The Lovely Cupboard: DIY: Electrical Spool Stools

August 22, 2011

As an elementary teacher, I'm always spending money on my classroom this time of year. When my friend and coworker Jeannie walked by a huge pile of electrical spools sitting outside our newly rewired building, she thought we might be able to use them for something. We plotted a way to turn them into stools for the kids to sit on. Buying bean bags every couple years can get expensive, so I was definitely up for a cheaper option.

BEFORE

AFTER

TOTAL COST: $24

$8 fabric + $2 ribbon + $4 spray paint + $10 foam mattress pad

They ended up reminding me a bit of Luigi's toad stool (think Nintendo back in the day).

I'm pretty pleased with how they turned out; I just hope they hold up to twenty-something 5th graders fighting over them. Later this week I'll be posting my entire classroom makeover, so be sure and head back to check it out.

I think I might be able to wrangle up some more spools...

Can anybody think of anything else they could turned into?

~Heather

Also linked to :
http://todayscreativeblog.net/
http://tipjunkie.com/

33 comments:

house of earnestAugust 22, 2011 at 9:42 PM
Wow! So cute! Perfect for a classroom!
DayhomemamaAugust 22, 2011 at 9:59 PM
Fantastic, they will love it and probably the stools will become the fave hangout in the classroom!
Brit @ JandMs Eye CandyAugust 23, 2011 at 8:13 AM
Awesome! I think they look great, and yes a little like that toad guy :) Good luck with your upcoming school year! We would love to see you link this up at our link up parties, we have one every Tuesday and one every Sunday! Or link up to both ;) Hope to see you there.
Britney
www.jandmseyecandy.blogspot.com
EricaAugust 23, 2011 at 10:31 AM
What a great idea! They turned out so cute! I hope you will share this on my Delight Me party over at Doodles & Doilies!

http://doodlesanddoilies.blogspot.com
twolittleseedsAugust 23, 2011 at 1:36 PM
These look gorgeous
AdrianeAugust 23, 2011 at 2:15 PM
These turned out great!! I remember pretending these spools were wheelchairs when I was a kid=)

Nice work finding a creative use for them!!

-Adriane @fruitfulhomejournal.blogspot.com
KellyAugust 23, 2011 at 3:07 PM
So cute! They remind me of toadstools too.
Elise EnghAugust 23, 2011 at 4:26 PM
Those are soooo cool! Seriously, I want these. Your students must love them!

http://growcreative.blogspot.com/
Heather {The Lovely Cupboard}August 23, 2011 at 9:19 PM
Thanks ladies! I'll be posting some more classroom projects tomorrow. Today was a 14 hour work day, so blogging isn't getting my best tonight:( I appreciate all your great feedback.
Mrs. MAugust 24, 2011 at 1:40 AM
Wow! Brilliant project! You can also make a tiny table using the spool as the stand. Just find a round and flat top on it.
Becky GarlingAugust 24, 2011 at 9:41 PM
So cute! Can't wait to see the pictures! Have a great 1st day at your new school! xo
SaraAugust 25, 2011 at 3:10 AM
Wow! Great idea! :))
dodelinedesignAugust 26, 2011 at 1:32 PM
I totally thought of Toadstool when I saw these! They are awesome :-)
Jen JensenAugust 26, 2011 at 1:37 PM
I have seen tables at Ballard where they wrap the stem with rope. I have been wanting to try it.
Heather {The Lovely Cupboard}August 27, 2011 at 7:19 AM
Thanks ladies! Jen-that's a great idea. The larger spools would make perfect tables for a backyard dinner party.
Julia @ 551EastdesignAugust 30, 2011 at 2:13 PM
Luigi's toadstool was always the best, it meant and extra life, and for how good I was at that game I definitely need them. I laughed to myself when I saw these pieces not because they are funny, but more like the laughing in disbelief at how clever you are. I love them:)
VickyAugust 30, 2011 at 5:30 PM
Those are so cute. What a great idea! I love the polka dots. So fresh and happy.

I am a new follower from the ABC and 123 Show and Tell Blog Hop. If you have a moment please come by http://messforless.blogspot.com and say hi.
Thanks!
Heather {The Lovely Cupboard}August 30, 2011 at 6:15 PM
Thanks Julia:) Glad I'm good for a laugh. Vicky, thanks for stopping by. I'm heading your way now!
niartistAugust 31, 2011 at 8:26 PM
Love how this turned out. BRAVO!

I wanted to let you know that I've got a great giveaway that ends Friday. It's for $100 to wallquotes.com, and trust me they've got something I know you'll love!

Stop by and enter ASAP. I'd love to see what you would do with their products! See you soon!

Artie
http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com
thethriftyneedleSeptember 4, 2011 at 5:38 PM
Check out my blog posting on making an end table/ Ottoman out of an electrical spool.
http://thethriftyneedle.wordpress.com/2011/07/18/crazy-patched-stool/
This particular one was in a designer shop and was so comfortable.
I like what you did for your class!
Terri
The Craft-Arty KidSeptember 8, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Great idea! They look so cute. Wonderful upcycling :)
katie [the bright life]September 19, 2011 at 8:59 PM
Gaaaahhh so cute. I can't get over it. Xo, Katie
HeatherSeptember 27, 2011 at 10:29 AM
I have one of these electrical spools and am going to give it a try...thanks for the idea!
AnonymousNovember 6, 2011 at 10:23 PM
I absolutely love this...any idea where i could find some of these spools? I really want to make these for my classroom!
Heather {The Lovely Cupboard}November 7, 2011 at 6:51 AM
I happened to get lucky with mine, but I've suggested that others check with your local hardware store. I know that wires and cables come shipped to them on spools. Maybe they'd be willing ot part with some?
{Livin' a sweet and salty life}January 27, 2012 at 6:06 PM
These are also great for coffee and side tables! Etsy has options!
Heather {The Lovely Cupboard}January 28, 2012 at 7:52 AM
Oooh, I didn't even THINK to try Etsy. Thanks!
Terri HernandezAugust 1, 2012 at 3:05 PM
I really want to make these......I'm on the lookout for spools in the Dallas TX area....so if you know of any send me an email please.....
tillisont@gmail.com
AnonymousOctober 4, 2012 at 6:26 PM
thanks for the idea i have a TON of these spools and needed ideas for them i hate just throwing them away
Mrs. AdamsJanuary 21, 2013 at 7:51 PM
Hi Heather! What is the core of the spool made of? I have a few spools now but the core is cardboard. Have they held up to student use? Your look great and I can't wait to give mine a try! Thanks. :)