At first glance, it looks like a cabinet from a curious old workshop. Look closer and you’ll see each drawer was once a humble sardine tin, now reborn as a keeper of tiny treasures.

The pull tabs, once meant for quick meals, are now handles that invite you to open and explore.

Framed with wooden rulers, the piece feels like a little time machine.

It’s the kind of dresser that makes people smile, reminding us that beauty often hides in the simplest places.

Materials Needed

• 20-25 cleaned sardine tins (remove labels and sharp edges)
• Wooden board or plywood
• Vintage rulers or wooden strips
• Screws or small nails
• Sandpaper
• Drill and screwdriver
• Optional: clear varnish

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Clean and dry your sardine tins thoroughly. Then sand down any sharp edges so they’re safe to handle.

Step 2: Build a simple wooden frame with evenly spaced slots for the tins. Think of it like a pigeonhole cabinet but scaled down.

Step 3: Line the front edges of the frame with vintage rulers for a decorative touch. You can secure them with nails or screws.

Step 4: Slide your tins into the slots. The pull tabs act as ready-made drawer handles.

Step 5: Fill the tins with your choice of small items such as jewelry, craft supplies, or workshop odds and ends.

Step 6: Place your mini dresser on a desk, shelf, or workbench. It’s practical, but it also works as a conversation piece.

Tips:

This project shines when you let the tins and rulers keep their worn, lived-in look. Don’t worry about perfection as part of the magic is in its patchwork character.