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

 



Another IKEA Moppe Card Catalog Hack

 

 

We were out looking at Garage Sales, when I found this Mini Drawer

 

 ''Moppe'' from IKEA. They are still available from time to time but only in the store.

 

Not available online.

 

I was so excited....Mr. Freshvintage... not so much!

Here's the BEFORE-

 

  

 

 

And you thought my last  card catalog cabinet was hideous !

REALLY...A SHARPIE on raw wood........

 

What were they thinking ???
 

And Shoes???

 

The only shoes that fit in these drawers are for a BARBIE  and evidently

 

......she has a lot of shoes...... but hey that's why I got it for a dollar.

 

I don't mind because remember we are going to flip the drawers around!

 

 

 

 

 

A light sanding is all the prep it needs.

 

 

 Those dovetail joints are going to look great when stained.

 

Remove dust and find a clean area to stain your box and drawers,

 

inside and out -

 

My FAVORITE stain!

 

BRIWAX- dark brown 

 

 

 One step to stain and seal !

 

 After the stain is dry you can add your hardware.

 

 

I found my hardware on Amazon.....there are thousands of choices.

 

The ones that I really liked were from Rockler Hardware-

 

Card Holder Pulls in Antique Brass 1.99 each

 

Here's the AFTER !

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On my desk

 

 

The little drawers are great and they keep the desk clear.

 

I am very pleased with how it turned out!

 

I hope I have inspired you today.

 

If you see one at these cabinets at the Thrift Store, Garage Sale or even at Ikea

 

pick one up and make a Card Catalog Hack of your own.

 

 



 

 

Thank you so much for visiting!

 

I appreciate every single one of you!

 

xo Lisa S