How to make a DIY Desk Tidy

Clear up clutter with this handy desk tidy. Treat yourself or make one as a gift with our easy step-by-step tutorial.

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Holly Spanner

Published: March 9, 2022 at 7:33 am

when you sit down at your desk, whether it’s to work or craft (hopefully the latter, of course!), a clear space is sure to inspire a clear mind and lots of creative thinking. What better way to spring clean your space than with this smart desk tidy? Decorated in chevrons and stripes with a bold colour palette, this contemporary design will appeal to everyone – and it’s so easy to make. Follow our easy step-by-step tutorial and make your own DIY desk tidy!

How to make a DIY desk tidy - detail

If you like this article, how to make a DIY desk tidy, why not check out some of our storage crafts – like this DIY washi storage dog, or these fun dinosaur storage jars, or how about getting your glue gun and making this realistic paper rose? If you’re in a crafty mood, why not check out the best glue gun and best die-cutting machine. Thinking about buying a craft printer? Check out our review of the best printer for card making.

We love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to share your origami projects with us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, too!

How to make a DIY desk tidy

How to make a DIY desk tidy

You will need

Patterned paper
Card
Cardboard tubes
Scoring tool & ruler
Enamel dots or other embellishments
Dies (optional)

Step 1

Cut a 29.5 x 25cm piece of kraft card. Score and fold all four sides at 8cm. Cut a flap at each corner, cover the outer sections with patterned paper and assemble the box.

How to make a DIY desk tidy – step 1

Step 2

Cut a 19.5 x 21cm piece of kraft card. Score and fold all four sides at 3cm. Cut a flap at each corner, cover the outer sections with patterned paper and assemble the tray.

How to make a DIY desk tidy – step 2

Step 3

Cut a 12.7 x 12cm piece of kraft card. Score each side at 2.8cm to make a small tray, as before. Repeat to make a second tray. Cover the inner sections with papers.

How to make a DIY desk tidy – step 3

Step 4

Take six cardboard tubes, cover the top half of each tube with your choice of patterned papers and glue a 2.5cm-wide strip of paper to the upper inside edge as this part will be visible.

How to make a DIY desk tidy – step 4

Step 5

Decorate the box from step 1 with pencil and optional die cuts and add decorative enamel dots. Sit the box and the mini trays inside the large tray and place the tubes inside the box.

How to make a DIY desk tidy – step 5

How to make a DIY desk tidy

We hoped you enjoyed this project on how to make a DIY desk tidy. If you’re after more upcycling projects – check out these stunning wine bottle lights, or why not try your hand at making your own envelopes with our how to make an envelope tutorial – the free templates make it so easy!

Staff Writer, BBC Science Focus

Holly is the Staff Writer for BBC Science Focus and looks after the popular Q&A section. She holds an MSc (distinction) in Geoscience (Space and Climate Physics) from UCL, and specialises in astronomy and earth sciences. Before joining Our Media, she worked as a geoenvironmental consultant and engineer, informing on ground risk and remediation in the north of England, while hunting for exoplanets in her spare time. Alongside this, she was regional editor of a popular theatre website for nine years, and has a solid background in curating and developing content for the digital space. Holly is also an artist and illustrator, and regular contributor to the craft website, Gathered. She has previously worked with the RSPB, English Heritage, Disney, Pilot and Brother, as well as on BBC Good Food magazine, Home Style magazine, and Papercraft inspirations magazine. She enjoys photography and has a sustained interest in antiques.