This weekend I found myself staring at a pile of ribbon spools and imagining a new project. I love repurposing items already around the house—throwing things away feels wasteful when they can have a second life. After the positive response to my last DIY, I decided to make another decorative-but-functional piece: a painted ribbon spool wall display. It’s simple, affordable, and a great way to showcase small treasures. Below is a clear step-by-step tutorial to make your own.
Materials Needed: 1. Old ribbon spools (cardboard or lightweight wooden spools) 2. Acrylic or craft paint 3. Paintbrushes 4. Hanging hardware: small nails, thumbtacks, or foam mounting squares
How To:
Step One: Remove one of the circular ends from each ribbon spool so you’re left with an open-faced “cubby.” Keep the other side intact. Discard the removed circles or save them for another project.
Step Two: Paint the inside of the spool first. A medium-sized brush works well to cover the curved surface neatly. Let the first coat dry fully, then apply a second coat for even coverage. Bright colors work especially well inside the cubby to create a pop of color when items are displayed.
Step Three: Paint the outside edge and outer face of the spool. I chose white for the exterior so the spools would blend with my wall, but you can pick any color to match your decor or create contrast. Allow the paint to dry and add a second coat if needed.
Step Four: Attach the finished spools to the wall. If you prefer not to use nails, thumbtacks or foam mounting squares will hold lightweight spools and preserve plaster or drywall. Arrange the spools in a pattern you like—clustered, grid-style, or staggered—and press firmly to secure. These little cubbies are perfect for displaying tiny figurines, trinkets, or other small keepsakes.
I made several spools in different sizes and colors, and experimented with a few arrangements before settling on a final layout. I also left a few spools with the ribbon still on to add visual variety and texture.
One early configuration felt a bit too random, so I adjusted the spacing and color balance until the display felt cohesive. Below is a close-up of a couple of the cubbies: I placed small, quirky figurines inside, and the result is charming and playful.
The ribbon spool cubbies blend nicely alongside other DIY wall organizers and make an inexpensive, customizable way to add character and function to any room. They’re quick to make, easy to rearrange, and a fun way to reuse materials you already have at home.