My repurposed drawer jewelry organizer was inspired by a project my friend Laurel from The North End Loft made for her daughter. I found it on pinterest while I was looking for a way to use one of the old drawers in my stash. I recently used it’s 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 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 it’s makeover using some paint, fabric and more.
Sand & Clean old Drawer
Because the drawer was so shiny with several coats of paint, I began by sanding it with a rough grit sand paper.
If you don't have any old drawers, you could easily make a box using 1x4's.
Patch Holes with Drywall Mud
The old drawer had many holes in it from being connected to the other drawers for shelving. I patched the holes with drywall mud.
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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 of the mud.
More Sanding of Rough Spots
After the first coat of chalk paint, the rough edges of the dovetail joints were bothering me. So, I got out my orbital sander and a 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 coats of the chalk paint spray paint. 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 out the iron and ironing board. 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 for holding my fabric in place. 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 in in place on the cardboard.
Lastly, I taped down the corners.
Add C-Hooks for Necklaces
I measured and marked the drawer for the c-hooks.
Because I tried to install the c-hooks without pre-drilling pilot holes, the first one broke.
Not shown: I drilled pilot holes for each of the hooks, 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 the back 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 for them. They are perfect for earrings and bracelets!
I chose to orient my repurposed drawer jewelry organizer in a horizontal position. If you have long necklaces, you may want to use your drawer in a vertical position.
Please share and save on Pinterest!
If you make your own repurposed drawer jewelry organizer, you could add fancier hooks, 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 hear to get you started!
If you can’t find the small white dishes, check out these small white bowls on Amazon.
Hi, there! Iām Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. Iām obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful againāmyself included! I hope youāll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way⦠literally!
Joann
Photo collage inside would be cute too!
Gail Wilson
Joann,
That's a great idea!!!
gail
Laurel
Hi, Gail! Sure love your jewelry organizer. xo
Gail Wilson
Thank you for being my inspiration Laurel! š
gail
christinafayerepurposed
This is adorable Gail! The fabric choice is perfect š
Susan
So pretty Gail! I love the fabric idea!
Jennie Wallick
Oh, this is so cute. I had to laugh about the iron never being used. Mine gets worn out. I sew and quilt a lot. Itās what you can do when your inside space is the size of a postage stamp. Itās the only thing I didnāt like about downsizing. The up side is I have both grandsons all day now and Iām too tired to think about how small my space is.