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!
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Before the glue fully cures, I use a brush and wipe another paint the length of the board.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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Until next time!
While you’re at it, here are more DIY projects like my upcycled door handle:
Ok… once again you’ve proven that your creativity level is on another plain!! 😂 It’s never ending!!!!!!!! 😍
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.
Super cute hanging in your bathroom
‘Your beautiful mind inspires others.’ :}
You’re so sweet, Coleen. Thank you from my heart. 🙂
OH, you CLEVER PUSS!! What a great idea, Larissa. This was very inventive. Thanks for the inspiration.
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?….
I debated on that, actually, but simple won out. haha. At least someone could slide something in easily.
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!
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!
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!
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!
I just can’t believe how creative you are. You’re ideas always surprise and delight me. You da bomb!
And you, Marietta, made my whole day brighter. 😀 Thank you for bringing smiles!
I knew what it was but adore what you did with it! I always enjoy your signature rustic charm.
Us DIY gals gotta stick together, girl! haha. I sure have fun getting random stuff to play with. Thanks, Marie.
Cute and practical, can’t beat that! Well done!
Right? I’m all about function over form, but it doesn’t hurt to have style too. tee hee! Thank you, Mary.
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.
Thanks! I couldn’t resist incorporating it somehow. My absolute pleasure to share, Bonnie. 🙂
Well darn! That sold too fast! It’s soooo cute!
aww…you’re so sweet, Susan! 😀 Thank you. I really debated on keeping it.