Tuesday, July 20, 2010

How I Organize and Store My Pretties (With a Quick and Easy DIY)

A few months ago, I showed you guys this quick and easy DIY headband storage system.  Since then, I’ve been dying to show you my jewelry organization system, but with our cross country move, I sort of put it on the backburner.  But now that we’re settled and moved in, backburner be gone! 

But before I get to the good stuff, let me tell you a few of my life mantras:

  1. Pretty things should be shown off.
  2. Ordinary things should be stored in pretty things.
  3. You’ll use things more if you can see them.
  4. Home organization should not cost a fortune, unless its Container Store Elfa shelving.  Then I’ll make an exception :)
  5. Have alot of jewelry.  Some of mine is vintage, some is fancy, some is plastic, some is blingy, and some is from Target.  It doesn’t matter where its from, just as long as you love it.

So with those rules in mind, here is how I organize, store, and show off my jewelry…

DSCN3326 This is the wall opposite the mirror in my bathroom.

DSCN3327 Here is one of the three ways I store earrings.  These are for earrings that have a hook back.  I’ll show you how to make this earring frame later in the post.  It’s super simple.

DSCN3330 These hooks are for my necklaces.  There are 3 different “fixtures” here, and I’ll show you each one individually.  I should also mention that every hook, container, and peg you see was purchased secondhand at a flea market, thrift store, or garage sale.  Their are two exceptions which I’ll point out when I show them.

DSCN3333 The top part of the necklace organization is some odd accordion hook thing I found for 50 cents at Goodwill.  I think its original purpose had something to do with laundry drying, though I’m not entirely certain.  It can be stretched or squeezed to almost any length you need, and I wanted mine so I could fit short necklaces on the top row without having them drape too far over the third row of pegs.  This was originally a yucky brown wood color which I spray painted white.

DSCN3332 The second part of the necklace wall is this long row of pegs, which my mom snagged for me at a garage sale for 25 cents.  The wood color was a honey color, so I sprayed it white to match the one above it.  I had originally wanted to hang one necklace per peg, but given my insane amount of jewelry, that idea quickly went out the window, and its been fine doubling and tripling up.

DSCN3335 The third and final part of the necklace storage were these 4 bumblebee hooks, which I found for $1 at a garage sale.  They were too cute to pass up, and I’m so glad I didn’t.  I just staggered them and screwed them into the wall.  Easy peasy.  Originally, I had planned to stop there, but I thought the whole thing looked a little too scattered.  So Matt had a great idea to border the whole thing with this oversized frame I got at a flea market for $1.  It really helped tie the whole thing together, though if you don’t have as many hooks as I do, I think you could skip this step.

DSCN3334 For me, this wall is function and beauty, a rare but fabulous combination!  PS: can I tell you how much I adore that little owl necklace towards the top right corner.  I got it at a market in London with my mom, and it instantly makes me happy when I wear it :)  Another perk of this wall is that I can see it while I’m putting my makeup on and drying my hair.  Therefore, I can think about what I’m wearing that day and what accessories I want to pair with it as I get ready.

DSCN3337 Here is the right side of my bathroom counter.  Like I said above, I believe in storing ordinary things in pretty containers, so my cotton balls and q-tips are stored in glass canisters, my bobby pins and cuticle scissors in a votive holder, and my makeup brushes in a glass beaker (like at the MAC store.)  All of these glass pretties came from Goodwill for under $2.  The ceramic fleur-de-lis holds my hair ties and was purchased from the clearance shelf at Steinmart.  The fleur-de-lis is my sorority’s symbol, so I love finding ways to incorporate it into my stuff.  And of course, I have to have a picture with my fabulous little brother :)

DSCN3340 My cocktail rings are in a vintage ice cream dish found at a flea market, and my “real” jewelry (aka wedding ring, Yurman, diamond studs from Matt, etc.) sits in this crystal ring holder which I picked up for $3 at a consignment show.  My Forever 21 flower bobby pins make a fun little bouquet in a 99 cent Goodwill votive holder.

DSCN3342Here is the left side of my bathroom counter.  My most worn bracelets sit on this velvet lined bracelet holder.  My mom snagged this for me at a garage sale, and I’ve never seen another one since, though my eyes are forever peeled for one.  As you can see, this one is getting a little full :)

DSCN3344 This silver earring frame is made just like the other one I showed you, but this one is for earrings with post backs.  It doesn’t hang on the wall, because you need easy access to the back of the frame to put the earrings on and off the holder.  If you don’t have a ton of earrings, you can totally put post back and hook back earrings on one frame, you just have to deal with a couple of falling hook back earrings every now and then.  The frame is actually plastic and is from the dollar store.

DSCN3343 I got this vintage ashtray from my grandma, though I’ve seen them countless times at thrift stores.  These are for earrings with loop backs.  You know, the ones that hook in and then close shut to form a complete oval.  (Who knew earring terminology was so advanced?)  These have to lay loose because the backs won’t close in the frames I have my other earrings on.  I stuck a candle in the middle, though I don’t light it too often.  I learned my lesson about that here :)

DSCN3345 Ever wonder what to do with all those extra buttons that come with sweaters, blazers, etc?  I place mine in this pretty glass container found at Goodwill.  Easy access when I buy the article of clothing, and easy access should I need the button.  I put this little heart from my mom around the top to make me smile every morning :)  And of course a picture with my bestie is tucked away in the corner!

Sooooo…I realize I have a lot of jewelry, and I realize this whole big thing may not be for everyone, but…perhaps you want to make your own mini version.  And since you’re interested…here’s a quick and easy (I swear its both) tutorial for the earring holders.  I’ve made them several times, and assure you, even the most craft challenged person can do it.  (I know this because I am the most craft challenged person on the planet!)

DSCN2523 Ok…here is what you need.  Frames of whatever shape and size you desire.  These are super cheap at Goodwill and you may even have some laying around your house.  You do NOT need the glass or a mat, so don’t bother paying for that.  And don’t worry about color either, they make paint for that :)  I started out with this leftover can of Gripper paint, but I later switched to spray paint.  I’m inpatient like that.  The key thing you’ll need to buy is the “netting.”  I don’t know what this stuff is really called, but it can be found at your local home improvement mega store in the screen door aisle.  It looks like a giant roll of graph paper, only made out of wire/metal.  They sell it by the roll, but if you’re lucky, you can find a roll that is already open and barter with the guys at the store who wonder what the hell you’re gonna do with it.  I got my already opened and half used roll for $2.  You’ll also need a glue gun, and if you’re working at your kitchen table like me,  you’ll need a dropcloth.  (Note:  this is NOT our table cloth, it is our ugly drop cloth.  Matt paints a lot and therefore ours has a lot of use.)

DSCN2529   Step 1 (which I failed to photograph): Paint the frame.  Step 2: Trace the frame opening onto the mesh/metal screen door stuff.  If your frame doesn’t have the back to it, no worries, just trace the opening to the frame.  When unsure, go a little bigger and trim down as necessary.

DSCN2531 Step 3: Push the mesh/metal screen door stuff into the backside of the frame.  Step 4 (which I did not photograph): Hot glue the shiz out of it.  Lol, I know there are crafty bloggers out there who will hate my directions, but its the best I’ve got.  You won’t see the back so don’t bother making it pretty.  Mine have gobs of glue all over the back and not a soul can tell :)

DSCN3350 Step 5: Hang the newly finished jewelry frame on the wall or leave it free standing like my silver one.  Whichever you prefer and whichever fits with the type of earrings you have.

DSCN3328 Step 6: Hang your favorite jewels from it and enjoy your fabulous pretties!

Seeee, SUPER easy!  If you’re not up for thrift store shopping or if want the instant gratification, you can always find hooks and pegs at Target, Walmart etc.  They’ll be a little more expensive but will also come with less work.

So…I know this was a long post (sorry!) but what do you think?  Anyone going to give it a try??  If you do, PLEASE let me know; I love to hear!  Even better, I’d love to see!  Send me a picture and maybe I’ll post it on my blog! 

How do you store your pretties?

49 comments:

J and A said...

I made an earring holder just like your frame one! OMG you have so many great pretties! So jealous! Love how it all looks.

Jamie said...

You sure do have a lot of pretties :) What a great way to store it and still show it off!

Anonymous said...

I love it!! I agree that if you can see the pretties, then you'll wear them so much more. Love it!

Lindsay said...

girl you have a ridiculous amount of jewelry! i'm a little jealous. :)

Pamela Keener said...

I have been wanting to do this for awhile. I love the way you display your pretties. Thanks for the inspiring post.
Love & Hugs,
Pam

Sarah said...

I am loving this! And I am loving all of your pretties too!

Lynzy said...

I absolutely love this DIY. I am saving it and when I have some free time I am diving in :)

xo Lynzy
http://fromskirtstoskillets.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Looks so awesome!!

Alycia Grayce (Crowley Party) said...

LOVE your blog LOVE this post... LOVE IT ALL! :)

Amanda said...

Couple Things:

I have to read this post twice because of all the useful info in here!

And, my husband would never let me have that much jewelry hanging around in the bathroom--you could open your own jewelry store with all that. I love it!

Mere said...

Love this. I think I may be trying this out this weekend. My jewelry is a mess and everywhere! Love it!!

Unknown said...

love this way to display your jewels!

Jess said...

I love this! I sell Stella and Dot jewelry and have been needing a way to store it at home (so I can wear it when not selling it!) without having to constantly open boxes to see what I have. THANK YOU!

J. said...

I love the picture frame idea! Another thing to add to my insanely long to-do list! haha

Tina said...

Oh my gosh you have totally inspired me to totally transform the way I store my jewelry lol and I love that you got half of it at a flea market or goodwill or garage sale! what finds! and you should totally post pictures of your house cos u look like you have a great design style!

Norma said...

This post makes me mad at Matt for packing away my gift! =) Beautiful displays!

Lindsay said...

You have a ton of jewelry! What a creative (and pretty) way to store it too. I might have to try the frame thing for my earrings.. I don't have as many as you but I'm always searching for the missing friend when I'm getting ready in the morning. It's so frustrating!

Glitterista said...

I would loooooove to have your beautiful bathroom to get ready in every day. What wonderful projects--you're definitely inspiring me to do something fun with my jewelery soon. I also just left you an award on my blog. I have enjoyed reading all of your posts so much. Thanks for writing such a wonderful blog! http://glitterista.blogspot.com/2010/07/sunshine-award.html

Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore said...

Wowzer what a great way to see everything you have....I have all sorts of jewelry tucked away! xx

Carolina Belle said...

Ooooo I enjoyed peeking at all your lovelies. I bet houseguests like to spend a lot of time in your bathroom!

Veronika said...

absolutely love this!!!

Anonymous said...

I stumbled on your blog through Kendi Everyday. Wow! this is such a great way to store all your pretties, and what fab pretties they are! I might try this one. Thank you for sharing!

PursuitOfLLT said...

Great way to store the headbands and earrings. Love the screen idea, very smart! And I'm loving all your pretties, very jealous!

I actually did a DIY necklace organizer with old Euro coins...I'll blog about it soon! :)

http://pursuitofllt.blogspot.com/

Amber's Notebook said...

Such cute ways to display your pretties!! Love it!!

Mary @Delightful Bitefuls said...

BRILLIANT! Love this (and your blog!!) I always end up wearing the same jewelry cause I don't have mine displayed nicely like this! Thanks for all the tips!!

xxMK
Delightful Bitefuls

Deborah said...

Thanks for sharing those wonderful ideas.

Amanda @ Life with A.Co said...

This.Is.Awesome!!!! Nice work, girl!!!

I LOOOOOVE seeing how other women organize their 'pretties' and this was no different. I did an accessories post a few months back to show mine - but I love your system here! Very functional AND pretty - like you said!

A.Co @ A.Co est. 1984

Val said...

You are amazing!!!!!!!!!!! And I need to do this asap! I'am in prettie heaven looking at all of this.

MrsFlewlling said...

I absolutely LOVE IT! I have always wanted an owl necklace and earings that I saw when pearing at all of your pretties and I keep seeing on in Forever 21....Now I have a really good reason to get it!!! YAY!! So happy! I am defnitally making these, and putting them in my extremely small bathroom. :) I love your style!

And your mom is a geneous! I love the little heart!:)

Alison Kinsey said...

your collection of pretty jewelry is enviable!!! (if that's even a word) :) i love the way you store your cocktail rings. i started putting mine in a small jewelry box my friend got me from Russia, but now they're starting to spill out over the top. the fancy looking glass jar looks like a good solution. you are so organized!!!

eurotriptips said...

I love this idea! Personnally I don't have enough jewelry to fill all these frames, but I have long necklaces that I can't seem to be able to store anywhere that will not tangle them up.

I finally settled on a high shelf with small hangers under it. I put some pretty photos on the actual shelf and tada!

Jessica said...

What a great idea! I really need to organize all of my jewelry!

http://ciaobellablog13.blogspot.com/

Pretty Shiny Sparkly said...

I love your life mantras, and I love your DIY project! Fabulous!

Melissa said...

Oooh I love it!

Okay well actually I love all your jewelry. Can you please do me two favours?

1) loan me all your jewelry

2) Build me pretty places to hang your jewelry ;)

DrBabyMamaDrama said...

I think I LOVE your blog. What an awesome jewelry display. Totally bookmarking this for future ideas...

Olivia said...

oh my goodness, I am SO jealous of your collection!!!! i NEED more, for sure!!!

Pink Champagne said...

Love this! The perfect jewelry storage for my new wardrobing room.... Thanks for the idea, lovely!

IHeart Organizing said...

Totally fantastic! Thanks so much for letting me share your awesomeness on the blog today!

xoxo,
Jen

Tracey said...

I totally LOVe this. Not sure where i will find the netting bit in England though. Will have a little search! Thanks xx

Anonymous said...

Love this! Wish I could get my jewelry organized enough to display... one day!

Unknown said...

love this! thanks for leaving the link! i have the perfect space in our room to do this.

Stephanie said...

Alison-I have to tell you that I just used your little tutorial to make some jewelry organizers for my new Stella & Dot line! So uber-helpful, thank you! {Also, just a little plug but you can get 10% off your entire jewelry order if you comment your wishlist on my blog in February!} www.stelladot.com/stephaniemidkiff

Jamie @ Modern Vintage Coastal said...

I could spend hours lookin' at all your pretty baubles!! Great DIY...thanks for sharing this inspiring post! I would love to feature it one day on my blog...if that's alright?

Have a great weekend! xo

Jamie @ Modern Vintage Coastal said...

Just wanted to send you some Blog Luvin' and let you know I mentioned you and your blog in my post today! Hope you love it!! xo

http://alifeofwhimsea.blogspot.com/2011/06/organize-your-lovelies-jewelry-goddess.html

Courtney Neal said...

OoOo I love the earrings frames!! I have a jewelry armoire, but my earrings still get SO jumbled and tangled, I can never find the right match. Will definitely be trying this soon, thanks for sharing!

http://happytobecourtneynicole.blogspot.com

Drutten said...

I totally love the earring-holders! I´ve made one for my eight year old doughter, and she loves it too!

Anonymous said...

Great minds do think alike but some think faster than others! :) I love all of your ideas. A couple I thought up on my own and will use some of those I didn't. Keep inspiring us.

Chicago-South Side Beverly

Unknown said...

I love this!!! Ever since I saw your collection, I have been collecting too hoping to catch up to you...you are my excuse to keep shopping and telling myself I am not an addict lol :)

RÄVENoRÄKAN said...

Lovely post!
Here's a bracelet holder: http://www.amazon.com/Velvet-Bracelet-Jewelry-Display-Bangle/dp/B003C7GFWU/ref=pd_sim_hg_4