Stop Buying Paper Towel Holders — It's So Easy & Affordable To DIY Your Own
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Many of us don't pay that much attention to a paper towel holder. But the moment you've spilled sauce on your hands, and you need to grab a sheet or two of paper towel without messing up the entire roll, that's when you truly appreciate the benefit of that simple roll holder. It ensures you have a towel roll within easy reach rather than locked away in drawers. At its core, a good countertop paper towel holder includes a heavy base, to prevent tipping over when tearing off a sheet of paper towel, with a center pole to keep the roll in place. If you're on the lookout for one of these, instead of buying one, try a DIY creation instead.
This is one of the genius DIYs to store your paper towels that requires just a handful of supplies. For the weighted base, you'll need plaster like this Falling in Art Plaster of Paris Powder available on Amazon. In case you have leftover rapid-set cement mix from a previous home renovation project, you can use that too. Next, grab an old foil tube or cut a section of a PVC pipe to use as the center pole. You'll also need a wide, round plastic container to use as a mold for the base, water for preparing the plaster or cement base, and a stick for mixing.
How to DIY a simple paper towel holder
Start by creating the weighted base for your holder. Pour the Plaster of Paris powder (or rapid-set cement powder) into the plastic container and add water. Remember to first read the instructions on the packaging to know the amount of water needed. Mix until you have a smooth consistency. Next, place the cardboard tube (or PVC pipe) straight down into the middle of the wet plaster, center it, and keep it as straight as you can.
Once the Plaster of Paris mold has dried (this can take about an hour), pull it out of the mold, then leave it to cure completely, which can take a few hours to a few days. That's it! Your paper towel holder is now ready for use. Place one roll over the center tube and enjoy easy access to your towels. And guess what? You can also use this, as is, to declutter and organize your jewelry. Simply arrange bracelets, bangles, and wrist watches on the center pole.
Lastly, let's fix the plain look of this DIY paper towel holder. One way is to add color. You can either paint it to match your room's decor or wrap the center pole with cute peel-and-stick wallpaper to make it stand out. Other than that, feel free to seal the entire towel paper holder with a clear sealer. This will make it easier to clean and add a beautiful glossy finish. Once you're satisfied with the final look, you can also try other clever ways to use this paper towel holder around the house, other than just holding paper towels.