DIY jewellery storage!

If you’re anything like me, your jewellery storage leaves something to be desired! I use a combination of bowls, boxes, tins, bags, jewellery boxes, and any available doorknob space. Everything is jumbled together, and it’s generally too much of an effort to root through the mess!! Probably my most organized solution is a hanging jewellery organizer (complete with plastic pockets on both sides), gifted to me by my sister. It keeps my earrings organized, when I actually remember to return them to their proper place. No photo of course, as it currently resides on the inside of my linen closet door. What to do, what to do?

So I guess it’s time to search the Internet!!!! I know that Pinterest is a DIY’ers dream, but I get tired of drilling down, looking for the originating entry. Instead I chose the lazy route, simply typed “DIY jewellery storage” into my Google search engine, and was delighted with the results!! Of course, some of the more complicated options are way beyond my DIY skills, but I may try a few of the simpler hacks.

Like the one shown below! Finally a use for those glass pop bottles that I’ve been saving. Of course, I don’t own that many bracelets, but I’m sure that some of you do.

Google didn't find the one I spotted on Facebook a week or so ago. They recycled an old wooden hanger, by sawing off the dowel at the bottom (originally used to hang slacks, I believe), spray painted it a pretty colour, and then screwed cup hooks in, all along the bottom of the hanger. Genius! Who wouldn’t want a couple of those? Also, how about using vintage muffin tins, jars or ice cube trays for your earrings and rings? Or you could try hanging a series of skinny dowels, on the side walls of your closet?

Finding and then hanging the perfect branch, or branches on your wall.....DIY and inexpensive!

How about visiting swap meets, garage sales, or your local thrift shop? I remember seeing some fabulous wooden frames, being used for jewellery display, at one of our local craft shows. Not exactly like these examples, but I think the addition of chicken wire and corks is particularly inspired! The ones I saw had wire strung across them in a diagonal fashion. I own a couple of great frames, now I just need to do the work?

Jewellery is art, and we should certainly showcase it! How will we ever be able to wow our peers, if we can’t find some of our favourite pieces? Do you have any good solutions to share? Any and all tips would be appreciated! Meanwhile, I think that I’ll dig out that wooden hanger from the back of the closet. Perhaps I should do more, and Internet less? What do you think?

Meet The Professor of Crystal!

Make sure not to miss the premiere of the newly released CYS online series starring the unrivaled Nick Regine as “THE PROFESSOR OF CRYSTAL”!

The Professor of Crystal video series is suitable for everyone passionate about SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and Do It Yourself.

In each video The Professor gives expert instruction that makes it possible for every Do It Yourself crystal adicionado to achieve their own vision with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. The videos feature a range of topics including gluing, epoxy clay, hot fixing, soldering, mechanical application, basic jewelry making, felting and much more.


Nick Regine, aka, The Professor of Crystal, has been with Swarovski for 29 years. Currently, as the Swarovski Elements Product Application Manager, Nick works with designers & manufacters ensuring they are familiar with the diverse application possibilities of Swarovski Elements to make just about anything sparkle!

It was a one of the designers who gave him the alias, The Professor of Crystal, because of his vast knowledge of Swarovski Elements and how to incorporate them into everything from jewelry to clothing to electronics, even on motorcycles and automobiles! Nick began his career at Swarovski in jewelry manufacturing, where he learned everything there is to know about crystal stones, gluing, soldering, mold making, and plating.

He later became involved in new product development before joining the Swarovski Elements team as Product Application Manager. Nick travels the globe teaching seminars, workshops and demonstrations to designers and manufacturers in a variety of industries, from infamous designers to the do-it-yourself artist.

Creating your own vintage bust forms

For a while now, I've been occasionally hunting kijiji for a cheap dressmakers judy to use for photographing necklaces. I have some necklace display forms, but really wanted something close to lifesize for photography - or at least bigger than your standard display forms. I came across a tutorial online that I wanted to share with you all.  The Polka Dot Closet shows how she altered some inexpensive larger jewelry displays. Maybe we can get Marg to order some of these larger displays - We'll have space once we move!

If you would prefer to go full on out DIY, you can create your own completely from scratch with this tutorial from Linda's Art Quilts.

Here are some decorating ideas no matter which method you choose:

                                                                             Source: itsy-bits-and-pieces.blogspot.com via Rachelle on Pinterest

                                                                               Source: vintiquitiesworkshop.blogspot.com via Teresa on Pinterest

                                                                                         Source: crochet.tumblr.com via Krislyn on Pinterest

While these may not have a subtle enough background to actually make your jewelry stand out, they're too awesome not to share.

                                                                                               Source: stampington.com via ms on Pinterest

                                                                               Source: balzerdesigns.typepad.com via Wendy on Pinterest

Basement Craft Room Project - Making progress

I have come to the realization that this project will take me a lot longer than a week. I am quite determined to see this finished though. The sheer amount of work involved is quite staggering! We have cleared through a LOT of junk. You can now actually see the floor! I can walk from one end of the basement to the other without climbing over empty boxes.

I've got on a coat of primer in some spots, and I''m hoping to get the rest of the primer up later today. I ran out of steam yesterday. I'm also heading to goodwill to see if I can find a nice big table.

The plan is to get all storage under the stairs. Once I've got the wood painted, I'll hang up a curtain rod, and get some nice light fabric to hide the storage. I'm still trying to figure out what to do about lighting. I really need it a lot brighter down there than it is. I have to admit I was extremely proud of myself for resisting the temptation to get a fabulous chandelier for over the big table. I saw the perfect one while I was in Home Depot getting the paint. It would have killed my budget though. Chandelier or a sink...hmmm. Practicality won out for once :-) - maybe I'll get lucky and find one at goodwill that I can fix up.

I'm still debating what to do with the walls. I really do want it brighter, but I don't think it's really practical to paint the plastic covering the insulation. If anyone has any ideas...let me know!