Desk Caddy

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1004 -- More Projects »

Make a jazzy desk caddy to hold rubber bands and paper clips. All you need are paper-covered matchboxes and some glue.

To make the wire handle, straighten a paper clip, then wrap it around a pencil to create the curvy finished product.

Organizational expert Amy Ellison demonstrates how to end desk clutter with a clever container made out of matchboxes.

Materials:

8 large matchboxes, emptied
paint primer
paint
wrapping paper
transparent tape
paper clip
thumbtack
hot glue
cardboard
wallpaper sample
juice bottle tops
candle

Steps:

Prime the matchboxes to cover the bold pattern that might show through the wrapping paper. If you are using heavy duty wrapping paper, you can skip this step.
Wrap the cover for each box with wrapping paper. Fold the edges under at each end so that the interior of the box is still accessible and the bottom can slide through.
Paint the box portion in a color that coordinates with the paper.
Straighten out a paper clip, then make a wire pull out of it.

Figure A

Punch a hole in the end of the painted box and insert the wire pull (figure A). You will have a little tail of wire on the inside of the box that can be held in place with a touch of hot glue.

Wrap a piece of cardboard with wallpaper, just as you would wrap a gift. This will be the platform for the caddy. The heavier wallpaper will add some weight and sturdiness to the cardboard.

Figure B

On the smooth side of the platform, position the wrapped boxes with the drawers facing outward (figure B), and hot glue in place.

Make another layer of boxes on a platform in exactly the same way. Stack the two platforms and glue in place.

Make a pencil holder for the space in the middle of the four boxes. Measure the width of one side of the box and multiply by four. This will be the length of the box. Make it as tall as you would like, usually about 2/3 the length of a pencil.

Cut out a rectangle of cardboard using these dimensions. Paint one side of the cardboard the same color you used for the drawers.

Cover the other side with the wrapping paper, attaching it with a hot glue or spray adhesive.

Divide the cardboard into four even lengths and score, being careful not to cut all the way through the cardboard.

Figure C

Bend the cardboard at each score line to create a square, and glue the edges together (figure C). Slip the holder in the center of the boxes.

To make the drawers slide easily, rub a candle on the edges to coat them with wax.

If you want your caddy to have feet, paint four juice bottle tops to match it, and glue to the bottom.

Also in this Episode

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1004
•	Hardware Accessories
•	Easy Carpet Installation
•	Desk Caddy
•	Smart Solution of the Day

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Desk Caddy

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