This project is from my wonderful friend Diane from An Extraordinary Day.
DIY Upcycled Desk Organizer
Wouldn’t you like to get your desk or crafting table organized?
Today I have a fun little crafting project that is easy and inexpensive to make. AND will be sure to give your space a little panache while corralling your necessary supplies. Plus… it’s a great way to recycle those tin cans.
I love how a humble cake pan can become a lovely tray for a group of cast-off tin cans with just a little paint and paper. Together, they make a stylish decorator statement as well as a nifty organizing center.
Don’t keep this project to yourself… it is also a great summer craft for the kiddos to get their study spaces ready for back-to-school.
Let’s Make a Desk Organizer!
Gather Supplies
- Round cake pan (I picked mine up at the thrift store.)
- Tin cans (I used 3 regular veggie cans and 2 small mushroom cans.)
- Scrapbook/decorative papers (I picked up mine at Michaels on sale for just 25 cents a sheet.)
- Spray paint or acrylic decor paint in your choice of color to complement the decorative paper.
- Mod Podge
- Brush to apply Mod Podge
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Newspaper or large garbage bag to protect your work surface. (Note: the photo shows a few extra items that I decided not to use on this project.)
Steps
- Paint the area of the cake pan that will be exposed (or not covered with decorative paper).
- Paint your tin cans… top, bottom, and inside. You can skip painting the middle of each can as you will be covering it with decorative paper.
- Measure and cut decorative paper to fit the can as shown. My paper was snugged up against the rolled edge of the can at the top and I left a little space at the bottom for the paint color to show.
Paper size for the regular sized can – 4 1/16″ high and 9 1/2″ wide
Paper size for the mushroom sized can – 2 1/2″ high and 8 1/2″ wide
- On a protected surface, apply Mod Podge to the back of your decorative paper with your brush.
- Carefully align the gluey side to the can using the top rolled edge of the can as a guide.
- Overlap the extra paper and seal for a finished seam.
- Repeat for all the cans.
- Lay your cake pan on the decorative paper and draw a line with a pencil around the perimeter of the pan’s base.
- With your scissors cut inside the line about 1/16″ so there is a small border of painted color on the bottom inside the cake pan when it is applied.
- Paint Mod Podge on the back of the decorative paper you cut into a round shape and carefully center on the inside of the cake pan. Be sure to carefully rub the paper to eliminate any bubbles.
- If you want to protect the decorative paper on your tray, once the paper has dried, apply a second coat of Mod Podge to the top of the paper and allow to dry.
This is one project that won’t break the bank! Because I already had some spray paint and Mod Podge on hand, I was able to create a decorator style desk organizer for just $1.95 — the cost of the decorative paper and cake pan.
There you have it! A pretty desk organizer to put a smile on your face and give your space a little extra pizzazz!
Plus, it’s a great way to add some color and design to your space.
No one needs to know that your snazzy organizer is made of recycled tin cans and a cake pan. I’ll keep it a secret if you will.
Let us know if you’ve been inspired to create a pretty desk organizer.
Do you have any tips for other ways to recycle and organize your supplies?
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Popular categories at An Extraordinary Day include:
DIY Home Decor, Tablescaping, Joy Day!, Holiday Decor, and Printables.
Vintage Window ~ Winter Mantel ~ Inspiration ~ Window Box Gardening
This is such a pretty organizer and such a great way to upcycle ~ I love it.
Diane, what beautiful organizers! You’ve just given me the perfect idea for a gift for my daughter. Thank you. I’m pinning! :-)