I have a really quick and easy project for you today, friends! I am showing you how to dress up and old meat grinder and turn it into a little shelf. The results are a beautiful way to display more of your favorite vintage treasures!
Decorating a vintage meat grinder can be an exciting project for anyone looking to add a bit of rustic charm to their home. It’s a great way to show off your creative style while incorporating one-of-a-kind vintage pieces into your decor.
Start by finding an old meat grinder that is still in good condition. Use an old book to transform it into a shelf. Then, as a final touch, add some vintage buttons or baubles for extra detail and texture. With this project you can create something truly special that will be admired for years to come!
How to Dress up an Old Meat Grinder
Whether you have an old meat grinder that has been in your family for years. Or you snagged a great one at a vintage market. This idea will give you a fabulous way to display it. And we get to mix in some of our other favorite decor items. You really can’t go wrong with this project!
Ways to Dress up your Vintage Grinder
I decorated my meat grinder using the things that I love. And I left the grinder itself in its original state because I love the look and character of it. But there are so many other ways you can dress yours up!
You could use a combination of paints, decoupaged paper, washi tape, and other embellishments to give it a unique finish. For instance, you could cover the body of the grinder with decoupaged paper and use different colored paints for the handle and crank.
I have covered grinders in the past with old book pages and sheet music. I loved the way it came out! But you could use any kind of paper that you love or find interesting. I know that many of you love using pretty scrapbooking paper for things too.
You can also swap the muslin shreds for something else. If you don’t have any on hand, or just aren’t a fan, you have other options. Some beautiful vintage lace would be a great option. Or if you love a more rustic look, grab yourself some thick twine or raffia. Use whatever you love or have on hand!
How to Care for the Wooden Handle of your Meat Grinder
If your meat grinder has a wooden handle that is still in good shape, you have a great find! I really love the look of the wooden handle on mine. As you see in the video below, I use hemp oil on my handle to bring it back to life.
The hemp oil soaks into the wood and moisturizes and conditions it. (A lot like hair treatments for us, hehe!) All you have to do is use a rag to apply a small amount of the hemp oil. Rub it in and then wipe off any excess. It will appear shiny at first but that will fade as the oil absorbs and dries.
What you are left with is wood that has returned to most of its natural gorgeousness. Over time the wooden handle will fade again. But you only need to oil it again to bring it back. Once or twice a year should keep it in good condition.
How to Dress up an Old Meat Grinder Supply List
- Old meat grinder
- Tea stained muslin shreds
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Vintage buttons and other items
- An old book that will fit in the clamp of your grinder
- A greenery plop (In this video I used a white flowered plop)
How to Dress up an Old Meat Grinder Instructions
- Start by putting your handle facing down. The top of your grinder is the opening where the meat would go in. The bottom probably has a clamp where it would attach to a table or counter top.
- Use a few skinnier stained muslin shreds to tie your handle to the base of the grinder. This will keep it from moving around on you and disturbing your embellishments. I tied mine in a bow after double knotting it in place. Then I trimmed the ends to the length I liked.
- Next, use the hot glue to attach an interesting button to the center of you bow. Then stand the grinder upside down so that it is sitting on the meat part.
- Take your book and put it in the grinder’s clamp. Twist the clamp to hold the book in place. You can place the book with either the pages or the spine showing, depending on which side you like the look of more.
- Now you have a little shelf. Next, place your greenery plop on top of your book. Then add in whatever vintage items that you want. I love a little bird next to the plop. Or some skeleton keys. An you also have some space below your book on whatever surface you place your grinder. Another plop or a next would fit perfectly there!
The Wrap Up
And that’s it, friends! This is such a quick and easy project. But it packs a whole lotta vintage punch! And there are so many ways to to make your decorated vintage meat grinders beautiful and unique.
I would love to see how you use these dressed up old meat grinders in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! As always, I hope you love this project as much as I do. Happy crafting, friends!
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