Add some “bling” to your desk with the Desk Bling Accessory Set!
Preparation
Shopping List:
2 pc 3/8” x 3 ½” x 36” craft board
3 pc 3/8” x 1 ½” x 36” craft board
1 pc ¼” plywood, 2’ x 2’
1 pc ½” square dowel, 36”
5/8" finish nails
Finishing materials for desired finish
Knobs/pulls (optional)
Optional: 1 8’ stick ¼” x 1 1/8” lattice (for slats, if you want to substitute lattice instead of cutting & sanding plywood strips)
Tools:
measuring tape
square
pencil
safety glasses
Hearing protection
compound miter saw
nailer
Sander
Drill (if using regular knobs)
Screwdriver (for attaching knobs)
Needle nosed pliers
Pencil Cup:
3/8” x 3 ½” craft board: 2 pc @ 3 ½” (sides)
3/8” x 1 ½” craft board: 2 pc @ 3 ½” (ends)
¼” plywood: 1 pc @ 2 ¼” x 3 ½” (bottom)
Business Card Holder:
3/8” x 1 ½” craft board: 2 pc @ 4” (back & bottom)
½” x ½” dowel: 1 pc @ 4” (front)
Mini Desktop Crate:
3/8” x 3 ½” craft board: 2 pc @ 3 ½” (front/back)
3/8” x 3 ½” craft board, 1 pc @ 2 ¾” (bottom)
¼” plywood: 6 pc @ 1” x 3 ½” (if you substitute 1 1/8” lattice, increase height of front/back to 3 ¾”)
Paper Clip Tray:
3/8” x 1 ½” craft board: 2 pc @ 3 ½”
3/8” x 1 ½” craft board: 2 pc @ 2 ¾”
¼” plywood: 1 pc @ 3 ½” x 3 ½”
3-Drawer Desktop Cube:
3/8” x 3 ½” craft board: 2 pc @ 5 ¼” (top & bottom)
3/8” x 3 ½” craft board: 2 pc @ 6 3/8” (sides)
3/8” x 3 ½” craft board: 2 pc @ 4 ½” (shelves)
3/8” x 1 ½” craft board: 6 pc @ 4 ¼” (drawer front/back)
3/8” x 1 ½” craft board: 6 pc @ 2 ¾” (drawer sides)
¼” plywood: 1 pc @ 5 ½” x 7 1/8” (back)
¼: plywood: 3 pc @ 4 ¼” x 3 ½” (drawer bottoms)
½” x ½” dowel: 3 pc @ 1 ¼” (pulls)
Cutting tips:
Here’s how I cut the plywood strips for crate slats without a table saw:
1. Cut a manageable piece (about 4 ½” should do) off one end of your 2’ square of plywood (first time I used a jig saw and straightedge for this step, you can also do this with the sliding miter saw – cut half-way across, flip, then cut the other half across). Do this before any other cuts, so you have a straight edge to work from.
2. Keeping the straight edge against the fence of your miter saw, cut off an end to make a sharp square corner to measure from.
3. Mark 1” from the end and then cut the strip.
4. Repeat this step for a total of 6 strips.
5. Cut each strip down to 3 ½” length.
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Finishing tips:
Sand pieces before assembly.
If using the ¼” plywood for the slats, make sure all the edges of the slat are sanded smooth before attaching – these would be very difficult to sand otherwise.
If you are staining, make sure to use stainable wood filler.
Comments
yurra-bazain
Fri, 08/30/2013 - 17:46
Thank you!
Thank you for posting multiple options for the desk accessories plans! =D I always wonder what I can substitute when I don't have a certain amount of dimensional lumber on hand, so knowing other measurements and dimensions using alternate material is golden information! I do like the "bling" of the sea glass pulls, too! :)
JoanneS
Fri, 08/30/2013 - 18:34
Bling!
Thank you! I've had so much fun building and planning these! Planning the "bling" part was the most fun! I started to use green, blue, and purple pebbles on these pulls, but changed my mind at the last minute and made them match. Recently I found out the majority of the sea glass found on our local beaches is green, and I wanted to make it look like "found" sea glass. :)
SoCaliforniaMel
Fri, 08/30/2013 - 20:53
Great Idea
Ive been looking for desk accessories plans. Was even going to make my own up but now I dont have to. Thank you :)
In reply to Great Idea by SoCaliforniaMel
JoanneS
Sat, 08/31/2013 - 06:01
Thank you!
SoCaliforniaMel, Thanks for the nice comment! I like to personalize my accessories and doing it yourself makes it fun. On my own set I have glass knobs with cream color paint distressed over dark stain.
If you like to work with cedar (or 1/2" craft board), I recently posted 2 other plans too:
http://ana-white.com/2013/08/plans/1-board-cedar-desk-accessory-set
http://ana-white.com/2013/08/plans/1-board-cedar-2-drawer-desktop-stora…
I hope you post pics of your desk accessories. I'd love to see them! :)