DIY Desk Organization Idea

Last Updated on June 20, 2022 by Diane Hoffmaster

This DIY desk organization idea has been sponsored by Westcott Brand.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Do you have any idea how many times I have heard the phrase 'I can't find a pen' in my house?  Seriously.  Where do they all GO?  Well, I am hoping that this DIY desk organization idea will help my family keep pens, pencils, and glue sticks front and center from now on.

What I really love about this desk organizer is that it is easy to make and incredibly inexpensive.  And, of course, it finds a great new use for cans that would otherwise just get tossed into the recycle bin. I do love upcycled crafts! So, grab a few of those empty cans and get started.

In Search Of A Better Glue Gun

So, I have a love/hate relationship with my glue gun.  It's old and I'm not a particularly skilled crafter.  Westcott Brand sent me their new mini hot glue gun. I was curious to see how it compared to the ancient one I have had for 10 years.  

Let me just say that I am impressed!  You can get the traditional glue gun or their new glue pen, depending on the style you prefer.  I love that the tip goes from blue to red to indicate that it's ready to use.  

And even better, there is ZERO leaking of glue from the tip until you press the plunger.  My old glue gun leaks out glue even when I am not using it.  I am definitely a fan of Westcott Brand and will be using this glue gun for years to come!

Supplies For Your DIY Desk Organizer

So, do you like this DIY desk organizing idea?  You want to make it for yourself, right?  It is VERY simple to create. Here is what you need for supplies:

• 6 empty tin cans, washed with labels removed.
• scrapbook paper
• scissors and/or paper trimmer
• hot glue gun and Westcott all temperature glue sticks

How to Make It

Making this desk organizer is simple.  

Wash and dry the tin cans

You will also want to remove the labels.  Don't worry about getting them totally removed.  You are just going to glue scrapbook paper to the outside anyhow.

Measure the scrapbook paper before cutting it.

Just set the can on the paper and make a mark with a pencil so you know how wide to cut the paper.  Using either scissors or a paper trimmer, cut the paper to the width you need it.  I chose several patterns and solid colors in the same general color scheme.  Choose any color or theme that inspires you and matches your decor.

Glue the paper onto the can.  

I glued the first edge of the paper, rolled the can, and then glued the end shut.  It won't be handled a ton so light gluing is all you need to keep the paper in place.

Assemble your desk organizer

Once you have all 6 cans wrapped in paper, just glue them all into a pyramid shape.  3 cans on the bottom, 2 in the middle, and one can on top.  Hold the cans together for a few seconds after you add the glue to give it time to harden and set the cans in place.

Add crayons, markers, etc.

Once you have all the cans glued together, all you need to do is add your school or office supplies to it, and you are done.  If you have small kids, you can put in glue sticks and crayons.  Even without kids, this DIY desk organization idea is still incredibly useful.  

It's a great place for pens, stamps, and other office supplies you may need on a regular basis.  Do you know how often I have to hunt for a permanent marker to label a jar or container?  Quite a bit! And now I will never have to go digging through a drawer for them!

No Special Skills Are Required!

Even if you do not consider yourself a crafty person, you can make this DIY desk organizer.  I am seriously craft challenged.  This project was quick and easy and it's a great way to reuse something that would otherwise get thrown away or recycled. 

Want more upcycled craft ideas? 

If you are looking for more creative upcycled crafts, here are a few you might want to try:

• Make an upcycled car air freshener and keep your car smelling fresh.
• Create an upcycled washi tape bookmark for the book lover in your life.
• Or, get some color in your garden with this bottle cap flower garden art project.

DIY Desk Organizer

Organize your desk with this upcycled desk organizer made from empty tin cans.

Yield: 1

DIY Desk Organizer

Print

This upcycled desk organizer is made from empty tin cans. It is cheap and easy to make and keeps all your office supplies at your fingertips.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Active Time 20 minutes

Difficulty easy

Estimated Cost $5

Materials

• 6 empty tin cans, washed with labels removed.
• scrapbook paper
• hot glue gun and glue sticks

Tools

• Scissors and/or paper trimmer
• Hot glue gun

Instructions

Wash and dry the tin cans and remove the labels. 

Measure the scrapbook paper before cutting it, making sure that it fits your tin cans.

Glue the paper onto the cans.

Glue them all into a pyramid shape.  3 cans on the bottom, 2 in the middle, and one can on top.  Hold the cans together for a few seconds after you add the glue to give it time to harden and set the cans in place.

Let try for an hour or so before filling with supplies.

Like this DIY desk organization idea?  Pin it for later!

Diane Hoffmaster

Diane is a professional blogger and nationally certified pharmacy technician at Good Pill Pharmacy.  She has two college aged kids, one husband and more pets than she will admit to. She earned her BS in Microbiology at the University of New Hampshire  but left her career in science to become a stay at home mom. Years of playing with LEGO and coloring with crayons had her craving a more grown up purpose to her life and she began blogging and freelance writing full time.  You can learn more about her HERE.