Pottery Barn Jewelry Holder

Finally, I can write my post about an awesome Pottery Barn knock-off I created!  My friend just walked out the door with it as her 2010 Christmas gift.  I can only take credit for the grunt work not the inspiration.  I have been drooling over the real McCoy since I got the Christmas Pottery Barn catalogue (yes, I like to spell that word the British way...don't ask why...I've always been obsessed).  PB wanted $29-$49 dollars for this little invention:

I loved the idea for the earring hanger.  I think it would look so chic hanging in the bathroom.  Even a little vintage.  And the empty frames are so in right now.  I knew I could make it happen.


I bought some frames for $2.00 each at a local junk store.  Here are the ones I found:

My first step was to chose one and spray it.  I went with the square brown one.  My friend's bathroom is dark with brown and black accents, so I sprayed it black.  Next, I sanded it and distressed it for the Pottery Barn look I was going for.  This allowed the browns to show through.

The final step was to stretch the wire on the back of the frame to created a place to hang the earrings.  I used simple jewelry wire and thumbtacks.

I tried a few different ways, and after a little logical thinking and troubleshooting from the hubby, I ended up stretching the wire on the back of the frame as shown below:

Measure out where you want the wires and press the thumbtacks about 1/2 way in.

Tightly wrap the wire around one end and push the thumbtack firmly into the frame.

With gloves, tightly pull wire and wrap around opposite thumb tack.  Push deeply into frame.

Clip excess wire.

That's all it took, folks.  About $5.00 total for this project with plenty of paint, thumbtacks and wire to make about 20 more.  Here are some after pictures:

Instant art.  Functional.  Easy.
I'm excited because this project sparked an idea for an office project that I can't wait to get started when I find a large enough frame.


What DIY projects do you have brewing up?  Did you make any personal gifts to give this Christmas?


Linked up at To Sew With Love, The Shabby Nest, Today's Creative Blog, Funky Junk Interiors, Giggles, Glitz and Glam and Miss Mustard Seed.