Some people are lucky enough to find a tray or an entire cabinet in their attic, but this is a much less common occurrence since the popularity (and cost) of this antique has increased. Nowadays, antique enthusiasts search high and low at antique shops for the chance to own one. Some people even buy reproduction printers blocks to achieve the look. These letterpress drawer ideas will help you transform the tray you already have or inspire you to go out and find one yourself. Small collectibles that will fit in a letterpress drawer:
Skeleton KeysSeashellsSea GlassFossils
Find the letterpress tray jewelry organizer shown on Zounds Designs. View the pictured vertical succulent garden at Dukes & Duchesses. Antique items that look great in letterpress drawers:
PostcardsDried flowersSilk or lace ribbon spoolsEmbossed sewing scissorsOld letters or photosMini perfume bottlesFeathersMiniature frames
Bonus Furniture DIY: Instead of making a table, transform a letterpress drawer into a wall cabinet by building a cabinet frame and using the drawer as a door. Pick between four or five colors that coordinate with your home decor and randomly place each sheet after you cut them to size. Firmly position the paper underneath each section without using glue. This allows you to change the look if you get sick of it. Ideas to turn a letterpress drawer into artwork:
Decoupage a map to the back of the compartments and display trinkets from your travels.Cut out different photos to fit in the back of each compartment to make a large photo collage. Paint the background in an ombre pattern. Use scrabble pieces and write out a message with words scattered throughout different compartments.
Craft supplies that will fit in letterpress drawers:
Beads and other jewelry making suppliesButtonsTubes of oil paintWashi tape
Little toy vignette ideas for letterpress drawers:
Action figuresAnimalsMatchbox carsMini teacups and saucersTiny lego figuresCollection of Shopkins
The book explains how science classifies objects and teaches children what to do with specimens they find. What’s especially fun about the book is that it teaches kids how to create their own cabinet by preserving things like crab shells, robin’s eggs, and even spider specimens. This idea isn’t limited to children. Collect miniature objects on your travels and create your own whimsical cabinet.