A Fish Scaling Board Christmas Project
Today I’m joining up with seven other vintage-y, DIY bloggers [the Thrifty Chicks] to bring you a total of eight kitchen-related projects. We’ve used our superior DIY skills to turn second-hand kitchen-related items into something new and hopefully, amazing.
First I’ll share my fish scaling board Christmas project, and then at the end of the post you’ll find links to the other projects.
I chose a fish scaling board as the basis for this month’s project–weird, right? If you even know what a fish scaling board is, bonus points for you friend(!).
Until a few months ago, when I purchased one of my very own at a garage sale, I had no idea what one was. A kind reader properly identified it for me.
I decided it would be perfect for this month’s Thrifty Chicks junk over project.
Now that I know its function, it all makes so much sense. The clip at the narrow end of the board holds the fish’s tail in place, while the grooved lines help to hold his body in place as you scrape off his scales with some sort of gruesome tool.
Okay, so you might want to think twice before using a fish scaling board for a DIY project, LOL. Trust me, I gave mine a very careful sniff test before embarking on this bit of Christmas decor. Thankfully, it passed the test.
Alternatively, you could simply use a long bread board, which I come across fairly regularly out in the wild.
Materials for Making Fish Scaling Board Christmas Decor
Materials:
- Thrifted fish scaling board (here’s a new fish scaling board)
- Stain (I used dark walnut)
- Ribbon
- Mini wreaths: pine garland, white seam binding, “merry christamas” tags
- Hot glue gun
Stain the Board & Add Ribbon
For the first step, I applied a coat of Minwax Dark Walnut stain with some cheese cloth.
After it dried, I ran a strip of the pretty burlap and gingham ribbon down the center with hot glue.
Make Mini Wreaths
Next, I made three mini wreaths, following the instructions from this post: How to Make the Cutest Mini Wreaths You’ve Ever Seen, but I made them slightly larger to fit the scaling board better.
Hot glue them into place on the ribbon.
That same post also explains how I make aged mottos, like the “joy to the world” one that you see here.
Add a Bow
I added a simple bow at the top.
And hung it with a few other Christmas projects that will be available at the Shaker Christmas Craft Show come this November. [I work on Christmas projects all year long!]
I think it would make a nice addition to anyone’s holiday decor.
I just love taking crazy, ugly old things and turning them into something fresh and new.
Make sure to check out some of the projects by these my fellow Thrifty Chicks!
- A Kitchen Cabinet Door Into A Towel Holder by Shoppe No. 5
- Christmas in July Kitchen DIY Project by Adirondack Girl @ Heart
- How to Make a Coffee Bar Sign by Just the Woods
- Sewing Machine Drawer Kitchen Organizer by Lora B. Create & Ponder
- Silverware Wind Chimes by Interior Frugalista
- What To Do With a Collection of Random Kitchen Do-Dads by The Vintage Cottage
- How To Make Repurposed Folding Strainer Flowers by Thrifty Rebel Vintage
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Love it, and love the thrifty hop you’re on! Thanks for the code….will have to checks things out!
Thanks Rita! We’re having fun with the hop; so glad you’re enjoying it 🙂 You’re such a great customer, it’s the least I could do–you deserve more, lol!
This is absolutely adorable! Love the combo of textures and colors! We have a fish scaling board up at the cabin, but we actually use it, so guess I’ll be on the hunt for another;) Great job!
Thanks so much Lora; I’m so glad you like it 🙂 Happy hunting for another board–
Omg! How cute diana!
Tania
Thanks Tania!!
Talk about a fabulous way to repurpose a fish scaler! This is so pretty, Diana and such a creative idea! Love your other Christmas DIY’s too. Wish I lived nearby so I could shop your booth in November.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Marie 🙂 It was definitely one of my quirkier upcycles!
I never saw a fish scaler until now. I love your repurpose for it. It is so festive and now I am starting to think Christmas crafts.
Ha ha! After all, it’s Christmas in July, right?! Glad you enjoyed the project–thanks for stopping by 🙂
That is so pretty Diana! I never would have guessed that board was for fish scaling. Love the ribbon you used.
Learn something new every day, right? Thanks for popping in, Tuula 🙂
My fish scaling board never sold in my booth so now I have a better idea of what to do with it. You have provided great inspiration, I love this blog hop too.
Ha! There you go, a new project for you 🙂 Thanks for stopping by for the hop, Sharon!
Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle.
The ribbon is perfect for this project; I am sure it will be grabbed up by someone shopping for a fisherman! I used the little wreathes I made on pocket tags for gift cards; they are addictive and adaptable for so many projects. Had a good time checking the blog hop; what a great assortment of projects. Been creating Christmas stuff for our Nov. church bazaar; it’s only 4 months away–scarey!
Ooh I’d love it if a fisherman/woman bought it or received it as a gift 🙂 So glad you had the chance to visit the other bloggers, Kathy–they’re great, aren’t they? Sounds like we are on a similar crafting “schedule” with big Christmas events coming up. Happy crafting!
Very cute project! I love the country feel of it!
Thanks so much AnnMarie! Hope you’re having a great weekend 🙂
I’ve used these many times! Never would I think it could be so gorgeous! Beautiful work!!!
Thanks Michelle–so sweet of you to say 🙂
Super cute! Very clever idea…pinning!
Ooh! Thanks for the pin, Melissa!
Love this!! I really is quite charming!!
Hugs,
Deb
Thank so mluch, Deb!
I love what you did with this piece. My mom has one of those in her shed. I’m going to pass this idea on to her!
Aww, thanks Paula!! Hope she likes the idea 🙂
Absolutely darling Diana! Coming from a long line of fishers I know exactly what that board is. 🙂 Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann