DIY Rotating Desk Organizer for an easy Homework Station

This DIY Rotating Desk Organizer is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks on behalf of Newell Brands, but my opinions are my own.

We have now survived the first couple weeks of school and we are beginning to get into a routine. One of which is a routine for homework at the end of the day. But getting homework done relies greatly on having the right tools for the right job.

A few years ago we set up an awesome DIY Homework station for younger kids. It rocked. But then my boys grew up, and they were too big for it. It eventually got dismantled and now they are back to doing homework at the kitchen table.

If you are like us, many homes tend to have a “junk drawer”. Where all random office supplies go to die and never be discovered again. And you can’t expect the kids to get the job done if they can’t find the right tools.

Seriously, once a pen gets put into that drawer, we never see it again. Not unless we completely empty out the drawer for spring cleaning. And frankly, that’s not happening anytime soon, am I right?

That is why, this year, I’m helping you create your own DIY Rotating Desk Organizer to use as a homework station turntable. Fill it up with all the best back to school supplies from our favorite brands and your kids are ready to tackle all their homework projects!

And best of all, it takes less than 10 minutes to put together! Let’s get started!

Simple DIY Rotating Desk Organizer

Supplies

• Low Profile Cake Decorating Turntable
• 7 pairs medium sized Velcro picture hanging strips (holds up to 12lbs)
• Washi Tape in colors/pattern of your choice
• 6 small jars/bottles for circumference
• 1 medium jar for center
• Back to School Supplies to fill the rotating desk organizer.

Take the jars and lay them out on the decorating table to get the layout you want before you start securing anything into place.

I found all my jars at the dollar store, so I was able to get some fun designs in the jars. I wanted to make sure I had a pattern to the designs.

Once you have the jars spaced out how you want, you will add the washi tape.

Decide if you want a pattern with your washi tape or if you just want it all random.

Begin with adding one strip going in between the jars and going straight through the center.

I didn’t want any washi tape to actually be in the center, but to stop and begin at the edge of the center jar, so I eye balled it the best I could to keep the yellow washi tape a straight line with a break in the center.

Repeat the same process in between each jar around the entire rotating desk organizer.

Make sure that each washi tape goes evenly in between where you have the jars laid out.

Don’t worry too much about being perfect with each attempt. Unlike other tapes, washi tape is very forgiving. And you can easily remove and reapply without much hassle.

Now you will attach the jars to the rotating desk organizer. Some people would think to glue the jars into place. But I know kids. I know they will most likely be dumping junk, pencil shavings, broken colored pencil tips, etc into the jars along with pens and markers. I know how dirty this rotating desk organizer is likely to get in a few months. So I want the option to be able to take it apart and CLEAN it!

So that is why we are using the velcro strips. This means you can easily take off a jar, remove the pens/markers from the jar and carefully wash it and once dry, reattach it to the rotating desk organizer.

Plus, if a kid only needs one of the jars, they can remove just that single jar and take it to the table instead of carrying the entire rotating desk organizer. I’m all about versatility.

Combine two Velcro strips together evenly.

Attach to the bottom of the jar.

Attach onto the rotating desk organizer where you originally had the jar.

I like to do this one jar at a time, so I can be sure to get the jars back to where they were originally.

Once all the jars are attached, allow time for the velcro strips to secure their grip on both the jar and rotating desk organizer before you try to remove them.

Fill the first jar with  Sharpie Art Pens. These pens offer 12 brilliant colors that are perfect for any aspiring artist and any coloring assignment.

We also had to grab some of the Sharpie Clear View Highlighters. I love these because they have a see through tip so you can actually SEE where you are highlighting! So my kids can be more precise as they highlight their homework assignments.

My kids love the Mr Sketch Scented Colored Pencils and Twistable Crayons. And they are always required to use colored pencils on almost all homework sheets sent home. So this is a MUST HAVE! Both have a twist design that means you never need to stop to sharpen.

We also have to have EXPO Dry Erase Markers with Ink Indicator. We have a few white boards around the house that record school activities and homework due dates. SO we have to have EXPO Dry Erase Marker on hand to record the newest due dates and activities on our family schedule/activity board.

 

These markers have an Ink Indicator, which I LOVE! No more pulling out the marker only to find out it is dry and won’t write! I know exactly how much life is left in that marker!

Of course, we always have to have a supply of Elmer’s glue on hand for all projects, likethe Disappearing Purple Liquid Glue and the Re-Stick Glue Stick. Those easily fit into the center jar that is slightly larger than the others and fit odd shaped items a little better.

I love the Disappearing Purple Liquid Glue! It comes out purple but dries clear! The Disappearing Purple Liquid glue is perfect for Miss Jade, as she needs to see where the glue is more than typical white, as she applies it. It’s brilliant for special needs kids! It’s also great for kids just learning to use glue!

Keep filling up the jars with all your favorite back to school products.

Now it is ready for use!

Set it in the center of the table and let your kids all share. It easily rotates so each kid can reach the exact tool they need. No need to whine about not being able to get the pen or marker they need.

Plus all back to school supplies are right there in the one rotating desk organizer homework station so kids don’t have to keep getting up to look for the right tool to complete their homework. It will save time and inspire creativity.

This rotating desk organizer would also make a great teacher gift packed full of school supplies for your favorite teacher. They will love the easy access to every item they need to keep their classroom prepped and ready to go.

 

Want a fun start on filling your DIY rotating desk organizer? Check out the amazing Back to school supplies giveaway below!

Want some help to stock up on the same amazing brands we used to stock up our Rotating Desk organizer? Simply enter the giveaway below! One lucky reader will win a Back-to-School package similar to the products below!

• Giveaway is open to USA, 18+ years Only
• Entries will be verified for winning entrant
• Winner will be emailed once giveaway closes and will have 24 hours to claim prize before a new winner is selected.
• Giveaway closes 11:59 pm EST September 22, 2017
• Failure to follow giveaway instructions/rules voids entries

 

 

What is your favorite item we added to the Rotating Desk Organizer?

How would a rotating desk organizer benefit your home?