Learn how to repurpose an old drawer to create a thrifty auricula theatre to display your beautiful plant collection.
Ever since my good friend Mary shared her father’s heirloom primulas with me I have been thinking about creating an auricula theatre. I came across this concept while researching Dino’s primulas and loved the idea.
What’s an Auricula Theatre?
An auricula theatre is a hanging display case for prized auricula primroses. A practice that dates back to the 1700s in England. Some even have faux wood curtains just like a real theater.
When I came across an old drawer at a thrift store I thought it might make a great mini auricula theatre. A perfect project to share for this month’s Thrifty Team Style. Don’t forget to check below this tutorial for all of the other talented creative thrifty ideas from the team.
Making a Thrifty Primula Auricula Theatre
This old drawer was only $5.00 at a thrift store. Something about its shape reminded me of a house.
My husband helped me add a shelf to the inside. Yes, it’s a little crooked but I am grateful for the help.
Then I spray painted it with a couple of coats of dark brown indoor/outdoor paint.
I purchased four beautiful Primrose auriculas online from Edelweiss Perennials in Oregon. They came carefully wrapped in sisal fiber and newspaper.
Each one had a nice tag with their name, description, and growing information. Unfortunately only one had any flowers this early in the season.
So I dug up some of my yellow primulas from the garden to pot up and display in the theatre. I believe they are primula vulgaris, not auricula but they are also very pretty and so special to me.
This is the one that’s in flower called Primula auricula ‘Blue Velvet.’
The other auriculas I purchased were: Brookfield, Arundel Stripe and Gordon Douglas.
I can’t wait until they are all in bloom this spring. Later I’ll probably transplant into the garden because I don’t think they will overwinter well in pots. Next year I can dig some up and display them again in this thrifty auricula theatre.
P.S. See the beautiful red and yellow primroses I was given in the article Primrose Passion. Other beautiful spring bloomers include Pulmonaria aka Lungwort and Engaging Spring Ephemerals.
May’s Thrifty Style Team Lineup
Thrifty Yellow and Pink Spring Porch by Redhead Can Decorate
Rustic Shiplap-Inspired Wall Art by The Creek Line House
Ideas on How to Update a 15 Year Old Bathroom Vanity by Duke Manor Farm
Make an Auricula Theatre – Thrifty Style by Heart and Vine
Window Seat Refresh by DIY Beautify
Green Painted Outdoor Table by Cottage at the Crossroads
Patio Decorating Ideas on a Budget by I Should Be Mopping the Floor
Vintage Box Makeover by Bliss Ranch
Easy DIY Nightstand From a Thrift Store Stool by Chatfield Court
Decorating with Thrifted Silver by 2 Bees in a Pod
DIY Grain Sack Striped Farmhouse Tote by The How-To How
Thrifted Picnic Basket Makeover by Salvage Sister & Mister
DIY Magazine Page Place Mats by What Meegan Makes
100 Year Old Barnwood Shelves by The DIY Village
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laura janning says
patti, although this Auricula theatre is something I have never heard, I love the idea of showcasing the flowers in the drawer. enjoy your beautiful blooms.
Kristi @ Chatfield Court says
I’ve never heard of Auricula theatre before but I love this idea. So interesting and a pretty way to display your Auriculas.
Patti Estep says
Thanks Kristi. I’m super curious to see how they do in this theater.
Jane Windham says
Patti, I’m so glad you joined the Thrifty Style Team! Today I have learned something from you and will be on the lookout for drawers to repurpose. Such a great way to display your primroses!
Patti Estep says
Thanks Jane. I’m so glad too. I love seeing what everyone else it creating. It’s great inspiration for us all.
Meegan says
Thank you for teaching something new today! I never had heard of a Auricula Theater, but have been admiring them for a long time.
Thank you for sharing your easy tutorial, too.
This would look lovely on my back porch.
Patti Estep says
Meegan, I’m so glad you like it. I too have been admiring the auriculas specifically. I hope that I am able to keep the ones I ordered for a long time.
Paula says
Never heard of an auricula theatre before. Thanks for sharing this. Now to find that old drawer and make one. Such wonderful ideas Patti.
Patti Estep says
Thanks Paula. I’ve been thinking about making a shelving type unit for an auricula display and somehow inspiration hit when I found this drawer. Now I hope that the plants that I ordered will grow well here. Fingers crossed.
Kristi Dominguez says
This is a lovely display, Patti! What a great way to repurpose an old drawer! I’m so glad to be able to link up with you and the others on the Thrifty Style Team! Thanks for sharing your awesome ideas with us!
Patti Estep says
Thanks Kristi. I think it was meant to be and it is my pleasure being part of such an amazingly creative bunch of wonderful bloggers.
Cindy says
Patti, I had no idea what an aricula theater was…in fact, I’d never heard the term before! But I love it! It’s such a fun way to display those beautiful primroses!
Patti Estep says
Thanks Cindy. I’m a big fan of plants of all kinds and love to read about their history.
Courtenay @ The Creek Line House says
Fascinating! I’d never heard of Auriculas before this morning nor had I any idea that they were traditionally displayed in a little mini theatre! I love this concept for displaying any plant actually. I’ll be keeping an eye out for stray drawers! 🙂
Patti Estep says
Thanks Courtenay, I think I might try some other flowers after a while and plant the primroses in the ground.
Carole West says
This is so fun! Now if you want to fix that little slant just glue a strip of wood onthe front that would fit within. I like it as is because you turned that drawer into something classy. Great job!
Patti Estep says
Thanks Carole. That’s a great idea! Of course, you would know just what to do.
Bliss says
Well you taught me something this morning because I had never ever heard of a auricula theater, but I do know a good drawer repurposing when I see one! Cute and pinned.
Patti Estep says
Thanks Bliss. I came across the subject when I was trying to figure out the variety of my friend’s primroses many years ago and have been wanting to make one (and buy more primroses) ever since.