Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most charming.
After hearing from many of you on Instagram that you prefer quick, easy projects, here’s a simple DIY with plenty of style that won’t take much time or effort.
This isn’t the most groundbreaking craft, but it’s a clever way to repurpose items you probably already have at home.
These small trinket trays and jewelry dishes are made from upcycled terracotta plant saucers and planters.
That means this project calls for just a few materials and minimal steps.
Add personality to plain terracotta using colored pencils or chalk, then repurpose the pieces as stylish containers for jewelry, keys, desk supplies like pushpins and paperclips, candle holders, and more.
These little dishes are versatile and offer endless possibilities for patterns and illustrations.
The key to a refined look is starting with the right shape. A standard saucer from a broken pot works well, but my favorite is a saucer with a clean, streamlined edge made from higher-quality terracotta.
I’ve found an ideal source for nicely shaped planters and saucers that are the perfect size for jewelry dishes and small trays.
I used a smaller set (called A Set) for these examples.
Materials Needed
- small terracotta planters and saucers (choose ones with clean edges for a polished look)
- high-quality colored pencils (Prismacolor or similar) or chalk
- matte medium or clear sealant (optional)
- heavy-duty glue (like Gorilla Glue) — optional, only needed for making elevated trays
If you prefer a temporary option, use chalk—regular chalk, colored chalk, or chalk pencils for more detailed work. For a longer-lasting result, use artist-grade colored pencils. You can also apply a matte medium or sealant over pencil drawings for extra protection, though I personally like the natural finish without sealing.
How to Make a Jewelry Dish
There are just a few easy steps:
- Test colors and practice patterns on the underside of the saucer first.
- Flip the saucer over and draw your design directly on the terracotta with colored pencils or chalk.
- If you used colored pencils and want the design to last, apply a layer of matte medium or clear sealant. Avoid sealing chalk, as it can smudge.
- To create an elevated tray: after your drawings are finished and dry, apply a generous amount of heavy-duty glue to the underside of a small terracotta pot and press a saucer onto it. Let the glue cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions to form a stable raised tray.
Note: I included examples showing designs on standard home-improvement-store saucers so you can see that option too. They’re more affordable—typically between $0.50 and $3 for small sizes—though I prefer the look of the higher-quality saucers.
Project Ideas and Uses
- Keep a dish by your bedside for rings and small accessories.
- Use a raised tray on your desk for paperclips and pushpins.
- Group several dishes together on an entry table for keys and coins.
- Turn a decorated saucer into a candle holder or a small soap dish.
- Create sets with complementary colors and patterns as handmade gifts.
These dishes are a quick, affordable way to add a handmade touch to your home and organize small items with style.
- Try polymer clay earrings and other small crafts.
- Experiment with metal stamping for personalized jewelry.
- Make check-print bowls or small vessels with oven-bake clay.
- Try another quick five-minute jewelry dish using a box lid or leftover packaging.
Think you’ll try this five-minute DIY? I’d love to hear how your dishes turn out and what designs you choose.