Woman Uses Air-Dry Clay For A Toilet Paper Holder Makeover With An Impressive DIY
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Sometimes, whimsy shows up in the most unexpected places, including where you keep the toilet paper. It might not be the first bathroom accessory you think to personalize, but who says you can't zhush it up? If your current setup involves reaching behind you for a roll balanced on the toilet tank, this could be your excuse to give it a better home.
@Sculpd on YouTube creates a funky toilet paper holder that will up your bathroom's aesthetic. They use air-dry clay and some paint to make something totally unique. They shape the clay into a looping form resembling a cursive capital "L," leaving a longer section fairly straight to support the roll. Bright pink paint with blue splatters makes the finished piece look like colorful, abstract art, but there's plenty of room to do your own thing. You could choose a bold color that coordinates with a shade from your shower curtain or other artwork, or you could keep it neutral for something more understated.
For this stylish toilet paper holder, all you'll need is some air-dry clay, a work mat, a clay tool or craft knife, a little water for smoothing, paint, and a compatible clear protective finish like Mod Podge. You'll also need to mount the finished design, which you can do by installing a hook into the wall that the holder can hang from, or something more temporary like a sturdy Command hook. Keep in mind that air-dry clay can be brittle, so the holder's shape, support, and attachment will matter just as much as its looks.
Shape, paint, and hang your clay toilet paper holder
If you're looking to skip traditional toilet paper holders, the process for creating one is extremely simple. Start by rolling the air-dry clay into a long piece about an inch thick. Curve it into a loose cursive "L," like the video demonstrates (or, actually, any shape that can hold the tube) with a loop at the top for hanging. Keep the end of the bottom arm open so you can slide a fresh roll on without taking the holder completely off the wall. Before the clay dries, hold an empty cardboard tube beside the shape to check that the arm will fit through the center.
Now you can smooth out fingerprints with a lightly damp fingertip or sponge, then let the clay dry completely. Don't rush this part; you don't want your finished piece to crack and break. Letting it dry 72 hours is recommended. Once it's dry, you can paint it and add a compatible clear coat. You could copy the creator's bright pink design with the blue splatters, or add tiny painted designs like flowers or polka dots. If a cursive letter isn't your thing, try something like a simple J shape with a gently upturned tip.
To hang it, use a wall hook and properly install it into your wall. Alternatively, you could push a small dowel through the top of the holder while the clay is still wet to create a hole you could later put a screw through. For something more renter-friendly, try using a heavy-duty removable hook. Whatever you decide, just make sure you hang your holder within easy reach of the toilet and check that it sits securely before adding the roll.