Hardware Accessories

Galvanized buckets work great as decorative towel holders. A towel bar can be used to hang mugs in the kitchen or photos in another room with the simple addition of an S-hook. Any piece of hardware (chains, clamps or pipe collars, for example) with a hole in it can be used as a napkin holder for a contemporary setting. A beam clamp, found in electrical supplies, can be used to hold place cards, business cards or photos. Combine various sizes of pipe fittings to create unusual combinations that are one-of-a-kind candleholders. Garden edging makes a wonderful base for a candlescape that can be used for a rustic setting or a long centerpiece.

Crafter Marthe Le Van demonstrates how to recycle hardware store items such as paint buckets and metal pipes into unusual and functional decorating accessories.

Towel Holder

Galvanized paint buckets in two sizes make shiny and unique towel holders when attached to a bathroom wall. Be sure to use a variety of sizes or colors when choosing buckets.

Materials:

galvanized paint buckets
drill
nut
bolt

Steps:

1. Group them together in a pleasing arrangement, then attach buckets by drilling a hole through the sides of two buckets.

2. Secure with a nut and bolt.

3. Try hanging hand towels from the handle.

Utensil Holder

Use a garden cultivator (a three-pronged tool made to aerate soil) as a utensil hanger.

Materials:

garden cultivator
nail
kitchen utensils

Steps:

1. Hang the tool on a nail from the hole in its handle with the prongs facing out.

2. Put frequently used kitchen utensils on each prong.

3. Try grouping an number of cultivators together for a dramatic look.

Resources
Hardware Style: 100 Creative Decorating Ideas Using Materials from Every Aisle of the Home Center Store
by Marthe Le Van
Lark Books, 2003
Order this title from Amazon.com.

Also in this Episode

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1004
•	Hardware Accessories
•	Easy Carpet Installation
•	Desk Caddy
•	Smart Solution of the Day