Create a desktop organizer made from recycled CDs inserted in a block of craft foam. Make a matching pencil cube in minutes.

Finished sizes: 4″ x 12″ Organizer
          5″ Pencil Cube

Skill:  1    Time: 1     Cost: 1

You will need:

Mail Organizer
• 4″ x 12″ x 2″ craft foam block*
• Five recycled CDs
• 1″ putty knife

Pencil Cube
• 5″ craft foam cube*
• Sixteen 3/8″grommets

For both:
• Specialty papers*:  silver textured, silver corrugated
• Silver mirrored tagboard*
• Craft knife* with new blade
• Thick, white craft glue
• Optional: Craft pins
Pencil, ruler, scissors

*The following products were used for these projects: STYROFOAM Brand Foam, Exacto craft knife • PaperArts specialty papers

Note: See end of article for product information.

Mail Organizer
STEP 1: Attach paper. Cut paper to cover the sides and bottom of the 4″ x 12″ x 2″ block of craft foam as follows:  Cut one 4″ x 12″ piece from silver mirror tagboard. Cut two 2″ x 12″ and two 2″ x 4″ pieces from textured silver paper. Use putty knife to spread a thin, even coat of glue onto one side of block. Press corresponding paper onto glue. Optional: Secure corners with straight pins till dry. Trim away excess paper.  Cover four sides in same way. For top, cut one 4″ x 12″ piece from silver mirrored paper. Attach to foam in same way.

STEP 2: Cover corners. Cut four ½″ x 2″ strips of corrugated paper, having ribs vertical.  Fold strips in half vertically. Glue one piece to each corner, covering edges.
 
STEP 3: Insert CDs. Use a pencil and ruler to lightly mark five evenly spaced lines across top of block. Carefully cut slots in paper using craft knife. Carefully push a CD straight down into each slot about 1 ½″ deep. Remove CD. Apply a line of glue over the slot. Insert each CD firmly into a slot. Let dry.

Pencil Cube
STEP 1: Attach paper. Cut five 5″ squares of silver textured paper. Use putty knife to spread a thin, even coat of glue onto one side of block. Press corresponding paper onto glue. Optional: Secure corners with straight pins till dry. Trim away excess paper. Cover all sides in same way.

STEP 2: Cover corners. Cut four ½″ x 2″ strips of corrugated paper, having ribs vertical.  Fold strips in half vertically. Glue one piece to each corner, covering edges.
 
STEP 3: Make pencil holes. Use a pencil and ruler to mark top of cube with 16 evenly spaced dots in four rows of four. Use tip of craft knife to cut a small X through the paper at each point.  Insert a pencil through the X and push straight down 2″ into the foam. Twist pencil to enlarge the hole so it slips in and out easily. Apply glue on back side of one grommet and align over one hole. Press grommet so it rests tightly on top of cube. Attach all grommets in same way.
 

Sources:

Styrofoam
www.craft.dow.com

Paper Arts
www.paperarts.com

 

Faux Steel Desk Set