This is an antique printer drawer.

Before computers, printers would keep their letters, numbers, and other pieces of typeset blocks in drawers like this one. Each slot held a different piece of type. Now with the invention of computers, these drawers are no longer in use for printing!

There’s a small antique shop down the street from our home, and I had noticed these trays stashed away in a corner.  I asked the woman what they were, to which she explained their purpose and how many people now use them to store little “trinkets.” I googled when I got home to see what she meant, and found that someone had turned these drawers into jewelry displays. Having been looking for a way to display my insane amount of earrings (I have a thing for big earrings), I thought this was a great idea!  So I went back and scooped one up for $20 after spending an almost painful half hour talking with the lady about a friend of hers that was in the hospital (I blame my scrubs…I swear, if people know you’re a nurse they will try to talk to you for hours about their/his/her health problems! But she seemed to need someone to talk to, and I was the one to listen!)

I wanted it to be a fun color, and settled on a seafoam green.  Because of the finish on the drawer, the spray paint went on a little funny, but I didn’t mind – it gave it a shabby touch.  I would recommend priming it prior to painting if you plan on doing this and don’t want that effect.

I made sure to spray paint it from all angles to get the sides of the little compartments.  After it dried, I had the hubby hammer small hooks into most of the compartments and attach a wire hanging device to the back of the drawer.  These are on the heavier side, so we made sure the wire would hold over 10lbs.

I was left with this!

I wasn’t one for displaying my jewelry before, but I have to say it’s helpful having it on display! I tend to forget what I own when it’s hidden in jewelry boxes :/ I still need to add some more hooks, as you can see (the hubby had enough for the day), and I think I’m going to add some hooks to the side and bottom to hang necklaces and more bracelets. So far, I’m very satisfied with it’s look!

This antique printer drawer has been upcycled for new use! 🙂