Another use for empty spools
 

Today I painted some smaller craft objects and to dry them, I used my plastic gizmos I got at the hardware store a long time ago. The gizmos look like a miniature tent so if I set 3 together, the 3 points on top balance my painted object. I was short, so I dug out 2 large size empty plastic spools from the trash basket - they worked ok. I’m going to save a few more for this purpose. Anyway, the price is right !

You lost me about your gizmos ..... how about a photo?

Not quite sure what you are talking about but any use for empty spools is a good thing. I never throw them away, glad you pulled them out of the trash. I donate many to the local scouts. Those kids are so creative! And they really appreciate the donation. Being a long arm quilter for customers the empty’s ( spools, tubes and cones) tend to accumulate quickly.

I throw away the plastic ones, but I have saved a large box of the wooden ones from ages ago. I have no idea what to do with them, but I keep them anyway.
I guess it proves that I'm really a sewing stuff hoarder! :)

Whew! So happy to know that I am not the only one who was totally oblivious here ............ :)

ok ladies I'm with you.....I'm waiting for the pics too!!!

They look something like these......

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-Pain...-HDX/206509477

Thanks ChasingHawk for showing us what she was talking about! :)

Too bad Tranum would not have come back and done the same. :(

She most likely is busy at work or quilting. :)

I was curious about them myself. My husband and I made something along these lines last year. We took 2 x 2 x 1 inch blocks drilled a small hole in the center of each. The hold is slightly bigger then the nail, so it comes out when not in use (easier storing in a box). We use them when painting trim or cut boards for cabinet or shelving projects before assembly.

True ...
However, after I commented, I checked to see if she had been on the Board, and discovered yes.
Just let my frustrations out a bit, to all the people who never come back to their own threads!
Even worse, IMHO, when a question or clarification is asked (as in this case),
or as very often, help is generously shared,
and of course ... all the oohing and aaahing that is given!


I've done the same as you with nails to hold things to dry when painting.
Had seen an "official" set up like that when I toured a custom cabinetry place,
and then ran with the idea.

Now if someone could come up with a way to keep paint from running
when I paint my outside doors, while still hung.
A summer project on some nice quiet, calm, dry, bug-free, non-humid day!

I have saved the wooden spools and those from my mom. I have several older magazine articles that show making doll furniture from them and other crafts. My mom was big on PAC of Fun magazines, the original recycling crafting magazine. I have saved some blocks of styrofoam packaging and can then stick pencils/ dowels in it to hold up and dry painted items

For a while my Guild collected empty spools for cat toys. Not certain where the idea came from but they were overwhelmed with spools.

I have saved wooden spools "forever'. I use them for all sorts of projects, but of course, not one will come to mind except for necklaces for Gkids when they are making up plays to entertain their "older folks". I have, on occasion, used them for wheels on toys also.

YES!! My cats knock them all over the house! Then we got to thinking we may step and slide on one, so threw the plastic away. But, now a new kitten has been added since April, so in one room where she plays, the spools have been relocated into that room. She has a blast with them! Just watching her attack them is hilarious.

I wait until I have about 25 of them and then take them to a child development center. They can use them for arts and crafts. I just string the empty ones on a ribbon and hang it "necklace style" next to my bulletin board until I get 25. Nice decoration for the sewing room until it's full.

I've seen strung for garland with strips of Christmas fabric tied between each one. I remember a picture of a hollow glass lamp that was filled with them; bigger spools glued together for candlesticks but I think the top hole was enlarged. Strung together to make arms and legs of dolls, strung for wind chimes. Thats all I think of right now.