Sunday, July 21, 2013

Orphaned Salt Shaker Has New Life as a Tassel


My craft room is overrun with odds and ends that I pick up at estate and garage sales and thrift stores. If I like and odd little something and the price is right, I usually grab it. Even if I don't have any clue what I'm going to do with it.

That was the case when I picked up this orphaned salt shaker. Poor thing. No pepper to keep it company.


It sat on a shelf so long, I don't even recall how long ago I bought it. It still had the 50 cent price tag on it when I recently picked it up to examine it closer. As I looked at the bottom, which was missing the cork stopper, it came to me.


This lovely piece would make a stunning tassel top. I had plenty of other supplies to choose from in my craft room stash to complete a tassel. I pulled out some buttons, beads and ribbon.



After doubling over a very narrow scrap of satin ribbon, I created about a 3-inch loop by tying a knot. Next, I strung the bead and buttons onto the narrow satin ribbon.

The hanging loop was now ready to thread through two holes on the top of the salt shaker.


That was easy. After experimenting with burgundy satin ribbon for the body of the tassel, I decided I didn't like the look. I have a drawer full of miscellaneous yarns that I have collected from estate sales and instead chose a fun and funky specialty yarn in an ivory color.


Making the body of the tassel is simple. But, I forgot to photograph that step. I looped the yarn back and forth in the length I wanted until I had a stack of loops that looked thick enough for the body. I gathered loops in the middle by hand and eyeballed the length. I aimed to make the length (the loops folded in half from the middle) about a third to a half longer than the depth of the porcelain top.

When I was satisfied the length was good, I tied the ribbon hanging down through the porcelain top around the middle of the loops. I fluffed the body up to create fullness. You could leave the loops uncut. For this tassel, I cut them into strands.




Decorative tassels are so versatile. You can use them the traditional way by hanging them from a door or drawer knob or from a sconce or chandelier. Or, pile a few on a cake stand or fill a pretty bowl with them. Dangle one over the edge of a shelf. Or, simply add one or two to an existing vignette for a little added interest.


In my opinion, one can never have too many tassels!

Make it a great day!
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27 comments:

  1. Ann, That turned out just beautiful! I'd never have know it was originally a salt shaker. You always have the best thrift finds. Have a great week, Laura

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  2. What a great idea! It turned out so beautiful, I may have to give it a try!

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  3. What an adorable idea. I too love salt and pepper shakers and often by singles. I have many collected so this would be a great idea for them.
    Have a wonderful week,
    Bev
    @ Eclectic Red Barn

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  4. Thank you so much for the tutorial. This is just adorable. Such a pretty tassel!

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  5. Brilliant! I think that it would be fun to find shakers that 'go with' friends decor and then search them out to add to Christmas packaging. How pretty that would be!

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  6. Really clever and beautiful as well. How did you get that ribbon through the shaker holes?

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  7. The shaker was very pretty to begin with, but the addition of the tassel is beautiful. Love the yarn you chose.

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  8. The saltshaker is so pretty all by itself but you made it fabulous! Wow, what a creative use of a saltshaker. It's beautiful!

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  9. That is way cute!

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  10. I love it! Thanks for sharing your project with our readers and for linking up to the Upcycled Linky Party at http://love2upcycle.blogspot.com/2013/07/upcycled-linky-party-17.

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  11. I came by because you left a sweet comment and wow I'm LOVING this tassel - how genius!!!
    Most definitely your newest follower!
    Hugs,
    Suzan

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  12. I agree with you, one can never have too many tassels. I love that shaker but you lost me on exactly how you attached the loops. I really am interested so can you help me understand a little better. Did you tie the hanging ribbon through the top of the loops and then clip the bottom of the loops.
    This is so adorable. I am a new follower. Thanks for sharing. Ginger

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  13. This is wonderful...I love it! Please stop over and link it to Whimsy Wednesday or you can submit your tassel on my website! I love featuring new projects! Pinning!

    http://www.ohmy-creative.com/

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  14. Lawsy, that is quite a trick! I think I might take a shot at this project.
    La-aw-zie is what my grandmother would say just before she slapped her hands on her knees to show surprise or joy.

    Thanks for sharing.

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  15. Ann, I have never tried that, but I love it! We are always finding orphaned salt shakers!! What a great idea, I pinned it so I can refer to it.

    Carol

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  16. Now that is smart... and so pretty! Thanks for sharing with us this week at Monday Funday!

    Take care,

    Trish

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  17. So cute and a great tutorial! I also pick up odds and ends at the right price for that brainstorm - who knows when? It really has served me well. Love this idea, and thank you for linking up with Sunday View.

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  18. Brilliant!!!! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop xo

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  19. Thanks so much for sharing this fabulous project on the Upcycled Linky Party. Your project has been featured this week. Be sure to swing by, check it out and link up another fabulous project: http://love2upcycle.blogspot.com/2013/07/upcycled-linky-party-18.html

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  20. Oh my goodness ~ I love tassels and this is a beautiful one! Pinning ~ hugs, Mary Beth

    P.S. I would love to have you stop by tomorrow night (Monday) and share this at Project Inspire{d}if you would like.

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  21. Wow!!! I love it...what a great idea to make a tassel out of it...Hope your having a great summer Ann :)

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  22. I just wanted to thank you for sharing this at Project Inspire{d] ~ this little beauty will be one of my features at tonight's party ~ I hope you join again.

    Hugs,
    Mary Beth

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  23. That is so pretty, Ann! What a lovely idea...thanks for sharing!

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  24. I love this!!! How creative you are. Thanks for sharing. I am your newest follower.

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  25. What a creative way to use a beautiful old salt shaker. I would never had thought of this, but it is so obvious now that I see yours!

    Thank you for sharing my mossy heart ornament on your FB page.

    Judith

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  26. Very pretty! Love it. You made it look so easy to make.

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  27. Thank you for sharing! what a neat idea, now I have to keep my eyes open for that one lonely little salt or pepper shaker!!!

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