Get Organized: Repurpose an Old Jewelry Box into a DIY Craft Organizer
One of my readers gave me this genius idea for what to do with old jewelry boxes! Imagine my excitement when I walked into my favorite thrift store about 6 months ago and saw this jewelry armoire sitting there in all its glory….with NO PRICE TAG. It really was a magical moment. I couldn’t believe no one else had swooped it up. I knew this jewelry armoire makeover would be phenomenol!
BEFORE
I told my boys to stay there and guard it with their life, while I ran to find someone to get a price quote. I was expecting at least $40.00……
–GASP!!!
But, seriously, only $12.50??!!! When the lady told me, I worked reeeeeaaaallly hard to keep my face straight to hide my excitement and surprise. I would have paid probably 3 times that! (But they didn’t need to know that, LOL). Clearly they didn’t see the value in it that I saw, or else they would have marked it higher.
They probably had no idea that I could turn it such a pretty painted jewelry box, something so lovely!
AFTER!
But I bet you didn’t realize that repurposed jewelry armoires are perfect for small crafting supplies! You name it: washers, beads, screws, nails–all those small DIY materials you’re not sure where else to stash.
I had bought the jewelry armoire with the intention to sell it. It had sat in my garage for 6 months, which is actually a minute amount of time compared to some of my wait-listed furniture, like this wingback chair makeover I am working on which sat in the garage for four years! LOL
At first I used this HomeRight paint sprayer
to spray on Annie Sloan French Linen, but I am in LOVE with Annie Sloan Provence and really wanted something more bright and cheery. And if the condition of this can doesn’t convey how I abuse the heck out of some Provence, then I don’t know how else I could explain to you how much I love this color. LOL
(…FYI, yes, you can use Annie Sloan chalk paint in a paint sprayer. See my video tutorial on how to use chalk paint in the HomeRight Finish Max Pro
).
The Hardware
I had painted the small knobs white, but now I would need to change them back to gold. I just used Rub ‘n Buff Wax Metallic Finish
, which is my favorite way to change hardware in a snap. It just rubs on so easily!
Related: 5 Ways to Use Rub n’ Buff!
I also had to add my own knobs for the sides that pull out. The original knobs were broken off or lost. I love how fancy these knobs look!
The Stencil
This stencil is the same stencil I used on my folding table makeover that I did for my laundry room makeover. It’s my favorite French Floral Damask stencil. LOVE this stencil so much.
For this project, I removed all the drawers and laid them down straight together, then placed the stencil over them.
SHOP: Click here to buy this stencil using my affiliate link.
It’s Okay to Steal Borrow Ideas!
I can’t take credit for this genius idea of using an old jewelry box for crafting supplies. As I mentioned, one of my Thrift Diving 30-Day Room Makeover challengers posted in our closed Facebook group about sticking her screws and stuff in her jewelry box since she’s not a “give-me-jewelry” type of gal (just like me–I couldn’t care less about jewelry!!!).
The light bulb went off since I knew I was hoarding this baby in the garage. I knew there was no way that my spare jewelry collection deserved a piece like this. But–oh yes!!!–my crafting and DIY supplies could! 🙂 Organization, here I come!
So I stole borrowed her idea and turned this old jewelry box armoire into DIY craft storage in my basement!
It can easily hold 12 paint brushes there on the left. 🙂
The little compartments are perfect for storing nails and furniture tacks and stuff. I found myself wandering from place to place, looking for supplies to fill it up with!
You can see how it looks in my pretty office basement makeover!
BEFORE
AFTER!
Solid wood, too! And all that storage space and hooks!!
BEFORE
AFTER!
BEFORE
AFTER!
So what do you think?? 🙂
I know….some naysayers out there may think that I “ruined” all that beautiful wood. But it was dated wood. And the truth is that when a piece is sitting in a thrift store, neglected, a little bit of DIY and paint can bring it back to life for so many years to come for the next owner!
Anyhow, do you have some great ideas for other uses for jewelry armoires? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think of my repurposed jewelry armoire!
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Oooh, sooo pretty! I love how you hung the scissors and tools from the hooks, that was clever!!! The paint color is lovely, and the stencil makes it so unique. You took a drab jewelry dresser and rather than fill it with bling, you made the furniture itself be the bling, complete with a bling bling knob!!! Love it! Why is it in your basement and not upstairs for all to admire? LOL
Oh wow, I never even thought about that fact–that I put the “bling” on the outside, AND with the knob!! LOL. Sometimes I don’t know what in the world I’m doing when I craft, but hey, it if turns out, I’m happy! 🙂 And you may be right…. The basement is a hot mess right now. The crafting organizer doesn’t fit in (yet). I was too embarrassed to take pics of the whole basement for this post, so I just zoomed in on the “pretty.” :). Then again, keeping it in the basement (where my kids don’t go unless I am there) may protect is from a toddler who loves to draw on EVERYTHING. 🙂
LOVE! Everything about this is great – the price, the transformation look & the use for it!! I really need to get off my backside and finally do something with chalk paint and rub & buff. I’m probably the last crafter on the planet that still hasn’t used them, but this totally makes me want to add them to my Christmas list. I’d love if you added this to my Craftastic Monday Link Party so more people can see how awesome this is:)
Thanks, Cheryl! I just added this project, and another one on How to Make No Sew Pillows. I’m jealous of all your sewing projects! I had taught myself how to sew back in 2001, and used to make clothes….baby carriers….diapers….shoes when my kids were learning how to walk…Oh, and silk purses!! I totally miss sewing. I think just looking at your site, you’ve inspired me to have a night of sewing :). Let’s trade–you promise to try chalk paint and rub n’ buff, and I promise to make a silk purse :). I’m serious!!
Thanks great to hear Serena and let’s do it. We’ll cheer each other on and expand our project horizons!!
You always come up with the most novel ideas. I love this box in its natural state, but you have added a new dimension. And you are so right….this is perfect for craft goodies. All those little things that never have a home. Now you know exactly where to find them….and for some time and a little money.
Once again, you did a great job.
Thank you so much, Joan! 🙂
Love it – great job !! (I too love ASP – my favorite – and love Provence but somehow my always go to color is Duck Egg Blue – gotta change up !! lol
Have a blessed day,
Karen in Texas
Oh yeah, that’s my other “go-to” color! I could paint everything in those two colors and call it a day 🙂 Would never get tired of them!
I smile everytime I open an e-mail from you with all your wonderful and beautiful ideas come to life. I haven’t been able to do any DIY for the last year since I broke my back in a fall. Waiting for surgery. Enough about me. I love your crafts and ideas. Thank you for the e-mails. Welcome to my home. Lol. Hugs
Robin, this is SO SWEET. I’m sorry to hear that you hurt yourself in a fall. When are you having surgery? You’ll be out of commission for a while. Do you knit? If not, there’s an awesome site called KnittingHelp.com that shows videos on how to knit. Super easy. That way, if you can sit and knit something pretty, you’ll still be able to express yourself even if you can’t do a lot of moving around. Just your fingers moving :). Hope you feel better soon! And thank you SO MUCH for enjoying my blog. Knowing that you enjoy it gives me motivation to stay focused when sometimes I fall off the blogging horse. LOL. Thank you!!
I love it !! Wish I had found it!
Thanks, Debbie! Try estate sales (estatesales.net) and see if you can find one! You can also set up alerts on Craigslist in the event that someone lists one! 🙂
WOW! Serena!! Seriously Beautiful!!!!!! =) Not only is that an amazing jewelry box, you did a… wait for it… AMAZING and AWESOME job!!!! =)
I literally LOL when I read your “wait for it…” 🙂 Very cute, Matt. I’m so glad you like it! And thanks for commenting!!!!
This is such a great way to reuse the jewelry chest. I have one that’s very similar. Only difference is it has legs and is not painted…. YET! Like you my jewelry collection is sparse, but my craft collection is plenty. New project to add to my “to do list” thanks.
Hi, I am usually a lurker, but had to comment on this one. Gorgeous! Your best find yet.
Saundra, I’m soooo glad you came out of hiding! 🙂 I always love to hear from the lurkers! Thank you for the compliment. Feel free to come out more often. I won’t bite! 🙂
THIS IS AMAZING!!! Great repurpose!!
Thank you so much, Sonya!!