Display boxes and printers trays

Hi all, can't believe it's been nearly a month since my last blog post...there hasn't been a lot of time for crafting or blogging lately but I do miss this space and this part of my life so will hopefully be writing a few more blog posts in the near future! I have managed one little project lately- this little decorated display frame.

I got the idea to decorate it after seeing this gorgeous image on pinterest

(via one of my favourite 'pinners' Meg McMillan, owner of the gorgeous store Tea Pea.)

Mine actually wasn't a display frame to begin with..it was the wooden compartment box that this Melissa and Doug magnetic dress up toy came in (didn't take a before pic but it was similar to this one)

I painted it and used some scrapbooking card from Spotlight to decorate the back of each compartment.
 (I just used a glue stick to stick the card to the back but modpodge would be good too).

I haven't decided where to hang it yet...if I had a craft room I would put it in there with a few cute crafty bits and pieces but for now it's sitting on the dining table waiting for a home.  The project got me thinking about something I am seeing a lot of at the moment in home magazines- using vintage printer's trays as art works or to display little treasures. I would love to buy one and decorate in a similar style to my little one and fill with treasures as well- they really appeal to my love of colour, organisation and little things. Actually I would like one in nearly every room as you'll see from the ones I am loving below! I looked on trademe the other night and there were quite a few on there for sale..not so many now but I'm sure they will keep popping up if you are wanting one for your home too.

Here are some decorated ones that have caught my eye on pinterest....

http://pinterest.com/pin/108579040985615843/
Love the painted backgrounds and the bits and pieces in this one...

http://pinterest.com/pin/48343395971082662/
...and the gorgeous background papers in this beautiful tray

http://pinterest.com/pin/98234835591528693/
Add hooks and turn a printers tray into a jewellery holder- love this idea

http://pinterest.com/pin/142707881912517868/
I'd love to have my threads organised like this if I had the space!

http://pinterest.com/pin/229824387203781052/
A great way to display kids special treasures and toys

http://pinterest.com/pin/106538347404476562/
Love this shell display

http://pinterest.com/pin/205124957997379672/
You can even use one as a giant photo frame

http://pinterest.com/pin/96475616987743354/
Even undecorated they look stunning as wall art.

Well I better go and get organised for the weekend now..we are having our first child free night in..well nearly 2 years to be honest...how crazy is that?!
Megan x