Friday, December 9, 2011

Repurposed Folding Rulers

I love it when I'm able to finish a project using only what I have in my ever growing stash of stuff.  Is it possible to have too many folding rulers?  In my case, yes.  I had at least a dozen vintage rulers sitting around doing nothing.  Some of them were formed into various shapes including stars, but a few of them were calling out for a new life.


Repurposed folding rulers Christmas tree
'Tis the season

 This door came off of a little cabinet I picked up at a garage sale for next to nothing at least a year ago.  I seem to remember that it was the only part I was able to salvage.

The rulers were easy to cut with this coping saw, but I had to use a hacksaw for the metal ruler.

I painted the door with Duck Egg chalk paint and used a dark stain over the top.  The dark stain makes it look greener, which was the look I wanted.  A light pencil mark in the center made it easier to keep the rulers centered.

I left the ends alone on the longer pieces and rounded off the edges with sandpaper on the cut ends.

Of course I had to top it off with a vintage rhinestone button.  It looks much more sparkly in person.

A little greenery, tiny vintage ornaments and a rhinestone brooch add a little sparkle to the knob.



 I'm linking up my folding ruler Christmas tree with these parties:




Funky Junk Interiors for Saturday Nite Special,
Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday,
Under the Table and Dreaming for Sunday Showcase Party,
Dittle Dattle for Amaze Me Monday,
My 1929 Charmer and Oasis Accents for Sunday's Best,
Centsational Girl for Holiday Link Parties, 
I Can't Stop Crafting for Head-to-Head Showdown,
Space46 for A Pinteresting Link Party




Posted by Labels: cabinet door, chalk paint, Christmas tree, folding rulers, repurposed, rhinestone button, upcycled

77 comments:

  1. JaneDecember 9, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    I love it!! A perfect use for the folding rulers. I have several old rulers too and an old cabinet door waiting for a project....thx for the inspiration!
    Jane

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  2. OxanaDecember 9, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    I love it too...!!!

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  3. Marsha @ Tattered ChickDecember 9, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    I LOVE this!!!! I have been trying to create things with what I have . . but salvaged rulers I have none, guess I'll have to find some, LOL

    xxoo
    Marsha

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  4. d e l i g h tDecember 9, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    That is really really cute and creative! I love it!

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  5. Lisa RussellDecember 9, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    This is really nice!! My dad was a carpenter and used these folding rulers and this piece reminds me of him. Great job!

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  6. Linda @ A La CarteDecember 9, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    I love this tree! So cute! Great job using rulers.

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  7. Sherry@ Ties2ThePastDecember 9, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    Wonderful!!!!!
    What an inspiration!!
    ♥'s
    Sherry

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  8. KeiDecember 9, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    Wow that looks fabulous!

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  9. Into VintageDecember 9, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    Absolutely charming! You always have such a vision. :-) Happy Holidays!

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  10. Glenda/MidSouthDecember 9, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    What a cute idea!If I don't know how to repurpose something, I need to contact you. :D
    Enjoy your evening.

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  11. ~Lavender Dreamer~December 9, 2011 at 5:51 PM

    How neat! I wish I had the old rulers we used to have! You can make something look great, my friend! You have a special touch! ♥

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  12. PriorDecember 9, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    Simply clever and so sweet! LOVE it!
    Lezlee

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  13. JunkStuffTreasuresDecember 9, 2011 at 6:25 PM

    Love this! If only I had an ounce of craftiness in me. Thanks for sharing your project.

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  14. PamDecember 9, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    That is so cute. I love it. and especially love the bling at the top.

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  15. Christina at I Gotta Create!December 9, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    In love with it! And the button at the top--perfect!!

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  16. The Polka Dot ClosetDecember 9, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    I have never found any folding rulers I all of my junking, isn't that odd! I love your Christmas Tree!! Thank you for commenting on my dress form, they are only 20.95 and then you can dude them up anyway you like. I had soooo much fun doing the lace one!

    Carol

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  17. Tina SchieferDecember 9, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    This is very cute and simple, yet elegant. Isn't it amazing the things that can be made from those old "tools of the trade"? Our fore-fathers would be amazed!!! LOL

    Re-purposing is SO much fun!

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  18. Julia - "Vintage with Laces"December 9, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    This is awesome, Betsy! I love it!
    Have a wonderful weekend!
    Hugs,
    Julia

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  19. JillDecember 9, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    I love it when I see a super cute project...and I have everything I need to make it! Thanks for the inspiration :)
    -Jill @ Junky Vagabond

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  20. JosieDecember 9, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    This project is super cute!

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  21. pamqDecember 9, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    My first thought was maybe it is the Gatorade that gives you such a creative mind.

    But since I also consume large quantities of it and your creativity leaves me in the dust, that can't be it.

    Now I'm wondering if it is the ORANGE Gatorade that does it.

    Ya think?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Funky Junk InteriorsDecember 9, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    Oh my.. I can barely stand it... the execution of the tree is so perfect, especially against the green door. LOVE!

    Shared on FJI Facebook and pinned for SNS 111. :)

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150497130171141&set=a.192514281140.164586.175378011140&type=1&theater

    Donna

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  23. MirandaDecember 10, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    Awesome. I absolutely love it. I sure wish I had some old rulers laying around...
    Merry Christmas!!

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  24. jeanneDecember 10, 2011 at 4:51 AM

    love it !! i have a box of broken rules...will be making some of these for sure !!! thanks for the inpiration ! nice job !

    ReplyDelete
  25. Gracie's CottageDecember 10, 2011 at 6:25 AM

    This is so fun...love it!
    (Pinned it, with a link back here of course!)
    Jan

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  26. AimeeDecember 10, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    Perhaps the cutest Christmas Tree EVER! I'm LOVING it! I'm your newest follower and would love it if you'd return the "love" on your next visit!!!

    XO, Aimee from ItsOverflowing!

    PS I'm having my first linky party on 12/13. It will be "Christmas Scape" themed, tablescape ~ landscape or anywhere else in you home that you've added a touch of Christmas! I'd LOVE for you to link up! My blog is http://www.itsoverflowing.com/.

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  27. Michelle L.December 10, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Elegant, quirky and crazy beautiful! Another winner, my dear Betsy!

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  28. Sierra @ The Blue Robin CottageDecember 10, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    This is fantastic!! I need to find some vintage rulers asap! ;) Pinned! :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. kpaintsDecember 10, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    Adorable and the paint is the perfect color....love it!

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  30. TaushaDecember 10, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    I love this! So very darling! I so wish that I had some folding rulers! Thanks so much for the inspiration! Have a happy weekend!

    Tausha
    sassystyleredesign.blogspot.com

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  31. PamDecember 10, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    Love the tree and the color your selected is perfect. Again you you did a great job of repurposing items for a lovely Christmas project.

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  32. Linda@Coastal CharmDecember 10, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Betsy,
    Thanks for this awesome idea...LOVE IT!!! I will keep it in my favorites. I thought about you yesterday when I sat down and went thru a box full of vintage watches that I had forgot about...I was soooo in heaven:) Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  33. moDecember 10, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    There is a magazine with your name on it Betsy!

    Wow.

    Fantastic work!

    So original.

    Bravo.

    *hugs*

    mo

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  34. Korrie@RedHenHomeDecember 10, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    Love this! I wish I had your problem of TOO MANY RULERS! ;-)

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  35. ToodieDecember 11, 2011 at 1:00 AM

    So creative! Love it!

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  36. COTTAG3December 11, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    This is one of my favorite things I've seen this season! It's just perfect.

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  37. Dragonfly TreasureDecember 11, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    You are just too creative for your own good!! LOL
    I love it!! Best thing all season!
    *hugs*deb
    Merry Christmas!

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  38. A Cottage MuseDecember 11, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    *love this*

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  39. LindaDecember 11, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    I pinned this on pinterest without realizing it was yours, Betsy...such a wonderful idea! I'm following you on Pinterest now, too!

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  40. AudreyDecember 11, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    What a wonderful way to use old rulers. Love it!

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  41. Honey at 2805December 11, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    Your "tree" is adorable, Betsy!

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  42. DeanneDecember 11, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    I have pinned this and will be on the lookout for some more rulers to add to my collection to make one for my sewing room next year!

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  43. Okio B DesignsDecember 11, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    I saw your post on Pinterest yesterday and thought this was just the coolest holiday touch ever! Love, love, love it!

    Jeanine

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  44. Cottage and BroomeDecember 11, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Your tree is wonderful, love the rulers.! I like to make stars out of my folding rulers. I need to collect more rulers if I want to do a tree. Laura

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  45. jen at paintcutpaste.comDecember 11, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    this is pretty! we made a driftwood version last month that is now gracing our mantle. check it out here: http://paintcutpaste.com/driftwood-christmas-tree/

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  46. Natasha @ Keeping the Christmas Spirit Alive, 365December 11, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    Beautiful idea and great photos too! You are very clever!

    Best Christmas wishes,
    Natasha.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Butterflies & SeashellsDecember 11, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    Great idea! I love it!

    Benita

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  48. lambs and ivy designsDecember 11, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    Thank you for the visit and the sweet comment!

    I adore the folding ruler tree!!!
    It is not only cute as can be...but so well done too!
    Hugs,
    Dana

    ReplyDelete
  49. Kindra-At Home With KDecember 12, 2011 at 3:24 AM

    I love your sweet ruler tree! And I love the 'star' as well. :) The cupboard door is a wonderful backdrop as well.

    This is my first time to your blog I believe! I love it! I'm your newest follower. I have a weekly linky party called Terrific Under Ten Tuesdays. It's for projects made for $10 or less. I would love to have you link up sometime!

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  50. DearHelenHartmanDecember 12, 2011 at 4:48 AM

    Inch for inch one of the cleverest repurposed projects ever! The button just makes it.

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  51. AjaDecember 12, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    This is SO cool! I love love the old rulers.

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  52. Linda @ it all started with paintDecember 12, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    One of my favorite ever ideas I've seen Centsational Girl's link party!

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  53. Dacia @ Lemon Drop LifeDecember 12, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    So, so cute!! I came over from Centsational Girl..this idea caught my eye for sure!

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  54. NYCLQDecember 12, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    VERY clever! Looks great! Just pinned it - Thanks for sharing!! xo

    Lynda

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  55. JenDecember 12, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    Your ruler tree is so great, in fact it...rules! Ha! Though, I have to admit, I would have a hard time cutting up those folding rulers, they're so cool! I'd be thrilled if you came and joined the Head to Head Showdown link party going on right now at www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com

    ~Jen

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  56. Megan BrookeDecember 12, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    This is such a cute idea! And love that you already had everything.

    Stopping by from Censational Girl.

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  57. ConnieDecember 12, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    I love how this turned out~my problem would be I wouldn't want to cut the folding rulers up. I love all things vintage also and re-purpose tons. My favorite thing to do, Came form Craft gossip `would love for you to visit me. new follower.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Town and Country GalsDecember 12, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Betsy,
    Fabulous! It's wonderful, love the color on the cabinet, the different rulers, the glitz, and the bit of greenery on the handle.
    Rebecca

    ReplyDelete
  59. BarbraDecember 12, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    This is the first item I've gone gaga about in a long time. Fabulous!!!

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  60. Design_FluffDecember 12, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    This is Fab! Magazine worthy!

    ReplyDelete
  61. MarilynDecember 13, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    THIS IS SUPER awesome.. I LOVE IT!!!(PIN Worthy +++!!!).. So festive and pretty.. I'm Mariyn - Your newest HAPPY follower here.. Loving your blog.. SO much CREATIVITY!! I'm inspired.. Will love for you to stop in sometime.. http://theartsygirlconnection.com .. Wishing you an amazing rest of the week.. ~M

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  62. robin dudley-howesDecember 13, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    So clever! I love it!

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  63. Barbara JeanDecember 13, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    I really like this. I've seen the trees done a lot of ways, but this is my fave.

    blessings
    barbara jean

    ReplyDelete
  64. cathy@my1929charmerDecember 13, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    Seriously this is beyond cute. I love it. Where do you find old rulers, the ones I've seen are expensive and I could never cut them up. Just a simple plea, if you ever get tired of this, PLEASE send it my way. I so want it, so very creative. Thanks so much for sharing at Sunday's Best.

    ReplyDelete
  65. LaurieDecember 14, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    This is so sweet!!

    ReplyDelete
  66. life:styledDecember 16, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    fantastic instead of a traditional wreath. thanks for the great idea! I included it in a round up on my blog:
    http://www.ourlifestyled.com/2011/12/favorites-friday-trees.html

    ReplyDelete
  67. Miss GDecember 16, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    Great idea! I'm pinning it! Kelly

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  68. PeggyDecember 17, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    cute ... and so creative!

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  69. Mrs. MobunnyDecember 18, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    I don't know about leaving holiday *towels* out.....but I'd have this tree on my door all year round. !!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Petticoat JunktionDecember 18, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    Hi Betsy, found you through DittleDattle. Love the ruler tree and the jewelry, fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Space 46December 19, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    Hands down the best little scrap wood tree I have seen! Would love love love for you to share this at our party going on now http://space46.blogspot.com/2011/12/co-hosting-pinteresting-link-party-week.html. Happy holiday! My

    ReplyDelete
  72. IsDecember 19, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Hi Betsy!
    Stopping by from Here's to Handy Andy link party.
    I love your tree! It's cheap, recycled and nice, perfect!
    I wish I had some rulers to make it!
    Greetings from Spain

    ReplyDelete
  73. Rusty HingeDecember 20, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    Hello Betsy, I am also linking with Space 46 and I found your blog. What a great idea! I hope you don't mind if I copy this idea and try it! I love it! Thanks for sharing, I will be back for more inspiration soon.
    Maria
    www.rustyhinge.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. Cassie @ Primitive & ProperDecember 21, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    this is so awesome! i love the look and colors!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Vintage Page DesignsDecember 27, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    This is such a cool project - I can't wait to give it a try!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Linh C.January 14, 2012 at 11:31 AM

    This is super cute!

    Found it on pinterest.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Ana-LuDecember 21, 2012 at 6:01 AM

    Super clever and inspiring idea!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for visiting My Salvaged Treasures. Your comments inspire me, so please don't leave without saying hello:-)

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