Re-purposed Vintage Fencing Squares DIY
Old metal garden fencing can be repurposed and upcycled into beautiful vintage decor with this simple DIY.
Old vintage garden fencing has all the charm of a nostalgic garden. Leftover or has-been rolls can be found fairly easily at sales or vintage shops. I find it quite often in curbside piles {“Curbside Junking Adventures and Tips”}. Instead of simply weaving it around the edge of a garden, you can create unique home decor that can be a enjoyed outdoors, indoors, or for a special event! Here’s a Repurposed Vintage Fencing DIY that you’re going to want to make!
Today I’m joining my Thrifty Chicks friends to create garden art projects! Each 2nd Wednesday of the month, these creative ladies and I create junkovers centered on a theme. I’ll have all their links below; can’t wait to see what summertime fun everyone’s come up with this time!
These vintage fencing squares have been enjoyed around my house for many years, and I’ve sold many of them. But today is the first time (drumroll…) Mr. Fix-it and I have ever shown how to make them! Since I’m not selling anymore, why not let the rest of the world know how to make them? Dig that roll of vintage fencing out of your garage rafters and make something unique with it, so you can enjoy it indoors and out. If you’re a vintage seller, you can make more money creating and selling these than you would a simple, extra roll of fencing! Just like I say at the bottom of my newsletter each week, “It’s not about the junk…it’s what you do with it”!
Repurposed Vintage Fencing Squares DIY
For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission. There is no additional cost to you. My full privacy policy is here.
Materials and tools needed: (click on links for more info)
vintage metal, scalloped top fencing
scrap wood square (optional)
U shaped staples (optional)
gloves & eye protection
The easiest way to explain how to make these moderately easy Vintage Fencing Squares is to show you pics, step by step. You’ll want someone with strong hands, a pair of gloves, eye safety, and these tools (an up to date tetanus shot is always good for junkers also;) And of course, a roll of vintage metal fencing with the crimped wire.
Cut Your Vintage Fencing Into the Correct Length:
Instead of measuring with inches for this project, follow the scallops in the fencing. You’ll have 8 scallop tops. Cut your fencing section like the 2nd picture below. A bolt cutter may be easier, depending on the thickness of your fencing.
Bend 4 Corners in to Create the Vintage Fencing Square
Grab a scrap board, approximately 1″ x 18″ to bend the corners around. Each side will still have a complete arch, the arch next to it will be folded in half.
Here’s what you should have after all that metal bending. Can you see it taking shape?
Weave Ends Together to Close Vintage Fencing Square
Next, uncrimp the loose ends about 1-1 1/2″ with a needle nose pliers.
Put uncrimped ends on either side of vertical wires.
Tuck the loose top scallop end into the spaces in the horizontal corners, evening out top arches.
Keeping bottom and top squared up, wrap the loose wires at the center seam around to secure. Clip ends and tuck in sharp ends as much as possible with pliers.
The finished connecting points should look like this when you are done:
Mostly done! Square up the whole thing, bending as needed, evening out arches.
Finish Off Base with 2 Options
Now to finish off the bottom. There are a couple of options.
If you want to place a container, like a glass hurricane or square inside, the fencing square should have a board at the bottom.
Cut a 6″ x 6″ board for the base. Bend all the ends under the board and attach with U shaped staples. Pre-drill small holes and pound U shaped staples around wire ends:
This finishing option is best if you’ll be using these indoors. It provides a more even surface to set a candle or vase on. If you are using it inside, you may want to glue a piece of felt over the bottom to protect surfaces.
Another option without the use of a board is to clip the 4 corners, tucking them back up. Then cross the ends, wrapping them back onto themselves. This option works well if you’re going to line the square with moss or a coco liner and plant in it.
Once you get the hang of it, you may want to go beyond the basic vintage fencing square. You can go longer and create a rectangle, more of a window box shape. For this option, overlap the ends a couple inches to secure. We also used an extra wire to connect the whole length together at the bottom.
Have Fun Decorating with your Vintage Fencing Square!
Are the ideas swimming in your head how you can use these fun vintage fencing squares? This fun decor accent can be hung with ribbon or rope or used as centerpieces, even lined up along a pathway.
They could be used for a special occasion, tucking candles inside or a vase of flowers. Lined with moss or cocoa liner, flowers or succulents will be beautiful. I place an upside down empty plastic planter pot in the bottom, so not as much potting soil is needed.
For my “Pink Depression and Peonies Patio Party” I hung them under our patio umbrella with simple twine. They can be used for all different seasons, too. I’ve used them filled with decorative corn and leaves in the fall, and as a centerpiece at Christmas { “Mantle Shelf with Fall Textures”, “Christmas Brunch”}
If your fencing is a little rusty, give them a spray of satin polycrylic (find it HERE). Or you could spray paint them to match your party or decor. The decorative possibilities are endless!
If you enjoyed this junky re-purposing project, I think you should become an Insider! You’ll get FREE access to my Resource Library, where I have downloadable, printable refreshing and re-purposing tips and tricks, styling how-to’s and pretty art;) You’ll also stay creatively motivated with my weekly newsletter!
Did you enjoy this Repurposed Vintage Fencing Square DIY project? Definitely pin it, so when you come across a roll of vintage fencing, you can make some! Enjoy the rest of the Thrifty Chicks garden projects down below, too!
Thrifty Chicks Garden Art
Sharing at these lovely parties:
I love all of them!!! And your first pic is just so pretty. The lanterns are amazing!
Thanks, Sheila! Vintage fencing is one of those materials I can’t get enough of; whatever I can think up to enjoy it’s patinaed beauty;)
Wow, these are so adorable. Love them. You are so creative. Please stop by Thursday Favorite Things since you are being featured.
Hugs,
Bev
Thanks, Beverly! I will certainly swing by;)
Lora, these are so cute and creative! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
Always love joining Vintage Charm, Cecilia! Thanks for hosting each week!
These are so cute! Pinned. 🙂
Thanks, Cindy!And thanks for pinning!
I absolutely LOVE this idea Lora!! So wonderfully creative and such a great farmhouse look. My favorite “look” is the ones holding clear glass jars with votives. You outdid yourself with this project!
Thanks for your sweet compliments, Diana! I do love these and use them all the time!
Great repurpose for some old fencing Lora! Absolutely love it!
Thanks, Tuula!
Now I have to be on the lookout for this stuff curbside; don’t think I’ve ever seen any secondhand anywhere! Love that rustic look!
Now that you’re looking for it, I’m sure you’ll see it everywhere, Kathy! Good luck!
Love love love love love!!!! So cute Lora!
Thanks, Amber!
Great idea – pinned!
Thanks, Ann!
Lora, these are so stink’n cute I had to pin them twice! One to my outdoor plant pot board and another to my outdoor lighting board. I adore them hanging under your patio umbrella with candles! I would so love to try this idea but I’m pretty certain it would end up with a trip to ER 😉 P.S. Your depression glass Peonie party tablescape looked amazing by the way. I was also admiring your lush green lawn. he he
Thanks so much, Marie! We have had quite a bit of rain here lately, which does make everything look quite green!We’re getting our April showers now, I think! Of course, the mosquitoes are hatching like crazy…can’t see them in the pics!
These are so pretty. Now to find the vintage fencing. It is a great idea.
Thanks, Debra! Good luck!
So cute lora and i have lots of that old fencing!
These would totally fit in with your beautiful yard decor, Tania! Have boyfriend do the bending…