sewing thread spools

[macktruck]

I recently found some old thread spools that are wood(I think poplar not sure).
I've carved santa faces and snow men into the narrow part to make tree ornaments.
those old spools are hard to find.
I'm probably going to have to by a lathe to make them.(Honey, can i get a lathe so you can have more tree ornaments, I really need one okay?)
She'll see through that though as my quest for more tools.
macktruck

[Randy48]

Nothing wrong with more tools Mac

Try the craft catalogs; you can buy different sized wooden spools by the hunderd (or 50 I think, too) and they don't cost a whole lot. We made Christmas garlands with them, threaded on macrame cord.....really cute on the tree. We did some just stained and others with brightly colored ribbon, and reflective tape.

Al

[MelNM]

I think Treeline has some also.

www.beaverdamdecoys.com also has a lot of basswood items like spools etc. (uh oh..didn't mean to mess up a new tool purchase! ) :-/

And, some of the roughout/wood suppliers are now selling basswood spools in different sizes. That makes the carving much easier than poplar. (I'm thinking I saw Rossiter's Roughouts out of Wichita, KS with the spools in their catalogue--but try the roughout business closest to you. If you want them to look old, don't forget to put some nicks and thread notches in them and antique them.

Donna T

[macktruck]

Thanks for all the info on spool sources.
I have all the gals at work that sew looking for them.(an ornament for every 10 they find).
I hadn't thought of the craft stores. the closest micheals is in savannah. I will check out beaverdam decoys HI HO. basswood would be easier.
thanks macktruck

I say ... buy the lathe.

I found my Rossiter Ruff-Outs and Carving Supply business card and their website is www.roughouts.com and 1-800-825-2657 is their phone number: rossiter@infi.net is where you can email them. Try them if you don't find basswood spools any other place.
Donna T

Here is another vote for buy the Lathe. My honey lines is, I never had a tool that didn't pay for itself. (true)