Turn a picture frame into an earring holder
First, gather your supplies. You’ll need a picture frame that you don’t mind changing up. It can be any size, but a medium frame around eight by ten inches works great for a starter project. You’ll also need a piece of wire mesh or a sheet of thin cork board. If you want to use mesh, you can find it at any craft or hardware store. Another option is to use a piece of pretty fabric stretched over a sturdy backing, like cardboard. Choose a color or pattern that matches your room or your jewelry vibe. You’ll also need a staple gun or strong craft glue, some scissors, and a few small nails or picture hangers to put on the back of the frame so you can hang it on the wall. If you want to add extra decoration, grab some washi tape, tiny pom poms, or even small beads that you can glue along the frame edges.
Start by taking the back and the glass out of your frame. You probably won’t need the glass for this project, so set it aside carefully or give it to a grown-up to recycle. If the frame has a little stand on the back, you can either remove it or leave it, depending on whether you want your earring holder to sit on your dresser or hang on the wall. Now, if you’re using wire mesh, cut it so it fits snugly inside the frame’s inner lip. The mesh holes should be big enough for your earring wires and posts to slide through easily, but not so big that a small stud falls right out. If you’re using cork board, cut it to fit and then cover it with fabric if you like, pulling the fabric tight around the edges.
Once your backing is ready, attach it to the frame. If you have a staple gun, carefully staple the mesh or cork to the back edges of the frame. If you’re using glue, spread a generous layer around the inner edge of the frame and press the backing in place. Let it dry completely before doing anything else. After the backing is secure, you can decorate the front of the frame. This is the fun part where you can make it totally your own. Wrap washi tape around the outer edges of the frame for a playful pop of color. Glue tiny pom poms along the top edge for a fluffy, boho look. Or use paint markers to write your name or a silly saying like “Ear Twisters” across the bottom. The goal is to create something you’ll love looking at every single day.
Now for the best part: loading it up with your earrings. For post earrings and studs, just push the post through a hole in the mesh or into the cork. The back of the earring will hold it in place on the other side. For earrings with hooks or wires, slip the wire through a hole and let it dangle. That way, each pair gets its own little spot and you can see exactly which earrings you have without digging around. Hang the frame on your wall at eye level near your mirror, or prop it up on your desk. As you collect more earrings, you’ll find that your holder becomes a colorful piece of art. You can even make a few frames and arrange them in a pattern, like a cluster of mismatched frames each holding a different style of earrings.
This project is perfect for a weekend afternoon. It costs almost nothing, but it helps you take better care of your earrings. Plus, when you make something yourself, it feels extra special. You can also make one as a gift for a best friend or a sister. Just pick a frame in their favorite color and fill it with a few of your own earrings that they’ve always liked. Building your own jewelry organizer isn’t just about staying tidy—it’s a way to show off your personal style and feel proud of the clever things you can make with your own two hands. So grab an old frame and start creating. Your earrings will thank you.