repurpose a wooden cable spool

Remember my wood cable spool love? 

My friend is just as old-ragged-wood-and-chippy-paint crazy as I am, so together we begged, carried and stole (kidding) two wooden spools. They were hideous and crusty and covered in mud and funk. Do construction workers not realize that these beauteous works of art are going to be used by a crafter some day? Can they not be a little more delicate with them and not throw them in the dirt? Sheesh.

I gave Jason bedroom eyes and he power washed one of them off for me and I let it dry out in the garage for a few weeks. My plan was to try and shorten it and use it as a coffee table. But after an inspiring chat with a friend who loves eclectic design, I walked away wondering if I could transform one of the big rounds into an over-sized wall clock.

And it worked!!!!

Here are the details:

I used these house numbers

Jason drilled a hole in this for me and I spray painted it black and distressed it a little. It’s what holds the clock mechanism and hands in place.

I ordered these extra long clock hands. They’re 17 1/2′ long!!!!!

And this is what makes it tick.

I just love it in the room. The kids love learning to tell time with it and I hope they fight over who gets it in one of their houses some day.

Enjoy!!