Homemade Items From Horse Shoes

Horseshoes are versatile pieces that add character to many home items.

The horseshoe keeps a horse from splintering its hooves on a long ride, but its uses are not limited to horses. Horseshoes make inventive addition to the home, shed or stable. They also are said to bring good luck to the recipient of a horseshoe gift. You can find them at horse supply stores and antique ones can be acquired at antique stores and antique markets.

Tool Racks

Two horseshoes secured to either side of a long wooden beam holds tools such as rakes and shovels well. The sturdy horseshoe's curve will keep them from falling off the beam. Secure the beam to a wall or endure it is deep enough in the ground to hold the weight of the beam and the tool.

A small beam turned horizontally is a suitable surface for a small hand tool rack. Secure horseshoes to the top of the beam with the rounded edges facing the beam. Hang hammers and other small tools between the two sides of the horseshoe.

Home Items and Decor

A sturdy napkin holder can be created with two horseshoes attached to either side of a small wooden block. Secure the horseshoes with the curved sides facing up. If you are feeling artistic, add decoration or paint to the horseshoes to match your kitchen décor or stain the wood block.

A space for wet or dry towels can be created from horseshoes and a long piece of wood. Secure the horseshoes, at the rounded portion, to the front of the wood so the sides are pointing up and hang towels to dry.

Place two horseshoes overlapping to make a circle on a simple ceramic or earthenware dish to create a horseshoe candle holder.

Add horseshoes to a dresser or cabinet as a handle or drawer pull. Attach the horseshoes with heavy duty screws.

Gifts

Horseshoe wall art is easy to create with horseshoes painted in interesting colors. They make wonderful gifts. Spray paint them with gold or bright-colored paint that works on metal such as "Rustoleum." Arrange them on the wall in an interesting pattern for visual appeal.

Horseshoes can also be decorated with ribbon and beading to enhance their visual appeal. Wrap a piece of ribbon around the horseshoe and apply beading with wires that can also wrap around the shoe. Thread the wire through the horseshoe holes to secure and attach a wire ring to the top for easy hanging.

Office

If you would like to add a little western décor to your office, a horseshoe paperweight can dress up the surface of your desk. The horseshoe can be painted, beaded or left as is for a more rustic appeal.

Horseshoe bookends can be created with two horseshoes of the same size. Attach the horseshoes to two pieces of wood and place the books closest to the edge on top of the wood to hold them in place.

References

• "Practical Uses for Old Horseshoes;"Popular Mechanics, 1917
• Tashorse: How to Recycle Old Horseshoes
• Kunst Fashions: Old Horseshoes
• Equine Ink: A Decorative Use for Old Horseshoes