A paper towel holder and dispenser whose beautiful rustic look and charming materials will bring a smile to everyone who sees it.

The two upright wooden dowels are made from sticks that have been chewed through by beavers. The beavers have also gnawed most of the bark off of both sticks -- the under-bark layer, or cambium, of trees and branches is the part that beavers actually eat. The base of the holder is made from a beautiful cross-sectional slice (or "cookie") of a red oak tree with its bark intact. The tree was distinctly out of round at this cross-section, and this asymmetry has been incorporated into the design of the holder.

This piece has been finished with multiple coats of polyurethane to give it a shine and make it easy to keep clean. The top of the oak base in particular has been hand polished and buffed to bring out the gorgeous colors and radial lines of this wood. The bottom of the base has rubber feet to help it stay put when you tear off a towel and to keep it clear of counter-top spills.

The piece is 14-1/2 inches (37 cm) tall at its highest point and the base is 7-3/4 inches (20 cm) across at its widest. This holder will accommodate all common paper towel rolls, including the recent larger-capacity rolls.

You may not think of a paper towel holder as being something that would make a terrific gift, as being something people will get pleasure from every time they use it, or as being a conversation piece. Well, I think you'll agree that all of those items are true with this delightful paper towel holder!