Don't Toss Your Empty Plastic Containers: The Clever Way To Organize Jewelry

Ever heard the phrase "shop your closet"? It's the idea that you wear what you already have instead of spending more money. One crafty saver took that message and made it into "shop your recycling bin." TikTok user Alyssa Barber describes how she turns trash to treasure by using the materials she has on hand, instead of shopping for something new (and eventually making more trash). 

Pulling out her recycling bin, the DIYer finds a plastic cupcake holder from the grocery store. Cupcakes long gone, and the plastic rinsed clean of crumbs and frosting, the six-piece cupcake container is ready for a new purpose. She demonstrates placing the container on her counter and storing jewelry inside. Dividing up jewelry so it does not tangle is key in an organizer for your treasured possessions. A long necklace fits perfectly in the cupcake spot. 

While this demonstration simply uses the plain container, using a plastic cupcake holder as a base for something more is a great starting point. It can transform with paint, style, and imagination into a place for jewelry storage at home or in luggage while traveling, a container to sort and store craft beads, or a way to organize entryway clutter and keep it by the front door as a place to drop keys. And if you don't have a sweet tooth, any plastic container with divots can serve the same purpose. 

This project needs a few things to dress it up. First, obviously, a plastic cupcake holder or container to work with. Second, the materials you need to decorate it. Wash the cupcake container to remove any labels. If the glue is stubborn and the label won't come off, try using vegetable oil to help remove glue adhesive and create a clean working space.  

As for materials, there are many ways to make it stylish. Try covering the plastic in fabric that matches your decor, use paint that adheres to plastic to make it colorful, or hot glue decorative jewels or pom poms all over. Not much of an artist? Print out the design you want, and stick it under the clear plastic lid. Trace it in permanent marker, and paint it like a coloring book. 

If you are planning to use your new container as storage while traveling, use permanent markers to add your name and address in your design in case it gets separated. Use it to store tea candles and matches for a quick grab, sort makeup sponges, or keep small toys and trinkets. Add velvet lining on the inside as a soft spot for your jewelry, and keep chains tangle-free. With this project, the only limit is your creativity.