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You are here: Home / Organization / 15+ Collections to Display in a Letterpress Drawer

January 28, 2020 · Leave a Comment

15+ Collections to Display in a Letterpress Drawer

Organization

Want to know how to display collections without looking cluttered? Try a letterpress drawer! Here are 15+ collections to display in a printers tray, letterpress drawer, or shadow box.

As a child, I loved to collect small things… coins, keychains, stickers, rocks, and more. While, as an adult, my “collections” are a bit more practical, I still enjoy displaying collections of everyday objects in stunning vignettes. A letterpress drawer makes displaying tiny objects simple, and beautiful.

What is a Letterpress Drawer?

A letterpress drawer, also commonly know as a letterpress tray, printer’s tray, or printer’s drawer, originated from the letterpress printing industry.

Letterpress printing began in the 1400s, invented by Gutenberg, and was widely use through the 19th century. Once offset printing was developed in the 20th century, letterpress declined (see: history of printing).

15+ Collections to display in a Letterpress Drawer or Printer's Tray

Due to the age of the industry, it’s likely that when you buy a letterpress drawer, it is an antique (100+ years old). If not, it will be soon!

Letterpress drawers were stored in type cases (furniture-style cases that hold several drawers). Each drawer has many small compartments, which hold type blocks.

A type block is a single letter with a wood base and metal top. To letterpress, brush ink onto metal letters and press them into the paper.

In order to typeset, the printer chose the correct type blocks to compose a document. The printer would pull the letterpress drawer out of the typecase and work from it. Pulling out the drawer for use is similar to a tray – hence the name “printer’s tray.” (see: typecase)

15+ Collections to Display in a Letterpress Drawer

Want to know how to display collections without looking cluttered? Try a letterpress drawer! Here are over 15 collections that can be displayed in a printers tray, letterpress drawer, or shadow box.

1

Rock Collection

Do you want to display a rock collection? This letterpress tray turned rock collection box is an easy, stylish solution for rocks, gems, or minerals.

2

LEGO® Minifigures

Has your child (or you?!) amassed a large collection of lego minifigs? You'll love this clever way to display LEGO® minifigures.

3

Essential Oils

Store oils in style with a display wall shelf or printer's tray! The small slots are perfectly sized to hold 5ml, 10ml, 15ml, and 30ml bottles.

4

Figurines & Dolls

Photo Credit: www.kenarry.com

Display small figurines in a letterpress drawer - for playtime, or for show. A letterpress drawer is an easy way to display figurines (whether it’s a set of valuable miniatures or inexpensive tiny toys!).

5

Beads and Jewelry-Making Materials

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/marinellajewelry/

Marinella Jewelry stores her beads and bead strands are "old school organized" - in antique letterpress drawers.

6

Bottle Brush Trees

Photo Credit: abbytrysagain.typepad.com

An antique tray paired with vintage bottle brush trees? Yes, please. This perfect pair makes for simple winter decor.

7

Skeleton Keys

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/lovelymore6546/

Lovely More has a passion for vintage styles, and it shows! Their sizeable skeleton key collection fills many of the cubbies in this printers tray.

P.S. You can grab antique keys in their Etsy shop!

8

Craft Supplies

Photo Credit: isabodesign.blogspot.com

Washi tape, ribbon spools, ink pads (and more!) fill this letterpress drawer with bright and cheery colors - perfect for any creative space.

9

Wood Stamps

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/anetes.paper.crafts/

Anetes Paper Crafts keeps her stamp collection easily within reach. Displaying stamps in a letterpress drawer makes it so simple to find the right design.

10

Matchbox Cars

Photo Credit: www.thebooandtheboy.com

Decorate and organize your son's room in one, with a letterpress drawer. He can display his favorite Hot Wheels® and easily pull them down (or put away) for playtime.

11

Nature Walk "Treasures"

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/shroom_momma/

Shroom Momma regularly collects botanicals to fill her letterpress tray. Swapping them out seasonally, it's the perfect landing spot for treasures found during nature walks.

12

Ornaments

Photo Credit: refreshrestyle.com

Letterpress drawers are at home for the holidays... when filled with holiday goodies such as ornaments. Refresh Restyle made a sweet advent calendar from an antique printers tray and mini ornaments.

13

Glitter

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/remarkable.markers/

All that glitters may not be gold... but that doesn't mean it's not stunning! How pretty is this printer's tray filled with Remarkable Markers glitter collection?

14

Seashells

Photo Credit: www.blesserhouse.com

Hold on to vacation memories by displaying favorite seashells in a vintage printers tray. If you haven't been to the beach lately, what other souvenirs could be displayed in a letterpress drawer?

15

Air Plants (or Faux Succulents and Sprigs)

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/alyssa_boldischar/

Alyssa made a set of his/hers side tables (yes, there are two!). She filled her table with faux succulents before she added the glass top. Want a live version? Skip the top and try air plants, or dirt-filled cubbies with succulents.

16

Spools of Thread

Photo Credit: www.agfblog.com

Sewing is easiest when spools of thread are close at hand and easy to see. Display a rainbow of colorful spools in a letterpress tray.

Bonus! 7 More Collections to Display in a Printer’s Tray

  • Pin Trading/Pin Collections
  • Keychain Collection
  • Coin Collection
  • Salt/Pepper Shakers
  • Black and White Photos
  • Vintage Stamps
  • Miniatures
If you liked this organization idea, you may also like:
  • How to Add Leather Handles to Baskets
  • Organize Spice Jar in a Vintage Soda Crate
  • How to Make a Family Command Center

About Lora Green

Lora is the Owner and Creative Director of Craftivity Designs, where she seeks to Create a Home that is simple, functional, and beautiful. With an eye for practical solutions, she designs multi-purpose rooms which pack a storage punch. As a busy mom of 2, she shares crafts that are quick and easy, without sacrificing style. For fun, she loves to go on a homemade scavenger hunt and plan trips to Disney.

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Meet Lora

Lora is the Owner and Creative Director of Craftivity Designs, where she seeks to Create a Home that is simple, functional, and beautiful. With an eye for practical solutions... Read More…

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