Thread or Washi Tape Holder - Repurposed Estate Sale Find

About a month ago I found this super cool, well what I knew I could make super cool, thread holder at an estate sale. It was less than cool at the time, sporting it's big gold horse, but from looking at it I could see it was handmade (I like to think some loving husband made this for his wife), and for $4, how could I let something handmade hit the rubbish heap?

Before: (Ignore my awesome board in the back, it's messy but filled with pics of things I love!)

I knew I could take the horse off and replace it with a decorative knob from Hobby Lobby, and re-cover the top with some batting and some pretty fabric. I had originally thought I would paint the body one color and the pegs in a contrasting color, but in the end, I decided all white worked best. I can always re-paint it later. Also, I used 2 layers of batting along with some cute fabric I had a leftover fat quarter of. This made the top a smidge too bulky, so later, when I get sick of that print, and want to re-cover it again, I will probably take it down to one layer of batting, enough to give it a little bit of cushiness, but not so much it makes the top sit unevenly. I also want to add a Lazy Susan bottom to it so it spins, but I can't find one to fit it :( I am thinking I will have to pull apart my old spice rack as neither home improvement store in town has anything I can use.

I haven't decided if I am using this for sewing or other crafts. It holds thread, of course, but also holds small rolls of washi tape as well. Plus the inside is hollow, giving you even more storage space for items like scissors, rotary cutters, etc. Right now it is sitting on top of my craft armoire as a decoration. I am just happy knowing I saved this beauty from the trash.

Have you ever saved a estate sale find and make it shine? Link up in the comments, I would LOVE to see it!