If you haven’t done it yet, now’s the time to act on your New Year’s resolution to get your office organized. There’s something to be said for a clear work surface and a clear – and more productive – mind. Just ask the hordes of followers of Japanese decluttering guru Marie Kondo. A designated place for pens and pencils can be just as important as a well-organized filing cabinet and ordered bookcase in an office. Plus, metallic accessories are totally on trend this winter.
You’ll need
Black 1/2-inch ABS pipe
Measuring tape
Chalk pen
Work gloves
Mitre box with hand saw
Fine grit sanding block
1/4-by-3-1/2-inch board (cut to 7-1/2-inches long)
Non-expanding adhesive
Pencil
Latex gloves
Rose gold metallic spray paint
Chalk labels
Step 1. To make the cut measurements on the pipe, measure 6-inches from the end and mark with the chalk pen. Then measure 5-inches from there and mark it. Repeat for the 4-inch and 1-inch cut marks.
Step 2. Wearing work gloves, place the pipe in the mitre box. Use the 90-degree saw guide to line up the first cut line. Hold the pipe firmly in place as you saw off the first section. Repeat for the other three sections of pipe. (Note: If you’re not experienced with a saw, some hardware stores will cut pipe for you, if you ask nicely.) Next, use the sanding block and lightly sand both ends of each tube until smooth.
Step 3. Wash the cut pieces of pipe with warm soapy water to remove any dirt and residue; dry thoroughly. Arrange the pieces of tube on your board in a cluster so they’re just shy of touching. Leave a 1/2-inch space from the edge of the board on all sides. Lightly trace around the tubes with the pencil and use these lines as a guide as you glue the pipes to the board. Apply a generous amount of glue around the bottom of each piece; press firmly into place. Allow the glue to dry completely, about 2 hours.
Step 4. Place the desk organizer on a covered work surface in a well-ventilated area. Shake the spray paint can thoroughly; apply a thin coat using feathered strokes to avoid drips. Allow the paint to dry. (If you’re painting outside on a cold day, bring the spray can and desk organizer indoors between coats, to prevent damage to the paint.) Apply 3 to 4 more light coats of paint until you have full, even coverage.
Step 5. When completely dry, add chalkboard labels to the organizer, creating spots for pens, pencils and scissors. Now you have an excuse to clean off and reorganize your desk, to make the perfect spot to display your handiwork.