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....

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.

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.

No cutting, sanding, or any prep, just straight from the stash. Also, isn't the patina gorgeous?

With that small round piece, I immediately thought it looked like a candle holder, so that's what it became!

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..."
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....

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.

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...

Last, take the separated hanger and straddle it around the canning jar.

Criss-cross the ends and wrap it back toward the hook end of the hanger, and connect it to itself.

Bend up the hook of the hanger, and squeeze the hook closed. (I hadn't closed mine yet in this picture)

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.

I know that Queen Anne's Lace is considered a weed, but to me it's nature's lace. Sooo beautiful!

See how the jar is hung? Simple, rustic, perfect. If you're loving my shutters, you can get the DIY tutorial
HERE.
ONE MORE
As for the other hay bale hook, it too became a wall vase hanging filled with summertime flowers from my yard.

My 9 year-old said she could have flowers hanging like that everywhere. ♥

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.

With that in mind, I also adore the stars found in apples. God is an amazing creator.

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)

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Additionally, pin and share this farmhouse decor to inspire others! (head below for more eye-candy!)

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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
Girl in the Garage Bless'er House

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