Stylish soap dispensers

Hands-on time: Less than an hour
Total time: Plus 24 hours to dry and cure
Skill: Super easy
Cost: Less than $15 excluding dispenser

Materials and Tools

• Clear acrylic dispenser pumps
• Rubbing alcohol and lint-free cloth
• Rub-on-letters, the Alphabet Book by Royal Langnickel
• Painter's tape
• Matte medium by Pébéo
• Disposable foil tray
• Paint brush or nonporous sponge
• Cotton swab

Tired of the drab plastic soap container on your kitchen counter? Replace it with something you made yourself using rub-on letters for quotes or monograms. These letters can transform ordinary items into contemporary décor pieces. Add text, quotes or your monogram to furniture, mirrors, glass shower door, picture frames, and various items in your home office. Just about any smooth or lightly textured surface can be customized.

Clean the dispenser using rubbing alcohol and a soft lint-free cloth. Tape off a centre band. From a booklet of rub-on letters, cut out the ones you need. Position and apply the letters. It's practically impossible to make a mistake, but if you do, gently scratch it off and apply a new letter.

Place some matte medium into a foil plate. Dip the sponge or paint brush into the medium, remove excess and apply over the letters and centre band. Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol or solvent to remove any paint residue before it fully dries. The medium will waterproof the letters and prevent them from fading or cracking.

Allow dispenser to dry for 24 hours, and then wash the dishes in style. I smile each time I use mine.

Variations

• Decorate and personalize vases, picture frames, boxes, lampshades, mirrors, CD cases, pillar candles, filing cabinets. Varnish isn't needed if items won't be in contact with water or humidity. Change the text or letters when you get tired of them.
• Use letters on glasses for outdoor parties and gatherings.
• Large wall letters are also available in many different fonts to add a saying or quote to a room.