Christmas trees are everywhere now.
But you may not have seen any like these!
These fun little trees were made from a pretty unlikely item…
couch springs!
A few weeks ago a friend told me she had some vintage canning jars to share if I’d like them. When I arrived to pick them up, she had also tucked in a couple of rusty couch springs.
I sat one on the palm of my hand, looked it over, and thought, “this looks like a little Christmas tree.”
All they needed was a little cleaning up, some sparkles and they’d make cute little decor pieces for Christmas!
(Thrifter’s Tip: When you’re on your trips, don’t overlook the pieces and parts of an item. That sofa or chair may be beyond repair, but the parts inside have potential. Look at everything this way. Maybe you’ve found a table with a top that is hopeless. Can the legs be transformed into something new?)
From Couch Springs to Christmas Trees
Getting rid of the rust was my first order of business. I took the springs outside and gave them a good going-over with coarse sandpaper.
Sander’s Tip: Wear gloves to do this. 🙂 I knew better…
That’s much better!
Bright and sparkly was my plan, so I chose Rust-Oleum’s metallic gold paint for the springs.
Beads
While the paint was drying, I got cozy on the couch and strung some beads. These little Czech glass beads were exactly what I was looking for – delicate and shimmering. Just perfect!
I had some small jewelry wire from another project, so I used it to string the beads. Nylon string would probably work just as well if you already have that.
One by one, the tiny beads went on the wire…
It was a really good excuse to sit and relax for a while. 🙂
Putting it Together
When I had enough beads on the wire, I was ready to decorate my little trees.
Starting at the base, I put a drop of hot glue on the inside of the wrapped coil and pressed the beading wire down to secure.
Then I just wrapped it around and around…
until I got to the top.
Another drop of glue, a snip to get rid of the excess, and my sparkly little tree was finished.
And for the final touch – a golden ribbon to sit on top.
I love my sparkly little trees, but I really love the new life a pair of rusty old couch springs got. Don’t you?
How would you repurpose couch springs? Leave a comment below and share your projects or ideas.
Live Creatively,
Jessica says
These look amazing! Who would have guessed these were an furniture spring? I love bringing all kinds of bits & bobs from the thrift store, and crafting! My husband doesn’t share my enthusiasm for seeing the potential beauty in these wondrous items… It’s so nice to be a part of a group that can find this inner-beauty, and help it transform. Wonderful job!
Karen says
What fun enthusiasm you have, Jessica! I’m so glad to have you here with us and hope to inspire you more – and would love for you to share any of your projects too.
Carole @ Garden Up Green says
Good Morning Karen,
This is a fun project, awhile back I purchased bed springs that were made into a wreath. It’s sits on the gate to the garden which means they’r all rusty now.. Was thinking I could have brought it indoors and used on the table in a neat way but who am I kidding I enjoy it more outdoors. I like your idea, maybe one day I’ll spray that wreath silver and wrap it in beads like this.
Hugs!!
Carole
Karen says
I’d love to see that wreath, Carole! I’m sure it’s lovely just where it is, and a great accent to your garden gate. And the rust – perfect for the element it’s in. That’s one of the things I love best about repurposing – one size doesn’t have to fit all. A general idea can be adapted in all sorts of ways. The fun never ends!
Ros Horton says
Be. Still. My. Heart! They are adorable!
Karen says
Thank you, Ros! All it took was a little imagination and a couple of couch springs from a sweet lady! 🙂 Thank you for sharing.