Organizing your desk doesn't have to mean sacrificing style for functionality.
This cube DIY desk organizer is the perfect blend of both!
Not only does it help keep your workspace neat and tidy, but it also adds a fun, personalized touch to your desk.
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Whether you're using it at home, in the office, or as a unique gift for a teacher, this simple yet clever cube DIY desk organizer is an excellent way to keep your pens, pencils, and other small items in one convenient place.
It's also a great way to organizer your makeup! Store your eyeshadows, brushes and more in this cube DIY desk organizer.
What makes this organizer even more special is that it requires no glue or scissors, making it a quick and easy project for crafters of all levels.
Made using just two square sheets of paper, you can create a sturdy, space-saving cube that will fit perfectly on any desk. No scissors or glue required!
This organizer also includes a convenient side compartment to hold pens or pencils, ensuring that your most-used items are always within reach.
If you love this design, you might also like to try this Hexagon DIY Pen Holder and make it in matching colors!
This makes it an ideal gift for teachers, back-to-school students, or anyone who loves practical and creative desk accessories.
This cube DIY desk organizer is also incredibly versatile when it comes to customization.
You can choose from different paper sizes to create a cube that perfectly fits your desk space or personal preferences.
Whether you go for a smaller, compact organizer or a larger one with more storage capacity, the design remains sleek and functional.
Plus, this craft is a fantastic way to recycle old paper or use up leftover sheets from other projects.
Other easy desk organizers you just have to try include this triangle desk organizer, hexagon pen holder, cat origami box, and DIY mini paper drawers.
Why You'll Love This Pattern
- No Glue, No Scissors: This project is incredibly simple and only requires folding-perfect for beginners and quick crafting sessions.
- Functional and Stylish: The side compartment for pens or pencils adds extra utility, making this desk organizer both cute and practical.
- Customizable Sizes: With two different paper size options, you can adjust the size of the cube to suit your space or needs.
- Great Gift Idea: Perfect for back-to-school or teacher's gifts, this organizer is a thoughtful, functional present.
- Eco-friendly: Recycle your old paper into something useful and decorative-this project is a great way to reduce waste while being creative!
- Back-to-school essential: It's the perfect craft for back-to-school season. Organize your study desk or homework space with ease and style.
- Don't be put off by the amount of steps in this tutorial. We have broken down the steps to make it easier for you to understand!
Skill Level
★☆☆☆☆ (Easy)
Materials Needed
2 square sheets of paper. We recommend using lightweight cardstock for durability.
- 6 inches x 6 inches (15cm x 15cm) square sheets make a desk organizer that is about 2 inches x 2 inches (5.5 cm x 5.5cm).
- 10 inches x 10 inches (25 cm x 25cm) square sheets make a desk organizer that is about 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches (9 cm x 9cm).
Instructions
MAKING THE BASE
With your first sheet of paper.
Step 1: Start with the color you want your base to be facing down.
Step 2: Fold the top edge to the bottom edge.
Step 3: Fold the bottom right corner up diagonally to the middle, matching the edges.
Step 4: Repeat previous step for the bottom left corner.
Step 5: Unfold previous 2 steps.
Step 6: Fold the top right corner down diagonally to the middle, matching the edges.
Step 7: Repeat previous step for the top left corner.
Step 8: Unfold previous 2 steps.
Step 9: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge.
Step 10: Unfold previous step.
Step 11: Unfold the paper completely.
Step 12: Fold the top edge of the paper behind, following the existing top horizontal crease.
Step 13: Fold both the top left and right corners inwards following the existing diagonal creases.
Step 14: Fold the bottom edge to meet the middle, creasing only the 2 existing outer diagonal creases.
Step 15: Flatten the paper so that the bottom edge is now in line with the middle.
Step 16: Tuck the top edge of the paper into the bottom pocket. Then flatten.
Step 17: Gently open out the paper as shown.
Step 18: Re crease along the edges. Completed base.
MAKING THE SIDES WITH PEN HOLDER
With your other sheet of paper.
Step 1: Start with the color you want your sides to be facing down. Arrange the paper to sit like a diamond.
Step 2: Fold the bottom point to meet the top point.
Step 3: Unfold previous step.
Step 4: Rotate your paper 90 degrees.
Step 5: Fold the bottom point to the top point, but this time only crease in the centre to leave a small mark.
Step 6: Unfold previous step.
Step 7: Fold both the bottom and top points inward to meet the mark you made in step 5.
Step 8: Unfold previous step.
Step 9: Fold the bottom point up to meet the top horizontal crease.
Step 10: Unfold previous step.
Step 11: Fold the top point down to meet the bottom horizontal crease (1st crease from the bottom)
Step 12: Unfold previous step.
Step 13: Fold the bottom point up to meet the nearest horizontal crease.
Step 14: Fold the top point down to meet the nearest horizontal crease.
Step 15: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the 2nd horizontal crease from the top.
Step 16: Fold the top edge to meet the bottom edge.
Step 17: Fold the paper in half from left to right.
Step 18: Rotate your paper 90 degrees so the points are at the bottom.
Step 19: Fold the top layer upward, creasing where the diagonal lines on the top end.
Step 20: Flip your paper over.
Step 21: Fold the bottom point up to meet the top point.
Step 22: Unfold steps 19 to 21.
Step 23: Fold the inner crease on the top to meet the middle crease.
Step 24: Repeat previous step for the bottom side.
Step 25: Fold both the top and bottom points inwards, matching the edges.
Step 26: Unfold previous step.
Step 27: Arrange your paper so that it sits as shown in the paper. The inner diagonal lines should be slanting outwards.
Step 28: Working on the left side: Open out the diagonal slightly. You will see a small triangle on the top. Fold that triangle down inwards.
Step 29: Flatten the left side.
Step 30: Repeat steps 28 and 29 for the right side.
Step 31: Rotate your paper so that it sits up, as seen in the picture. The little triangles you just folded should be at the top edge.
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Step 32: Gently open out the inner pocket (on the outside).
Step 33: Flip the model over.
Step 34: Gently press down on the middle of the base of the pocket you just opened.
Step 35: Flip your model over once again. Completed sides with pen holder.
PUTTING IT TOGETHER
Step 1: Gently open out the pockets found on the base.
Step 2: Slip the side model into the pockets. The points of the sides should wrap around (on the inside) of the base piece.
Step 3: Completed cube desk organizer.
Tips For Success
- Use sturdy paper: While standard printer paper works fine, using heavier paper like lightweight cardstock will give the organizer more durability.
- Perfect your folds: Crisp, accurate folds are essential to making sure your organizer holds its shape and has clean lines.
- Personalize it: Try using different colors or patterned paper for a fun touch. You can also decorate the edges with washi tape or draw designs directly onto the paper.
Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them
Not folding crisply: Make sure to crease each fold carefully with your fingers or a bone folder. A well-folded cube will be sturdy and hold its shape.
Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations
- Vibrant patterns: Use bold colors like red, blue, or yellow to create a fun, eye-catching desk organizer.
- Neutral tones: For a more professional look, consider using neutrals like white, gray, or brown kraft paper.
- Custom designs: Add your own drawings, stamps, or stickers to make it uniquely yours.
- Holiday-themed: Make a holiday-themed cube organizer using red, green, and gold paper for Christmas, or pastel shades for Easter or spring.
- Printable options: You can even print designs or patterns onto the paper before you fold it to give your desk organizer a personal touch.
FAQ
Yes! If you need a bigger organizer, simply use larger paper, like 12-inch x 12-inch (30cm x 30cm) squares, to create a larger cube.
Definitely! This is a great craft for kids, as it doesn't require any scissors or glue.
With some adult supervision, kids can make their own desk organizers to keep their school supplies in order.
To ensure your cube lasts longer, use heavier paper or lightweight cardstock. This will help it stay intact even with regular use.
Absolutely! This cube is versatile and can be used for many purposes, such as storing craft supplies, jewelry, or even small treats for parties.
It's an easy and customizable project for any occasion.
Other Crafts You Might Like To Try:
Helpful Origami Tips
If you're curious to learn more about origami, you might like to look at our basic guides on how to make some common origami folds.
Start with the valley fold and mountain fold-these are the foundation of most origami models.
Once you're comfortable, you might like to try the petal fold for 3D shapes, and explore the bird base and square base for more complex designs.
The water bomb base is also great for creating inflatable or geometric models, like this inflatable origami rabbit.
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