DIY Earring Shelf

In my last post, I mentioned shopping and accessories. With so many new earrings, I needed a place to store them, but I have neither the time nor money to go get a nice storage rack, so I decided to make my own. My mom had bought me a new pair of TOMS-like shoes in a cute beige, flowery box, so when I was cleaning my room today, I thought, "This could be useful," and didn't throw it away. Barely five minutes later, when I decided to make my own earring shelf, it came in handy.

You will need:

• 1 paper box
• Skewers (I used 3 little bamboo ones) or similar object, must be at least 1/2'' wider than box
• Ruler
• Pen
• Item that can make holes (in my case, I just used the pen)
• Earrings
• Tape
• Optional: Dried sponge and can lid

Directions

1. Decide which end of the box you want to use as the top. Starting on one side, line the ruler on the side perpendicularly down from the top. Mark the first hole at 1'' from the top, the second hole 2'' from the first hole, and the third hole 3'' from the second hole. Do the same for the other side.
2. Punch out small holes just big enough for the skewers to fit through at each of the holes.
3. Slide in the skewers through the corresponding holes, making sure that some of the skewer pokes out of each side of the box.
4. Hang dangly earrings or hoops on the rungs of the shelf, according to length. Backs do not need to be removed.
5. Remove backings from stud earrings. Stick stud earrings in dried sponge. Place backings in can lid. Arrange as needed.
6. Tape down box if necessary.

If my earring collection grows, though not likely in the near future, I will probably make a new one, or buy a proper shelf. It's certainly not perfect, nor is it the prettiest or biggest, but it serves its purpose for now. What I like most about it is that you don't need to remove the earring backs for the dangly earrings, and the ends on the skewers that stick out can be used as a post to hang large sets that are still on the plastic cards. On a sturdier box that has longer rungs, I could also hang bracelets and necklaces, if I had any. I do look forward to buying more things and enjoying the little perks in life while I can, and making more crafts and tutorials.