How to Make Desk Holders

A desk holder keeps your desk clutter free.

If you have a desk or work area that is cluttered with pens, pencils and other desk equipment, the simplest way to create a tidy workspace is to install a desk holder. These are available to buy in stores, but a homemade one is more personal and makes a great gift for a friend or family member.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard rolls
• Small cardboard packaging boxes
• Thick cardboard
• Masking tape
• Newspaper
• Tissue paper
• White craft glue
• Acrylic craft paint
• Paintbrushes
• Scissors
• Clear varnish

Instructions

1. Arrange a selection of cardboard rolls of different heights in a group, placing them upright alongside small cardboard boxes that will hold paper clips, thumb tacks, erasers and other small desk items. Play around with the arrangement until you are satisfied with the design.

2. Cut out a piece of thick cardboard to make a base for your desk holder, giving it straight or curved sides to make any shape, providing it is large enough to place your arrangement of holders on.

3. Use masking tape to secure the boxes and rolls to each other and to the cardboard base.

4. Tear some newspaper into 1-inch pieces and use them to cover the whole of the outside of the holder with three layers of paper mache. Apply the torn newspaper by brushing on white craft glue that has been diluted by 1 part water to 2 parts glue. Position the pieces and brush more glue over the top to seal them in place.

5. Finish with a layer of torn tissue paper to provide a smooth surface for painting. Leave to dry for 24 hours.

6. Use acrylic craft paint to decorate the desk holder with any color or pattern you choose. Finish with a coat of clear varnish to seal the color.

Tips & Warnings

• Add stickers, decoupage pictures, ribbons, braids or other trims for a more decorative finish.