This simple, budget-friendly DIY earring holder can be made from items you likely already have at home. It keeps earrings visible and organized while turning a plain frame into an attractive jewelry display. Ideal as a handmade gift or a personal organizer, this project is quick, low-cost, and customizable to match any decor.
Each September I contribute a handmade gift to a year-long gift project with blogger friends. The goal is to create one handcrafted present each month so that by December there are a dozen homemade gift ideas ready to give. Past projects included a no-sew fleece pillow and a simple wooden heart; this month I made something practical for myself—an earring organizer. I was inspired by a rustic jewelry-organizer idea from my friend Lauren at Bless’er House, but adapted the design to use lace instead of chicken wire for a softer, more delicate look.
Supplies Needed for this Earring Holder Idea
- Wood photo frame (thrifted frames work great)
- Piece of cardboard trimmed to fit the frame
- White paint (chalk paint or acrylic)
- Paint brush
- Fabric to cover the cardboard (an upcycled blouse or scrap fabric)
- Large doily or lace fabric to hold earrings
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun with clear craft glue
How to Make a DIY Earring Organizer
Begin with a clean frame. Wipe the frame with mild soap and water and let it dry completely. If you’re using an old frame, sanding any rough spots first will help the paint adhere and create a more finished look.
Cut a sturdy piece of cardboard to fit snugly inside the frame. This will be the backing and the foundation for the fabric and doily.
Paint the frame in your chosen color. I used white acrylic craft paint. If the paint is thick, you can thin it slightly with water, or apply it as-is for added texture. One generous coat was enough to transform the frame and give it a soft, rustic finish.
Next, choose fabric to cover the cardboard. I repurposed a satiny blouse that I no longer wore. Cut the fabric slightly larger than the cardboard so it can wrap around the edges and be secured on the back.
Instead of using chicken wire, which can be heavy and difficult to work with, lay a lace doily over the covered cardboard. The lace provides plenty of holes to push earring posts through and creates a delicate, decorative surface. Position the doily where you like—centered or slightly off-center for visual interest—and secure it with hot glue or a few stitches at the back if you prefer.
The back of the cardboard will show the fabric tail where it was glued or folded over. You can leave it exposed if you think you’ll switch fabrics later, or cover it with a piece of scrap paper or thin cardstock for a finished look.
Place the fabric-covered cardboard into the painted frame. It should fit snugly. If you want to hang the organizer on a wall, add a small sawtooth hanger or picture wire to the back of the frame. Otherwise it will sit nicely on a dresser or vanity.
Hang your earrings by pushing each post through the holes in the doily or lace. The fabric supports studs and lightweight dangles well; for heavier pieces you can add reinforced stitches or small loops behind the lace for extra support.
This finished earring organizer is both practical and pretty. It displays your jewelry so you can quickly choose a pair without rummaging through boxes, and it makes a thoughtful handmade gift for anyone who appreciates tidy, attractive storage.
The painted, slightly distressed frame gives a vintage vibe that pairs well with lace and satin. If you prefer a more industrial look, you can substitute chicken wire or a metal mesh for the doily. For a colorful option, choose bright fabric and a contrasting frame paint. The project is versatile and easy to adapt.
I don’t have a huge earring collection, so I borrowed a few pairs from my daughters to fill the organizer. Now that everything is visible and accessible, I’m tempted to shop for a few more pairs—organizers like this are a great excuse to refresh your collection.
This handmade earring organizer cost nothing to make because I used items I already owned, but you can easily customize it with new materials if you prefer. It’s an efficient, attractive solution for storing earrings and makes a thoughtful, handcrafted present for the holidays or any special occasion.
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