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.

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)

- ORB spray paint

- Minwax Special Walnut wood stain

- 2 packs of metal label holders

- Vintage scrapbook paper

- DAP all-purpose glue

- Utility knife

- Needle nose pliers

- Fine grit sandpaper

- 9 wood buttons

- Gold Leaf Rub 'n Buff

- Brushed Pewter craft paint

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. 

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.

While the organizer was drying I started cutting the Birch plywood down to size then stained each piece with Minwax Special Walnut wood stain.

I lightly sanded each piece of wood to give them an aged look before gluing them to the front of the plastic drawers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

     

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