Here’s a simple DIY activity to design a desktop organiser to declutter study/work stations at home – Cynthia John

Many parents are encouraging children to engage in art and crafts activities during this unprecedented learn-from-home period to beat pandemic-related anxiety and stress and rising digital addiction.

Here’s a simple DIY (do it yourself) activity to design a desktop organiser to declutter study/work stations at home.

Materials

• Empty cardboard box
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• Brightly coloured cloth
• A cheerful photograph
• Cardboard (from old notebook covers)
• Paint and brush

Process

• Use a ruler to mark off 4 cm or more from the bottom of the front surface of the box. Make marks on the right and left edges and draw a line to join them.
• On both the side faces, draw a diagonal line connecting the upper edge (towards the back) with the markings made on the front edge.
• Cut off the top cover of the box. Cut along the lines drawn, using a sturdy pair of scissors.
• Next, use craft glue to stick the cloth around the box.
• Beginning with one edge of the cloth at the back, pull the cloth all the way around till it overlaps the edge you started with. Now that you know how much you need, cut it neatly.
• Stick the first edge at the back, pull it taut and stick the end over the edge you began with. You’ll have to make slits on the top front edges so that you can fold it in. Pull the cloth taut over all the edges, fold inwards and stick. Do the same at the bottom, making neat folds when necessary. Make sure the cloth is flat and taut at the bottom so that it does not make a shaky base.
• Now cut out the picture you have chosen — from a magazine, sticker sheet or wrapping paper. Cut around it in its shape. Place the cut-out on cardboard and draw a line around it.
• Cut the cardboard a little inside the line. Make two such cardboard pieces.
• Stick the cardboard pieces on each other and the picture cut-out on top of it for a 3D effect. Paint the back of this with a matching colour or black for a better finish. When it is dry, stick it on the front of the organiser, with part of it sticking out.

Your desktop organiser is ready. You can store all your knick-knacks within arm’s reach. An even larger box can be used to make an organiser that stores books or files. Use textured cloth for better effect.