Ikea Hack -MALA Paper Roll Holder

Have you ever bought something that you didn't even know you needed ?

Well I guess I do!  I hope I'm not the only one-

I saw this package at the Thrift Store.....

 

I did not even know what it was....but it was new....it was wood.....

 

and it was a dollar !





 

I looked it up online and thought I would give it a try.

 

You hear horror stories about putting IKEA products together, but honestly this was so easy

 

I did not have to look at the picture.


It comes with a tiny tool for the side pieces.

The other pieces slide easily in and out. It took 5 minuets.

It really looked great natural, it had a light sealed finish. I knew I would be staining or painting

 

the holder, so I used sandpaper to remove the finish.

 

The paper is easy to get on Amazon. It's about $15 for a 98 ft. roll.

 

That's a pretty good deal if you want to save your space from glue and paint.

 

 I did not have the paper roll from  IKEA that fits this holder so for now.....

 

 I found a roll of Postal Wrap made by Scott 3M, sometimes called Kraft Paper

 

at the Dollar Tree.

 

I asked Mr. Fresh Vintage if the roll could be cut with a saw.....

 

 

 

 

 He said- let's give it a try- and it worked!

 

 



 

 

 We measured the length of the dowel.

 

The other short end can be used for wrapping items to ship.

 

 

 

 

 

The paper fit!

 

This Kraft paper is thick and will hold up to paint and stain.

 

I will not have to change it very often.

 

The IKEA paper is thinner.





 

 The two lower side pieces easily slide in and out. The trays look like they are for pencils,

but they are not necessary to stabilize the holder.
 



 



 

 I decided I liked the holder without the trays.

 

 

 

I stained the top piece, dowel and cross piece.

 

Then painted the T shaped side pieces with Black Acrylic paint.

 

I used this stencil to add some small details.

 

 

6'' x 6''

 

https://istencils.com/sapolio-stencil-ch-021.html

 

 

 I keep this antique holder in the garage for paper towels!

 

 



 

 

It was my inspiration. I was going for a cast iron look-

 

 

I love that I can move it around easily! 

 







 

 

 

 

I added a bit of faux rust using cinnamon and glue on the screws.

 

 

Just like here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, I admit my projects are all over the place. I have a craft room...and the kitchen....

 

and in the garage I have my Dad's old drafting table that I love!

 

It's a great work area.

 

Do you have projects all over the place or do you work in one area only ?





 

 

 

Thank for letting me share my version of the IKEA- MALA with you today!

 

Overall I think it's a pretty good product to use for crafting even though it was originally

 

intended to be used for children.

 

 xo Lisa S