#GroomYourRoom Day 4 : Study Desk

What can I use instead of decorative paper, sticky notes, or a shoebox if I can't find them?

Use newspaper, brown paper bags, or old wrapping paper cut to the container's measured height and width with the ruler, use masking tape or plain paper labels instead of sticky notes, and substitute a small cereal box or plastic tray for the shoebox when cutting down the front to make a tray.

My paper doesn't wrap around the container smoothly or the labels keep peeling off; how do I fix that?

Re-measure the container's height and width and cut the decorative paper slightly larger so it overlaps when you wrap and secure it with glue or double-sided tape, and reinforce labels by pressing sticky notes firmly or backing them with clear tape so they don't peel.

How can I adapt this desk project for younger children or teens?

For younger kids have an adult handle the ruler measurements, scissors cutting of decorative paper and the shoebox tray while the child sorts supplies and sticks pre-written labels, and for teens encourage precise measuring, finer decorative details with the permanent marker, and arranging items for ergonomic access.

How can I make my finished study desk more useful or creative beyond the basic instructions?

Create cardboard dividers inside containers for compartments, color-code the labels with markers, add a small plant or a clip-on LED for usability, and personalize each container with a drawing or photo before taking the DIY.org picture.