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Kmart hack: How to make pineapple-shaped door knobs with a $1.50 ice cube tray

Add a touch of summer to your furniture.
Olivia Hart author profile headshot Writer

When furniture artist and DIY-lover Teleasha Shorter found a pineapple ice-cube tray at Kmart she decided she had a better use for it than just ice!

After a quick DIY she was able to create gorgeous mini pineapple-shaped door handles which she attached to her summer-inspired hall table. Better Homes and Gardens Online caught up with Teleasha to find out all about her genius Kmart hack.

summer hall table
A gorgeous summer-themed console with gleaming pineapple handles. (Credit: Teleasha Shorter) (Credit: Teleasha Shorter)
finished product
The stunning final product! (Credit: Teleasha Shorter) (Credit: Teleasha Shorter)

What inspired your project?

I recently started using resin to create furniture mouldings and when I saw the pineapple ice cube tray in Kmart that’s when inspiration struck! 

Have you made many things before?

I’m a furniture artist and serial upcycler and I am constantly trying to think outside of the box and create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.    

pineapple mould
The $1.50 Kmart ice cube tray (Credit: Teleasha Shorter) (Credit: Teleasha Shorter)

What kind of look were you after?

I was inspired by a summer sunset. The pineapple handles added the finishing touch to the summer-inspired hall table. 

Biggest challenge?

Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for the resin to set! 

knobs
Door knobs (Credit: Teleasha Shorter) (Credit: Teleasha Shorter)
close up of knobs in tray
(Credit: Teleasha Shorter) (Credit: Teleasha Shorter)

Talk us through the process

1) Mix up the resin and catalyst.

2) Half fill pineapples. 

3) Place the knobs in the resin. 

4) Continue to pour resin around the knobs and fill pineapples to the top.

5) Allow resin to set.

6) Remove newly created pineapple handles from tray.

7) Prime them with Slick Stick. This ensures the spray paint will adhere and wear well over the years.

8) Spray paint and then allow to dry and cure.

9) Attach handles to you drawers or cabinets! 

table
(Credit: Teleasha Shorter) (Credit: Teleasha Shorter)

Budget Breakdown

Pineapple ice cube tray $1.50

Protite Casting Resin 500g $23.98

Protite Resin Catalyst 15ml $6.80

Prestige 14mm Polished Chrome Fingerpost Knob $2.19

Dixie Belle Slick Stick Primer 8oz $30.40

Dulux Rose Gold Spray Paint High Gloss $15.40

table
(Credit: Teleasha Shorter) (Credit: Teleasha Shorter)

Total cost?

Each handle would cost about $4 to make! There is an upfront cost of buying all the necessary materials however each handle requires so little of each product.

close up
(Credit: Teleasha Shorter) (Credit: Teleasha Shorter)

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Olivia Hart author profile headshot
Writer Olivia Hart

Olivia Hart hails from Melbourne but couldn't resist the lure of sunnier weather in Sydney. She spends her time listening to film-themed podcasts, trying to keep up with her book club's monthly pick and practicing Italian, which she hopes one day (likely very far in the future) to be fluent in. She has written across culture, fashion, food and lifestyle for Better Homes and Gardens, New Idea Food, Vogue Australia, Broadsheet Melbourne and Fashion Journal. She now works as the branded content writer for Time Out Sydney.

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