I don’t exactly know why, but when I think of anything horse-related, I imagine it in an autumn setting. I can’t really explain why this is, and maybe it makes no sense. But when I think of horses, I think of plaid blankets, leather accessories, and crisp Fall air. So, when I spotted these horse brass at a thrift store, I decided they were destined to be used in an autumn project. Specifically, I envisioned them as tablecloth weights for an outdoor autumn soiree.
Why tablecloth weights? Well, as I held them in my palm at the thrift store, I was impressed with their heaviness. And the fact that they were all so different and needed to be shown off somehow.
All in all, I ended up with six of them- each horse brass different from the next. When I found some inexpensive wool yardage to use as a tablecloth, their upcycling fate was sealed.
And NOTHING I’d do to them would be permanent or altering in any way.
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An Easy Way to Turn ANYTHING into Tablecloth Weights
I have a confession- this is a SERIOUSLY easy project and possibly doesn’t even warrant a blog post! But I put one together nonetheless. My upcycling idea literally takes only a few minutes to make.
First, I needed some pinch clips. After searching online, I finally found the perfect ones in a similar antiqued brass/bronze color.
They’re actually curtain rings, but I knew that with a little reconfiguration, they would work wonderfully with the horse brass.
Next, I used a couple of pairs of pliers to carefully remove the pinch clips from the curtain rings.
Then, with pliers still in hand, I twisted the “s-hook” 90 degrees, so that I could slip the horse brass on it.
That way, when it’s clipped on a tablecloth, the horse brass won’t be facing sideways.
Does that make sense? If you try this at home, you’ll understand what I mean.
Here’s another view of the pinch clips and the S hook. As you can see, it rotates 90 degrees in the center of the hook so that it is two-dimensional instead of flat.
Since each horse brass was different in size and weight distribution, I sometimes used two pinch clips or just a single one. Two pinch clips would keep the horse brasses from sliding to a cockeyed position.
Ultimately, though, that was it! That’s the entire project, and the horse brass isn’t permanently altered or affected in any way!
I did the same thing over and over again until all my horse brasses had been upcycled into tablecloth weights.
Tablecloth Weights with Horse Brass
Such an easy upcycling idea, and the tablecloth weights will keep wind from flapping your tablecloth outdoors.
Maybe unnecessary for indoor tables, but they’d still be decorative, nonetheless!
The fun part is you could do this with any medal collection you have. Perhaps medals from running, cycling, or even music competitions.
It’s a great way to repurpose them without being permanent or destructive! And just so darn easy to make, too.
For my fellow plaid lovers, did you know that I wrote an entire book on flannel crafts? Perfect for anyone who loves flannel and plaid as much as I do!
And if you enjoyed this upcycling idea for fall inspired decor, then you may also enjoy this cake dome that looks like a pumpkin, as well!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Positively brilliant! I adore the way your mind works. 🙂
Thank you so very much, Christina!
Supe idea, we are sisters from another mother for repurposing! I WANT THOSE BRASSES- they are so cool! Did you mention what you paid, because if I saw them, I would have had that happy, overwhelming joyous feeling of: discovery, mine, why would ANYONE get rid of these?
And I KNOW, you know what I mean. That feeling, when you see something and you would wag your tail, if you had one.
Brilliant. I will be over and they better be hidden LOL
LOLOL, too funny, Susan!! And I will definitely keep them hidden…or maybe I’ll put them in my Etsy shop. I haven’t decided yet! 🙂
How perfect! I’m glad to know I can repurpose the curtain rings like that! And even though it’s an easy project, you should always share because there is always something to learn!
Thanks, Cecelia- I appreciate that!!
Excellent point, Cecilia, since what seems so clear to one, isn’t for the next person. And, once someone shares an idea, it sparks more creativity…more junking for all! Repurpose and reuse the really great things that shouldn’t end up in landfills.
Wonderful project! Horseback riding is the most fun in the fall, with crisp autumn leaves and warm wooly plaids with boots.
Thanks, Carole!! Maybe that’s why I equate the two… 🙂
Another great idea! So creative!
Thank you so very much!
It is fall steeplechase season here in Aiken. Perfect for tailgating. Also for football teams with horse mascots.
I didn’t even think about tailgating- do they do that for Steeplechase season??
Yes they tailgate for all horse events. Some people claim they have never seen a horse.
Very cool –
Thanks, Janet!
I love a simple but fantastic project and this one is both. I would love to find some horse metals like yours. Great find.
Thank you, Sharon!
Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle.
I love this idea, because let’s face it–it’s a challenge to find a cute table cloth weight! So clever! Thank you for sharing @Vintage Charm–pinned!
Thanks, Cecilia!
What a great and fun idea Sarah and they do make such lovely weights. And I’m totally with you that horses and autumn fit together 😉
Yay!! It’s not just me!! 😉 Thank you so much, Michelle.
What a great thrifting find and a super repurpose!!
Thank you so much, Pat!
Last summer I bought some El-Cheapo tablecloth weights, big mistake. As soon as the wind came up the tablecloth flew up and the weights were banging against the deck table. Very annoying! Hopefully, I can find horse brass weights or something heavier. Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story and we hope you will join us again next week.
UGH, El-Cheapo anything always comes back and bites us in the end, right? Thank you so much for co-hosting the party!
There is no end to your creativity. Love them! Loved the facebook link that explained them, too! The only other HEAVY thing I can think of to use for table weights is those awful balloon weights that the party stores sell; effective but surely not stylish!
Hahaha, I’m always worried that my project idea pool will dry up, but so far, so good! Thank you so much!
If it’s creative and unique, it does warrant a blog post 😉 This is both of those things including simple and easy so win, win, win, win! Thanks for sharing with us at Merry Monday. These belong in a picnic basket and will be well used.
Thank you so very much- you’re right, I was just second-guessing myself!! 😉
great idea, these would be great for beach towels too. you could spray paint them a bright color so you could spot your chair when you return from the water (you know when you have to use the hotel towels at the water and they all look alike)
That’s a terrific idea, Mary- you are so right, especially with the white hotel towels!
Totally agree!!!
Will have to keep an eye out for them!! Or something similar! I have a friend that is a horse person! And think they would love them
Thank you!