We’re all looking for ways to improve or rework our craft show displays, aren’t we? I always enjoy reading about other peoples’ processes, and I’m honored to be able to share my latest project here with you. I already had plenty of great pieces to show my necklaces and bracelets, but I just couldn’t come up with an eye catching way to display my earrings, until now!
I started with an unfinished 10 x 15 wooden shadow box from Michael’s. It cost a mere $9.99.
Next, I gathered the rest of the supplies, some of which I already had, some of which I bought. A combination stain & varnish, paint, Mod Podge, mini eye hooks, a roll of jute twine, and some small (but not mini) clothes pins. They’re about 1.25’ tall. You can get them at Michael’s as well..
The whole process took several days, due to drying times. I used two coats of stain on the outside, then two coats of paint plus one of Mod Podge on the inside. Of course you could spray paint the whole thing if you needed done more quickly.
Once everything was dry, I was able to screw in the little eye hooks. Depending on what size your earring cards are, you’ll need to measure where to place your hooks. Make sure to leave enough room at the top for the clothespins to fit and be accessible. I wound up putting them 1.5” and 8.5” from the top. Additionally, you’ll want to place your eye hooks toward the front of the box. The clothespins are easier to get to that way. After the hooks went in – no drilling, they just screwed right in by hand – I tied on some of the twine. I used square knots to tie it on, and it’s not in any danger of coming loose. Finally, I screwed some eye hooks on the inside of the door at the same height as the ones inside the box and again added some twine. Just be careful that they don’t bump into each other when the box is closed, or it won’t shut tight. Then you’re finished! All you have to do now is hang your earrings.
The cards I already had my earrings on were too big to fit, so I had to trim them down. They still look just as cute, and I wrote the prices on the back. Now hang up with your earrings and voila! You’ve got a great new earring display!
I hope some of you will give it a try. It was so easy and there are so many ways you could take it. Cover it with contact paper, old lace or other fabric or decoupage! Spray paint it. Stain the whole thing. Sand it down and make it look really rustic. I chose the colors I did so that it would match the necklace display I made awhile back. Good luck and have fun!
Heidi Post is an artist from New Orleans. She’s been making art and jewelry her whole life, and started selling her jewelry several years ago. It began as the result of inheriting her grandmother’s massive costume jewelry collection. She would reuse older pieces in new ways to create one of a kind designs. Soon after, she discovered the beauty of art beads and handmade components and began incorporating those into her pieces. You can find her work online at the following locations:
Heidi Post
October 25, 2012 at 9:59 pmYay! Thanks for sharing my tutorial with ABS's readers 🙂
Unknown
October 25, 2012 at 10:51 pmVery cute! I didn't know you could buy unfinished shadow boxes like that. Now that's on my shopping list!
Malin de Koning
October 26, 2012 at 4:16 amGreat post, and great earrings displays. Thank you so much Heidi!
Rebecca
October 26, 2012 at 7:14 amGreat tutorial Heidi, but you already know I think that!
Nancy Bowron
November 4, 2012 at 1:24 pmWonderful idea! Thanks for sharing!