DENVER -- When it comes to jewelry, what you can't see is what you don't wear. There you are, trying to put together the perfect outfit, digging through a tangle of necklaces, bracelets and earrings in your jewelry box, looking for the perfect finishing touches. It takes too long, can damage your jewelry, and half the time, you don't even try because it is just too much trouble. That's how you forget you even own a snazzy beaded cuff that exactly matches your new summer top.

The first thing to do is toss out the whole concept of storing jewelry in a box. Instead, create clever jewelry display pieces that will look great hanging handily on the wall while also making choosing accessories a fun part putting your outfits together. Your chains will not tangle, your earrings will stay in pairs and your bracelets will no longer be buried.

There are two different ways to approach this project, and both begin with a trip to the nearest craft store. The first approach utilizes the ubiquitous unpainted wood plaques that are a staple product in these stores. The second approach is based on using a small wood cupboard made for furnishing a doll house as a hanging jewelry display.

What You Need to Make a Jewelry Plaque

Unpainted wood plaque, any size (the one shown here is 5" square)
3 cup hooks or other fancier hooks
Stickers or other paper decorations (cut from wrapping paper, etc.)
Acrylic craft paint for background color
Picture hanger

What to Do

1. Paint wood plaque desired background color. Let dry.
2. Decorate, using stickers, rubber stamped motifs, painted or decoupaged designs.
3. Use a ruler to evenly space the three hooks. Mark placement.
4. Screw hooks into the wooden plaque.
5. Center picture hanger on the back of the place and apply.
6. Coat with clear acrylic spray finish as desired.

What You Need to Make a Hanging Jewelry Cabinet

Unpainted dollhouse armoire
Pushpins or thumbtacks
Stickers or other paper decorations
Acrylic craft paints
Picture hanger

What to Do

1. Paint the armoire. Don't forget the bottom, as it will be visible when the piece hangs on the wall. Paint the inside and outside two different colors. Let dry.
2. Decorate, as above.
3. Add pushpins or tacks on the front doors, sides, and even the bottom of the armoire. Tap these in place with care, as the wood is thin and could split.
4. Center picture hanger on the back and apply.
5. Coat with clear acrylic spray finish as above if desired.

Variations: Change the look of either of these projects and use one inside the front door to hang keys, by the back door to hang the dog's leash, etc.