The Brilliant DIY Decor That Upcycles An Old Chess Board

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If you grew up playing board games, then you know how hard it is to keep a game with small pieces, like chess, intact. Over time, a pawn is lost here, a knight is sacrificed there, and before you know it, you can't use the set for its inteded purpose. However, these losses don't mean the chess set needs to be earmarked for the trash bin. Instead, if you're a jewelry lover, the leftover pieces and the board can become the coolest and most unique way to organize your jewelry you've ever seen. 

The beauty of this DIY craft comes from a well-constructed board, which will serve as a wall mount, and a set of handsome chess pieces, from which the jewelry will hang. If you don't have an old chessboard stashed in the back of your cupboard, you can find some interesting ones at a second-hand store or on a site like eBay. It's also possible to find a good-looking, reasonably-priced set, like the Chess and Games Muba Handcrafted Wooden Chess Set with Board, on online retail sites.

Generally, the more interesting the pieces look, the more stunning the upcycled chessboard jewelry holder will appear. It's also good to specifically look for a wooden chessboard when you're ready to declutter your jewelry. Since the board functions as the mounting plate, it needs to be sturdy. To convert the chess set to a jewelry organizer, you'll also need a drill with a small bit and some screws. Add a Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pen to the supplies list, too. Finally, you'll need hangers, like these Tenalleys Steel Picture Hangers, to attach the board to the wall.  

When you're ready to repurpose your board game, start by examining all the chess pieces (you should do this before you start drilling). Which of them provide the most intriguing visual profile? If your chessboard is missing a few pieces, this is one way to ensure that you make the most of the pieces that are left from a visual design point of view. If you're starting with an intact set, consider pulling the pieces that will mimic famous chess moves of all time, like Bura's Desperado Sacrifice; this is a fun detail to add if you're making this board for a chess fan. Put the chosen chess pieces aside.

Next, mark the squares that'll host your chess pieces with the felt-tipped pen. Drill holes in the chessboard in the places you've marked. Make pilot holes in the chess pieces. Insert screws through the bottom of the board, allowing the threaded portions to jut out through the surface. Screw the chess pieces onto the screws. If you have some post earrings you'd like to hang up, too, drill a series of double holes at the very bottom or top of the board and insert the earrings into the holes (attach the backs to the post earrings to keep them in place).

Attach two picture hangers to the back of the board: one on each end. Drive screws into the wall so that you can hang up the jewelry holder. Hang the board on the wall and hook your jewelry over the chess-figures-turned-hooks.