DIY Mini Mantel Ladder

I've posted about many a ladder DIY 
but this one is one of my favorite!


I needed a small rustic ladder for my mantel this year but I didn't have one and didn't know where to find one so, I did what I like to do.... I built my own.

I used an old piece of 1x 2" wood I had in the basement and a few spindles from the back of an old chair.
You can read about what happened to the rest of that chair here.

I measured the 1x 2" and cut it in half. 

I drilled holes evenly spaced down both sides of the wood, then drilled pilot holes into the ends of the spindles so they wouldn't split, then screwed the spindles in place.


The 1x 2" sides of the ladder were new wood while the spindles were old and gray.  

I used a vinegar/steel wool solution to paint the new wood, making it match the spindles and look aged. 

Next I mixed a chalky grey paint with a little of the vinegar/steel wool solution and washed it over the whole ladder. 

The color now matched and to give the ladder a little more character, I banged some old tacks into the wood.


And here you have it... a mini ladder to decorate my mantel.

You can read all about that DIY grain sack ribbon here.





Here is how I decorated this ladder for Fall! 



                 


Click to follow Homeroad below…




             
Homeroad
Homeroad

I am Susan, the author and creator at Homeroad. I am a wife, mother of 4 daughters, and a grandmother of 5 and counting. I am a retired teacher, a DIY blogger and an artist at heart. .

Older Post Newer Post

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 14, 2013 at 7:18 AM

    Your mini ladder looks great and so cute with the wreath!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sandi @ The Primitive SkateMarch 14, 2013 at 8:36 AM

    I Love this Susan!
    Your ladder turned out Awesome!
    Thanks for sharing how you made it!
    Have a wonderful day.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ♥Sanne March 14, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    very smart and nice resultsss love it

    love sanne

    ReplyDelete
  4. Korrie@RedHenHomeMarch 14, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    Love it, Susan!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Okio B DesignsMarch 14, 2013 at 11:06 AM

    Great job Susan! I love the ladder look. I think I have one from a garage sale sitting in our guest room. I'd love to dress it up for spring too!

    Jeanine

    ReplyDelete
  6. Stampin' VMG206March 14, 2013 at 11:34 AM

    Great idea! I love the ladder and the wreath ~ so pretty.
    I found you today thru The 36th Avenue Linky. I hope you get a chance to stop by my blog and leave a comment, too!
    ~ Megin of VMG206
    www.vmg206.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeMarch 14, 2013 at 3:32 PM

    Cute, cute, cute. What a fun idea. Love your display. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  8. Feral TurtleMarch 14, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    So Cute!!! You are so creative Susan!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Donna WilkesMarch 14, 2013 at 11:10 PM

    I have a bucket full of spindles. What a delightful way to use them. Love that dress form.

    ReplyDelete
  10. thistlewoodfarmMarch 15, 2013 at 9:24 AM

    Susan,

    What a clever idea! I need to file this under "why didn't I think of that?"

    Have a blessed weekend!
    karianne

    ReplyDelete
  11. BlissMarch 15, 2013 at 10:31 AM

    That's our Susan... don't have the right size ladder?, make your own!

    Bliss

    ReplyDelete
  12. meandmr.comMarch 15, 2013 at 10:08 PM

    Newest follower here! I found you through the blog hop. You have a super cute blog, I can't wait to read more. You can find me at meandmr.com

    -Melanie @meandmr.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. EmilouMarch 15, 2013 at 10:22 PM

    So very cute! Such a great idea, making your own, matching colors. Thanks for sharing. Blessings and smiles, Emilou :-)

    ReplyDelete
  14. ANNEMarch 17, 2013 at 9:21 AM

    yes, when you can't find it build it!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. My Repurposed LifeMarch 21, 2013 at 3:49 PM

    LOVE This, doing this! I think this might be a great way to display some etsy signs at my upcoming spring show!

    catching you!

    gail

    ReplyDelete
  16. UnknownMarch 25, 2013 at 2:35 PM

    Oh my gosh, I love this. I think I have the perfect place for this on my craft fair table! I know our readers would love it too and I hope you'll consider dropping by and linking up with our Upcycled Linky Party http://love2upcycle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousMarch 26, 2013 at 10:39 AM

    That is such a cute ladder. Love the recycled wood on it!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anita at Cedar Hill September 3, 2014 at 10:29 AM

    Totally impressed, wow!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Becky@Beyond The Picket FenceJanuary 1, 2018 at 1:35 PM

    Such a great project!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you for stopping by, I love your comments and I will do my best to reply to all your questions and comments. By leaving a comment you are consenting to your email being collected for communication purposes only. Your privacy is important to me.
Have a nice day.
Susan