Repurposed Drawer Jewelry Organizer

My repurposed drawer jewelry organizer was inspired by a project my friend Laurel made for her daughter. I found it on Pinterest while looking for a way to use one of the old drawers in my stash. I recently used its mate to make a Repurposed Drawer Shadow Box.

Let’s see how this easy repurposed drawer jewelry organizer came together:

How To: Repurposed Drawer Jewelry Organizer

If you saw my drawer shadow box, you already know the history with this old drawer. Years ago I used them to make shelving for my daughter Jamie. After hanging around in the basement shop for years, it’s time for its makeover using paint, fabric and more.

The North End Loft‘s Project

Sand & Clean old Drawer

Because the drawer was shiny from several coats of paint, I began by sanding it with rough-grit sandpaper.

If you don’t have any old drawers, you could easily make a box using 1x4s.

Patch Holes with Drywall Mud

The old drawer had many holes because it was connected to the other drawer for shelving. I patched the holes with drywall mud.

Chalk Spray Paint

I chose this pretty Chalk Spray Paint from Behr, knowing it would be a quick and easy makeover. The holes were patched twice in a two-day period to remove any sinking mud.

More Sanding of Rough Spots

After the first coat of chalk paint, the rough edges of the dovetail joints bothered me. So, I got out my orbital sander and medium-grit (150) sandpaper to smooth out the rough edges on all four corners.

More Spray Painting

Then it was back outside to do another quick couple of chalk spray paint coats. It was COLD! Much colder than it should have been to spray paint, but this project was supposed to be done last week.

Note: I turned the drawer over before I started painting. I did not paint the back of the drawer for this project.

Cut Cardboard to Fit Drawer Jewelry Organizer

I measured and cut a piece of cardboard to fit the bottom of the drawer snuggly.

Iron Fabric

Don’t skip this step! Even if you don’t want to drag the iron and ironing board out. What? That’s just me? Seriously, the neatness of your project depends on getting the wrinkles out of your fabric.

Add Fabric Backer Board

I chose to use Gorilla Tape to hold my fabric in place, but you may find it better to use hot glue. It’s sort of like wrapping a present or upholstery. It’s important to get it smooth and tight.

After snipping the corners, I added the tape to the opposite side. Then, I pulled the fabric tight as I put it on the cardboard.

Lastly, I taped down the corners.

Add C-Hooks for Necklaces

I measured and marked the drawer for the c-hooks.

The first one broke because I tried to install the c-hooks without pre-drilling pilot holes.

Not shown: I drilled pilot holes for each hook, moving them forward slightly so they would line up with the first hook.

Apply Hot Glue to Hold Fabric Backer Board

Working very quickly so the hot glue wouldn’t set up, I applied it all over the back of the drawer. I immediately placed the cardboard on top of the drawer, pressing down the cardboard until the hot glue set up.

Add D-Rings for Hanging

I prefer using d rings for 90% of my projects. This repurposed drawer jewelry organizer can hang on the wall or rest on a dresser.

Repurposed Drawer Jewelry Organizer

The small white dish pieces were found at a bargain store. I bought a bunch of them, and I’ve been waiting for just the right purpose. They are perfect for earrings and bracelets!

I chose to orient my repurposed drawer jewelry organizer horizontally. If you have long necklaces, you may want to use your drawer vertically.

Please share and save on Pinterest!

If you make your own repurposed drawer jewelry organizer, you could add fancier hooks or put hooks on the side, either inside or outside. That’s the beauty of making your own projects. You get to add what you want. I’m just here to get you started!

Check out these small white bowls on Amazon if you can’t find the small white dishes.