DIY 4-of-26: Desk Organizer

At the beginning of the month I posted about my project that resulted in a clean/clear desk for my husband! Today, I thought I would share how I made the desk organizers that made it all possible so that you can make your own.

Here are your supplies:

Supplies:

• Picture Frame/Cork Board/Window with a shelf (This may be the most difficult thing to find. You just need something with a flat surface on the back and a shelf. You could use an old window if it has a ledge...that would be super cute! Good luck finding something...garage sales or Goodwill would be perfect places to scavenge!)
• Chalk
• Office Supplies (Whatever you need: Rubber bands, paper clips, pens/pencils, etc)
• Ribbon
• Sand
• Candle
• Tape
• Paint Brush
• Chalkboard Paint
• Mason Jars (These are becoming more difficult to find as they are popular in home decor right now, so I decided to buy mason jars with jam in them, then you get a yummy treat too!)
• File Folders
• File Folder Holder (A basket works well too!)

#1: If you are using jam jars like I did, fill the jar with really hot water and submerge it in a container of hot water to soak off the label. If you think ahead and do it the night before it is a wonderful idea, but I am never that on top of things so about a half hour or so will suffice!

#2: Paint the back of your cork board/window/picture frame/etc with the chalkboard paint and allow to dry for 24hours. Then rub the entire painted surface with the side of a piece of chalk and wipe it off.

#3: After your jars have soaked remove the labels, wash, and dry. You may have to use a pan scrapper to remove it cleanly. Allow to thoroughly dry.

#4: Use the tape to tape off an area that you want painted on the jars or simply free-hand any shape. I found once I started that free-handing was much easier.

#5: Apply several coats to make sure the paint is thick and even. Then allow to dry over night.

#6: Rub the painted surfaces with the side of a piece of chalk and wipe clean.

#7: Fill your jars with the office supplies you need most accessible and write the names on the front. I filled one jar with sand and put a candle in it for decoration and a pop of color. In the others I put rubberbands, paper clips, and pens/medical supplies!

#8: Now comes the fun part...decorate your chalkboard however you please! We put one of our favorite verses on ours. I have seen cute calendars, appointment reminders, or shout outs to the special birthday person of the house! The best part of decorating with chalk is it is not permanent so enjoy exploring your creative side with the knowledge if you screw it up big time you and just wipe it off and know will ever know and change up your boards frequently.

Here it is all together! If you want directions for the file folders just click the link and complete your organization masterpiece!!! Hope you all had a lovely Memorial Day weekend. To those of you who have served our country, a heartfelt thank you!