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Wednesday, November 1, 2017

How to Make a Faux Card Catalog From a Hardware Organizer

An easy and inexpensive way to get the look of a vintage card catalog from a metal hardware organizer. 


A few months ago, I went to a large flea market in our area and was lucky enough to find a few awesome deals.  One of the items I bought was an old metal hardware organizer that I snagged for a mere $3.00.  I knew right away it would be the perfect piece to turn into a faux card catalog.

faux card catalog, storage, organizing, vintage
I've created many similar pieces in the past (including a Dollar Tree makeover and a thrifted side table), but this particular piece may be my new favorite! 


SUPPLIES NEEDED 


- 9 drawer metal hardware organizer (often found at thrift stores and yard sales)
- 2 sheets of birch plywood (1/32 x 6 x 12 inch)
- Utility knife
- Fine grit sandpaper

I started by cleaning the drawers and the shell of this simple metal hardware organizer.  I had difficulty removing the labels even after soaking them, but since I planned on covering them up any way I just left them as is. 

metal hardware organizer before

metal hardware organizer before

With the drawers out, I gave the organizer a few light coats of ORB spray paint.  I've been using Rust-oleum for years and have found it gives the best coverage without chipping.
spray painting metal hardware organizer
While the organizer was drying I started cutting the Birch plywood down to size then stained each piece with Minwax Special Walnut wood stain.
cutting plywood for hardware drawers

Attaching stained wood to front of drawers, card catalog, storage, vintage
I lightly sanded each piece of wood to give them an aged look before gluing them to the front of the plastic drawers.
attaching wood to front of storage drawers, storage, organizer, vintage

attaching wood to storage drawers, card catalog, storage, vintage
After I had the wood attached to each drawer I painted the wood buttons with metallic pewter paint and Gold Leaf Rub 'n Buff so they would match the metal label holders.
painting knobs for faux card catalog, card catalog, vintage
Once everything was dry I measured and attached the label holders to the front of the drawers using DAP all-purpose glue.   I snipped off the ends of the brads (that came with the label holders) using needle nose pliers then glued the top of the brad to the label holders.
Attaching hardware to storage organizer, card catalog, vintage, storage
I debated whether or not to leave the label holders empty or make my own labels, but then I remembered I had a pad of vintage scrapbook paper and ended up finding the perfect vintage labels.
faux card catalog, storage, organizing, vintage
Aren't they perfect?  Some are dates, some are dollar amounts and some are random words, but I love that they tie in perfectly with the vintage vibe I was going for.
faux card catalog, storage, organizing, vintage

faux card catalog, storage, organizing, vintage

faux card catalog, storage, organizing, vintage

faux card catalog, storage, organizing, vintage

faux card catalog, storage, organizing, vintage

faux card catalog, storage, organizing, vintage

faux card catalog, storage, organizing, vintage
I'll definetely be keeping my eye out for more hardware organizers to transform into vintage inspired card catalogs!


     

faux card catalog, storage, organizing, vintage



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card catalog, goodwill, storage, painted furniture


      

Would you like to comment?

  1. Wow! Your creativity just amazes me each time!! Its amazing how you jist have a natural vision for creativeness!

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  2. I just love this! What a great way to change up something usually so bland. Beautiful.

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  3. I have a mini version of the hardware storage container in my medicine cabinet... for holding pills. I think I will make it 'pretty' like yours! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  4. Love this project, but am having trouble finding the plywood. Everything I find is too thick. Would you mind sharing your source?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You'll need to use Balsa wood, which can be found at Michael's or other similar craft stores. It comes in small sheets and is really thin and super easy to cut.

      Delete
  5. Kudos!!! A great repurpose!!! Love it! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  6. that's excellent!!! all of it. wow!!!

    ReplyDelete