Styrofoam Earring Organizer

Garbage doesn’t necessarily have to be garbage, nor does it have to stay garbage. The styrofoam used to build this earring organizer originally came in the box with my dresser that I’d had to put together. It was packaging material, and I looked at it and said, ‘Huh, I can make something with this.’ It felt really good to be able to upcycle something instead of having to throw it in the landfill. I feel like it’s important to know that garbage doesn’t have to stay garbage. We can turn into something beautiful, creative, and useful. I really hope you enjoy making this with whatever you may find! You can always tweak the design if it doesn’t work for you. 

Supplies:

Measuring tape

A strip of plain styrofoam, 17”x7”x1”

Various colored sharpies

2 pieces cardboard, 4”x2”

A very sharp knife (a small, kitchen knife will work)

Earrings to hang on it

Directions:

Measure out your styrofoam and the cardboard. Cut them to fit if you can’t find cardboard or styrofoam already that size. Use either an EZ-knife or a super sharp knife. DO NOT use scissors. They could crack the styrofoam too much, leaving cracks in what’s supposed to be sturdy.

Create your design on the styrofoam using sharpies. Design as much as you like, both front and back if you have a huge earring collection. Make sure the earrings are light enough to not break the styrofoam.

Slice 2 2”-nicks into the styrofoam where you want the bottom to be. Make sure they’re each about two inches from either end. 

Carefully slide the cardboard into the slits. They must be snug, or else the design will be flimsy. And, you must be careful, or else the styrofoam will crack.

Find a place for it, and proudly display your earring collection!