the hanger, and connect it to itself. Making Hook for Ball Jar | Farmhouse Tools Upcycle | prodigalpieces.com Bend up the hook of the hanger, and squeeze the hook closed. (I hadn't closed mine yet in this picture)Wire Hook Hanger for Ball Jar | prodigalpieces.com Now we can hang up our wall decor and create endless displays.

THE REVEALS

This hook has that bit of chain on it to create more texture. Farmhouse Tools Hay Bale Hook Sconce by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces I know that Queen Anne's Lace is considered a weed, but to me it's nature's lace. Sooo beautiful! Queen Anne's Lace in Farmhouse Tools Sconce by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces See how the jar is hung? Simple, rustic, perfect. If you're loving my shutters, you can get the DIY tutorial HERE. Rustic Farmhouse Tools Barn Wood Sconce by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

ONE MORE

As for the other hay bale hook, it too became a wall vase hanging filled with summertime flowers from my yard. Flowers in Farmhouse Tools Sconce by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces My 9 year-old said she could have flowers hanging like that everywhere. ♥ Wild Flowers in Rustic Sconce by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces In addition, these wall hanging are so versatile...they can hang candles, pictures, teacups, coats, towels, and even be a bird feeder too. Endless possibilities. Hay Bale Farmhouse Tools Bird Feeder by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces With that in mind, I also adore the stars found in apples. God is an amazing creator. Apple Core Bird Feeder | prodigalpieces.com Finally, I hope you've enjoyed my rustic creations. If you would like to purchase any or all of them, they are available in my shop. (that is if I don't decide to keep them...hee hee hee)

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

SHARE

Additionally, pin and share this farmhouse decor to inspire others! (head below for more eye-candy!) Rusty old farmhouse tools are perfect paired with reclaimed barn wood to make functional decor. Just grab a hanger, Ball jar, and a DIY attitude. by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time! blog signature Now, don't head off just yet, I know you're going to love what these ladies have done with these thrifted finds. Click on each picture for some amazing inspiration!!

Confessions of a Serial Do-It-Yourselfer                                    Artsy Chicks Rule

Trash to Treasure Transformations by 5 Awesome DIY Bloggers

Girl in the Garage                                         Bless'er House

Trash to Treasure Transformations by 5 Awesome DIY Bloggers

Likewise, I think you'll enjoy these farmhouse projects too!

Build A Farmhouse Bench for Less than $20 - DIY Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com prodigalpiecesOutdated 1980's Dining Set Gets Farmhouse Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces    



Paula@SweetPea

Shared publicly - 2015-08-11 06:20:41

You are so clever, Larissa! These are great ways to both use and display old tools that most people would never give a second glance.

Susan Homeroad

Shared publicly - 2015-08-11 07:13:41

Larissa I love using old tools like this... my favorite is whatever that rusty thing is that you made into a candle holder... beautiful and right up my alley! :)

Christy @Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer

Shared publicly - 2015-08-11 08:03:20

You are so clever, Larissa! Love them all, but the candle holder is my favorite! Will you keep these or sell them? XO

Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule

Shared publicly - 2015-08-11 08:30:51

Wow, that is soooo creative Larissa!!! I love what you did when them. The flowers are my favorite! :) xo Nancy

Lauren @BlesserHouse

Shared publicly - 2015-08-11 09:41:20

A-dorable, Larissa! I would have bought these somewhere like Antique Farmhouse. I can't believe you made them! Just beautiful.

Barbara

Shared publicly - 2015-08-11 10:28:20

I have a couple of very old farm implements that my dad reclaimed from his childhood farm years ago when we went to visit family (he found them in weeds along the cow path' I've been hanging on to them as a tribute to him without knowing what I could do to make them part of our present day life. Now one hangs from a window latch in our sunporch, but since I've seen what you can do, I'm fixing it to the kitchen wall to use as a towel hook. The other few will have to wait until inspiration strikes, but you've helped the process along. I love having vintage things from our family past to enhance our home and keep us connected with previous generations.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2015-08-11 10:54:40

How wonderful, Barabara! A sweet way to remember your father, and I'm flattered that I inspired you. Thank you for stopping by!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2015-08-11 10:55:28

Thanks so much, Lauren! I can't get enough of rusty junk and love the juxtaposition they create with frilly things. :)

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2015-08-11 10:59:10

I can't decode which I like more, but they're all fun to create! Thank you, Nancy.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2015-08-11 11:00:13

Hahaha...thanks, Christy! I'm reallt thinking on keeping one, but for now they are available. ;)

Marie@The Interior Frugalista

Shared publicly - 2015-08-11 11:40:03

You, my friend, are one clever gal. Not only are these a clever use of old tools but they are beautiful farmhouse chic. These would look fabulous in my UNfarmhouse/cottage style home too. Your talents are endless Larissa!

Samantha

Shared publicly - 2015-08-11 14:37:29

Say what?! You have some mad crazy creativity! I never could have come up wtih those! Each thing is amazing! I especially love the jar holder with the chain and the queen anne's lace. So, so great!

Kim

Shared publicly - 2015-08-11 22:29:36

I love all of your pieces, and enjoy following you on Facebook. You have so many great ideas and projects! I just have to tell you that Queen Anne's Lace has always been my favorite! I grew up in Ohio, and it was abundant. But, now I'm in Florida and I had to pay quite a premium for our florist to special order it for my daughter's wedding. I couldn't believe I was actually going to pay for a "weed", but she and I were determined she had to have it in her bouquet.

Kammy's Korner

Shared publicly - 2015-08-12 11:23:02

Loving your ideas!! :)

RandiG at FrugElegance

Shared publicly - 2015-08-12 16:30:38

WOW- Love it! Rustic Chic at its best!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2015-08-12 17:20:26

Thank you so much!!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2015-08-12 17:20:49

Happy to hear it! Thanks for stopping by. ;)

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2015-08-12 17:22:40

So sweet of you to stop by! Yes, Queen Anee's Lace holds so many memories for me and I love having it in my home. I would have done the same thing for my daughter. You're a good mom.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2015-08-12 17:24:25

Hahaha...or maybe I'm just mad? :D You made me giggle. Thank you!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2015-08-12 17:38:46

You are one awesome friend! {{hugs}} Thank you, Marie. What a DIY party we could have, eh?

Jen @ Girl in the Garage

Shared publicly - 2015-08-12 23:52:45

Larissa, I totally didn't expect these to turn out the way they did! I should have known you'd make them into something amazing. :) SO rustic and beautiful <3

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2015-08-13 05:14:35

Thanks, Jen! I've already sold some, so I guess I better decide if I want to keep one, eh? ;)

Chris

Shared publicly - 2015-08-16 22:58:41

Larissa I LOVE< LOVE< LOVE your website! I am still a blogging newbie. My site is all about unique and creative ways to decorate using old disgarded items! Can I join the Tuesdays Trash to Treasure Challenge? Chris

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2015-08-19 21:28:44

Thank you so much, Chris! Glad to have you. I do believe the group has capped with our 5 members for now. Keep up the good work and check back to see if things have changed. ;)

laurel@chippingwithcharm

Shared publicly - 2015-08-22 10:27:36

Love them all...this makes me want to run out and dig around in my rusty bits :)

Carole West @ Garden Up Green

Shared publicly - 2015-08-22 14:02:20

I love this project it's perfect. Thinking about making something like this for the kitchen.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2015-08-26 10:08:47

Yay! Happy to hear it, Carole. I'd love to see what you do with it!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2015-08-26 10:09:12

Doesn't it though? Yes, always fun to dig around and create - you rock at it!

JUDY IN TEXAS

Shared publicly - 2015-10-12 17:36:52

Larissa you inspire me to create. I have "junk," I mean treasures, similar to yours just sitting on the garage floor waiting to be used. Keep on creating!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2015-10-13 05:03:32

You're a lady after my own heart, Judy! I hope you have fun creating with your treasures. Thanks for stopping by!

Brenda

Shared publicly - 2016-05-14 19:46:50

you must have seceded to keep them I don't see them in your shop??

Alayna

Shared publicly - 2017-02-05 17:25:16

How unique! I'm now going to look at things differently every time I go into the barn. And when we do finally get around to cleaning out one of the barns, the keep pile might be a bit larger than I thought it would be ;) Great projects.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2017-02-07 10:50:00

That is awesome!! Thank you.

Renae Foltz

Shared publicly - 2017-09-07 21:00:31

I have a bunch of my grandpa's rusty Farm tools. Do you think it's best to leave the rust on them?

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2017-09-07 22:29:47

It's totally up to you. I like rust. If you like it, but are concerned, use a clear coat spray to seal it in.

Christine

Shared publicly - 2017-10-12 09:05:32

Wow! Everything is beautiful and looks super easy. Now to find some rusty old bits ;)

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2017-10-12 12:12:45

Yes, for sure, Christine! So fun to hunt.

Pat

Shared publicly - 2023-03-12 19:24:05

The rusty tool is either an ice hook (people had ice delivered to their homes to put in their iceboxes) or a hay fork for grabbing hay bales).

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2023-03-13 05:54:59

Yes, here it is a hay bale hook and also used for ice, particularly by the Amish in my neighborhood. I have several hanging around and in my online store.

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