Every once in a while I get the urge to create something that I haven’t been able to find in stores or online and this little desk organizer happens to be one of those items. I’m often moving my succulents around to better light, arranging goodies like perfume and candles on my vanity or reorganizing daily essentials on my night table and I wanted something that could contain those things without adding to the clutter. So I designed myself a little white tray made out of basswood (similar but slightly denser than balsa wood), super glue and white paint. It was so easy and I was so happy with the result that I just had to share a little how-to.

Here’s a few different ways I’ve been putting it to use.

1 – On my night table to keep my daily accessories in order.

2 – On my desk for leftover flowers, my favourite candle, a pretty perfume bottle and just about anything else I have kicking around.

3 – As a mobile home for my succulents so I can easily switch up their location for better light.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR DESK ORGANIZER

STEP #1 – Assemble your supplies, which are:

1. Ruler
2. Super Glue (E6000 does everything!)
3. EXACTO Knife (to cut strips)
4. Paint Brush
5. White Paint (you may want to use spray paint instead)
6. Measure and cut 6 sections of 1/4 inch thick Basswood strips to 4 inches long*
7. Measure and cut 2 sections of 1/4 inch thick  Basswood strips to 11.5 inches long*
8. Measure and cut 1 piece of 3/16 inch thick Basswood tile to 4 x 12 inches *

*(avail. at Michael’s or any hobby/craft store) Please note: These measurements are for a finished tray that is 4 x 12 inches but adjust depending on the size you’d like. 

STEP #2 – Assemble the top pieces

• Glue two short 1/4 inch strips to either end of the 4 x 12 inch tile (See A + B below)
• Glue two long 1/4 inch strips to sides of the 4 x 12 inch tile (See C + D below)

STEP #3 – Assemble the bottom pieces

• Glue two short 1/4 inch strips to one end of the 4 x 12 inch tile (I) (See E + F below)
• Glue two short 1/4 inch strips to the other end of the 4 x 12 inch tile (I) (See G + H below)

STEP #4 – Paint it white (or your choice of colour).

• Once the glue is dry you can start painting.
• I used a brush and acrylic paint (3 coats) but I think spray paint might create a smoother finish.

STEP #5 – Start displaying your favourite goodies! 

Succulent vessels | NA NIN Jolene Candle | Lollia Perfume | Watch | Necklace | Rings