By late summer, I always seem to have sunscreen bottles, bug spray, lip balm, and sunglasses scattered from the porch to the pool steps. This little outdoor sunscreen station is my kind of solution: practical, tidy, and charming enough to sit right out in the open. We’re taking a simple metal paper towel holder, wrapping and crocheting thick tropical teal yarn through it, then fastening plastic organizer bins around the base so everything has a place.
I especially like a project like this because it doesn’t ask for fancy supplies or a workshop full of tools. It’s a good fit if you know a few basic crochet motions and don’t mind a bit of creative improvising. It reminds me of the way we used to make do with what we had on hand, only now it turns into something bright and useful for summer living.
Materials
1 metal paper towel holder, freestanding, approximately 13 to 15 inches tall with a 6 to 7 inch round base
Instructions
1. Set the paper towel holder on a flat surface and clean it well so the yarn and zip ties sit snugly against the metal. Check that the base is steady and does not wobble.
2. Measure the height of the center rod and the circumference of the base so you can estimate your yarn coverage. This helps you keep the wrapping even and avoid bulky spots.
3. Make a slip knot and anchor the yarn near the bottom of the center rod, then begin wrapping the yarn upward in tight, even coils. Push each wrap close to the last so the metal shows as little as possible.
4. When you reach the top, work a short chain and single crochet edging around the top loop or cap area, attaching the crochet stitches around the wrapped yarn where needed. This gives the top a finished look and helps hold the wrapping in place.
5. Cut the yarn and weave in that end, then start again at the outer edge of the round base. Wrap the base in the same close, even manner, working from the center outward or from one side around, depending on the holder’s shape.
6. If you’d like more coverage on the base, crochet a simple flat circle using single crochet until it matches the visible top of the base, then fit it over the wrapped area and stitch it down with the yarn needle. Keep the stitches firm so the cover doesn’t slide.
7. Place the four plastic organizer bins evenly around the base, spacing them like quarters of a circle. Keep the open sides facing outward so sunscreen and pool items are easy to grab.
8. Thread 3 zip ties through each bin and around the base structure, then pull them tight one at a time so the bins sit level and secure. Trim the zip tie tails close for a neat finish.
9. Test the station by placing a few items in each bin, balancing the weight around the base. If one side feels heavier, shift the contents until the stand feels stable.
10. Weave in any loose yarn ends, snip stray fibers, and add adhesive pads under the base if you want extra grip on a patio table. Fill the bins with sunscreen, aloe, bug spray, swim goggles, and lip balm.
Variations & Tips
Use weather-friendly supplies: If your station will live outdoors most of the season, choose synthetic bulky yarn rather than cotton or wool. Acrylic or polypropylene yarn handles splashes and humidity much better.
Adjust the bin size: Longer bins are handy for sunscreen bottles, while shorter bins work well for goggles and small tubes. Just be sure all bins are the same height so the station looks balanced.
Match your outdoor colors: Tropical teal is cheerful and summery, but coral, sunshine yellow, or navy would also be lovely. I’ve always believed useful things can still be pretty, especially out on the porch or by the pool.
Keep the crochet simple: This project does not need fancy stitch work. A neat wrap and a plain single crochet edging are sturdy, tidy, and just right for something that gets used every day.
Store smartly: Put the tallest bottles opposite each other to keep the weight even. I also like to reserve one bin just for after-sun care, because in August especially, that’s often what folks reach for first.
Make cleaning easy: Choose bins that can be unclipped or replaced if they crack over time. A quick wipe-down every week keeps lotion drips and pool dust from building up.