Friday, April 20, 2007

Display Ideas

There are about 1,000 things I ought to be doing right now, but yesterday was the first time I had a chance to work on *my* stuff for the show, and I just have to show off. As an added bonus, it's a tutorial!

I have been through about 50 different displays for earrings, and I generally don't like any of them. Most recent was the Case Of Doom, a big acrylic spinny case, which works well for some things but kind of sucks because a) no one can figure out how to turn it and b) someone has to go in and get stuff out. Not convenient for group shows.

And so I present to you, my latest display, which is by far my favorite:

Earring Case

Also it was amazingly easy to make. Really, it took all of two steps, which I will share with you.

Materials
  • A big box. Lucky me, Michaels had some cute vintage-wanna be trunks on sale for half price. If you're not as lucky, the local thrift store might have something to fit your needs.
  • Ribbon that matches the big box. I got a wee little spool from Michaels that was just long enough for $0.99
  • Glue Gun. Don't leave home without it
  • Screwdriver


Case Closed

First things first. The box I got from Michaels had a little brace on it to keep it open when you set it down, and also prevented it from opening more than 90 degrees. Using the screwdriver, I removed the two screws holding the brace so I can open it up enough to see inside properly.

evil hinge

Then cut the ribbon in lengths that are *just* long enough to fit across the box. You don't want them to be slack at all. Decide how far apart you want your rows, and cut enough ribbon for them.

Use your hot glue gun to secure the ribbon to the box. Start by gluing down all of one side on one half of the box, to get your spacing right. Then go back to the first one you did, and pull it really tight, then glue in place.

Glue gun

Voila! An earring display.

without stuff

Hang your earrings on it by the hooks, not the earring card. Just slip the back of the hooks over the ribbon. It's a little hard to see, but I took a picture with the ribbon twisted a little so you can see what I mean.

attaching earrings

It works best with earring cards that don't have a lot of top weight, otherwise the cards tend to fall forward on the display and look silly. I haven't thought of a way to attach post earrings to it (except for peircing the ribbon), but feel free to share any ideas!

And remember, if you like earring displays, you'll LOVE Spring Bada-Bing! Come out on April 22 to see all the crazy inventive displays folks come up with!

8 comments:

Kelly McCants said...

love this! What could I use to make a mini version of this? I'll file this in back of my mind and one day I will see something that will work!

Amy said...

you are so damn crafty! I need to figure out how I can do something like that for my next show.

littlegreen said...

I will probably be copying you on this brilliant idea!! I love it! My cards that my earrings are on are actually on a fold so they can stand up alone, so you could attach any type of earring to the card and then just hang the actual card over the ribbon!!

ryanjaime1 said...

very cool idea! you did a great job! keep up the work...

Anonymous said...

Hey what a great idea....I think I'll copy the general idea (if you don't mind!) and instead of using ribbon, I'm thinking I'll just bead some wire lengths and string across for an added decorative touch. Hmmm...how would I attach to each side? Perhaps jewelry clasps? Lobster clasps? I'll work on that!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your creative idea. I may try it out one day for my earrings. Blessings, prosperity and creativity always!...Wrennenet

Suman said...

Thank you so much for this idea. Your creativity has added value in my life. Thank you.

Nancy said...

what is the bada bing you mentioned in the spring???