How to Build Cabinet Hardware

Cabinets often look very similar because most people use standard cabinet hardware found at the home-improvement store. These stores typically offer 20 or 30 styles, and some are more frequently selected than others. But your cabinet hardware doesn't have to be generic. Essentially, your knobs are simply objects with a threaded screws glued to the inside back. With a little free time and creativity, you can make custom hardware that looks expensive and unusual.

Polymer clay
Threaded bolt
Dowel rod
Aluminum foil
Cookie sheet
120-grit sandpaper
Acrylic paints
Artist's brush
Spray clear coat
Glue
Nut

Instructions

- 1
  Warm up polymer clay by squeezing it in your hand and rolling it back and forth. As the clay warms up, it will become pliable and easy to shape.
- 2
  Sculpt the clay into a knob. Press a dowel rod into the back side of the knob to clear a space for a 1 1/2-inch threaded bolt. Remove the dowel. Press a nut for the bolt over the dowel hole so that the hole is centered, and the side of the nut is flat with the base of the knob. The nut should be surrounded by clay. Remove the nut, but don't disturb the impression. Repeat for every knob you intend to make.
- 3
  Place aluminum foil on a cookie sheet. Position the knobs on the foil. Bake the polymer knobs in a 225-degree oven for 20 minutes. They will harden in the oven. Allow the items to cool completely.
- 4
  Sand the knobs to remove any imperfections. Glue the nuts into the underside of the clay knobs. Paint the knobs with acrylic artist paint, using a small artist's brush. Allow the paint to dry. Spray the knobs with three to four coats of acrylic clear coat for a nice finish.

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