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Upcycled Door Handle Towel Holder

Every once in a while, my dad comes by after he’s done a cleaning out of a property and will be bearing #trashure for me. This time around, I’m offered this… It’s made of solid brass with a gorgeous patina that I want to keep intact. What to do? Make an upcycled door handle towel holder, of course. Thanks, Dad!

Brass Door Handle Before Upcycle | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

To be honest, when he gave it to me, I literally had no idea what I what I’m going to do with it. What would you create?

After a bit of deliberation, I decided to make it functional for a bathroom or kitchen. If you know me, I love a story-telling home. That means I love decor that does NOT come from the box store but really means something to me. You can see my remodels HERE.

CREATING TIME

First, I head to my wood stash to pull out a board that has oodles of rustic features and is also the right width. Then, that board heads to my chomping block (aka. miter saw with my DIY dust collector from a baby tent)

Miter Saw Cutting Reclaimed Board for Upcycled Door Handle Towel Bar | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

After that, I need to address the handle. It has a hole at the bottom, but the top would have been held on by the deadbolt lock. That means I need to drill a new hole at the top so I can attach it. Enter in my kinda diamonds…a diamond drill bit.

Diamond Drill Bit for Door Handle | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

With relative ease, I make a new hole in the brass for a screw. I always have these on hand because I can drill metal, stone, and oh so many things. These diamonds are a DIY girl’s best friend!

LAYERS

As soon as the board is cut, I’m ready to add layers of paint to create a story.

Reclaimed Board Before Upcycled Door Handle Holder | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

For the first layer, I use a milk paint in Highland Blue. Notice I’m not coating the entire board because I want some of that wood to peek through for the end result.

Aqua Blue Milk Paint on Reclaimed Board | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Next, after the paint dries, I add more texture by using basic school glue to make the next coat crackle and peel. I told you I was fun. {{wink, wink}}. I apply beads of glue that I smear with my finger in random spots where normal where would be.

Applying School Glue to Reclaimed Board for Upcycled Door Handle Holder | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Before the glue fully cures, I use a brush and wipe another paint the length of the board.

Whitewashing Board for Upcycled Door Handle Towel Holder | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Finally, to hasten to process, you can use a hairdryer or heat gun to make the glue crackle and bubble more. What is more, you can see my other crackle finishes HERE. For a time-worn finish, I use my paint scraper to remove some paint, sand it a bit, and add a bit of dark wax.

DIY Video Tutorial for a Hollow Core Door Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

FINAL RESULT

After my quick DIY stent, here is my upcycled door handle towel holder. It’s now ready for oodles of clean hands (hopefully, at least, in your house). You moms know what I mean, right?

Farmhouse Towel Holder from Upcycled Door Handle by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #repurposed

Repurposed Bathroom Towel Holder from Upcycled Door Handle by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #bathroom

Closeup of Repurposed Towel Holder by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Not bad for “junk”, me thinks. Not only does it serve a purpose, but also makes for a fun story to share with family and guests.

Mirror Image Upcycled Towel Holder in Farmhouse Bathroom by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #handmade

Now that was a crazy simple upcycle that I totally spent too much time initially overthinking. Please say I’m not alone, K?

If you’d like to make this a part of your home story, you can find it and more in my online store.

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

SHARE

In addition to leaving me some comment love below, we can inspire others to make their own home story too. Pin and share!

Misfit and ready for a new life, this upcycled door handle now serves a purpose | by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #upcycled #diy #repurposed

Before you go, make sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to see what becomes of this heart cutout shelf HERE.

Heart Cubby Shelf Before | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

 

Until next time!
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While you’re at it, here are more DIY projects like my upcycled door handle:

An Antique Radio Upcycled into a Music Box Light by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #upcycled #art

A broken, vintage caned chair is left for trash until Larissa of Prodigal Pieces upcycles it into a folding drying rack | DIY details at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #repurposed #upcycled #diy #farmhouse

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    Ok… once again you’ve proven that your creativity level is on another plain!! 😂 It’s never ending!!!!!!!! 😍

    • Larissa says

      ahaha!! You crack me up, girl! I am glad you don’t think me crazy, at least. Thank you so much for the loving affirmation.

  2. ColleenB.`Tx. says

    Super cute hanging in your bathroom
    ‘Your beautiful mind inspires others.’ :}

    • Larissa says

      You’re so sweet, Coleen. Thank you from my heart. 🙂

  3. Caye Cooper says

    OH, you CLEVER PUSS!! What a great idea, Larissa. This was very inventive. Thanks for the inspiration.

  4. Mary Ann says

    Lovely idea, I would have put a little sumpin’ in that circle though. Of course, that is where my overthinking would have kicked in…stitchery? picture? old timey label?….

    • Larissa says

      I debated on that, actually, but simple won out. haha. At least someone could slide something in easily.

  5. Elle says

    I thought it could be a ‘shutter dog’—I may have the name wrong. A metal piece that allowed shutters to be opened and closed during bad weather. I live in Palm Springs and all we shelter from is the heat!

    • Larissa says

      I know what you’re talking about. However, he did pulls this off one of his rentals. The top circle would house the deadlock. I love your idea too!

  6. Christina says

    Oh, my goodness. I have some catching up to do!! So creative. I figured it was a door handle but never imagined a towel holder. It fits perfect in your decor! Simple is good especially for a crazy busy mom like you!

    • Larissa says

      tee hee! I know the feeling. Simple is pretty much all I could do with it anyway. I debated on adding a graphic in the lock hole part, but wanted the new owner to have the option to fill it in. Thanks so much, Christina!

  7. Marietta R Walker says

    I just can’t believe how creative you are. You’re ideas always surprise and delight me. You da bomb!

    • Larissa says

      And you, Marietta, made my whole day brighter. 😀 Thank you for bringing smiles!

  8. Marie says

    I knew what it was but adore what you did with it! I always enjoy your signature rustic charm.

    • Larissa says

      Us DIY gals gotta stick together, girl! haha. I sure have fun getting random stuff to play with. Thanks, Marie.

  9. Mary Loveland says

    Cute and practical, can’t beat that! Well done!

    • Larissa says

      Right? I’m all about function over form, but it doesn’t hurt to have style too. tee hee! Thank you, Mary.

  10. Bonnie says

    That is such a cool idea and would fit in good with bathroom or kitchen of it’s same blend. I can’t imagine not having stuff like this in my home. Thanks for another great share.

    • Larissa says

      Thanks! I couldn’t resist incorporating it somehow. My absolute pleasure to share, Bonnie. 🙂

  11. susan says

    Well darn! That sold too fast! It’s soooo cute!

    • Larissa says

      aww…you’re so sweet, Susan! 😀 Thank you. I really debated on keeping it.

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