Did you know that it is super easy to make a DIY lap desk? You just need a few supplies and you can give your kids a desk they can take anywhere. This is a great project for back to school or any time of the year. Yes, it is even great for those distance learning situations when you don’t have space for an entire organized desk area. Grab your supplies and make a lap desk today. My version even has a dry-erase board top!
How To Make DIY Lap Desk
Add this DIY lap desk to your to-do list for kids of all ages. I think this would make a really great project for those of you who have kids learning at home or even headed off to college this year. Follow the instructions below to learn how to create a DIY lap desk from a dry-erase board!
Supplies Needed To Make DIY Lap Desk
- Dry-erase board in the size you want for your desktop
- Fabric to cover the back of the board and your pillows
- Pillows to fit size of dry-erase board
- Rope trim to go around the entire edge
- Staple gun and staples
- Glue
Step 1: Create Pocket
Find the center of the side of the dry-erase board as well as your fabric piece. Put staples into the fabric and onto the back of the dry-erase board starting in the center. Add the staples on both long sides every few inches leaving enough material in the middle so your pillows will fit inside snugly.
NOTE: I am using a dish towel as my fabric. This means that the edges are finished. If you are using raw fabric, fold your fabric along the side so you don’t have a raw edge.
Step 2: Slip Pillow Inside Pocket
Slip the pillows inside the pocket you just created.
Step 3: Finish Edges
Then go to one of the short sides and pull the fabric tight. Fold under to create a finished edge and add a staple in the center. Repeat on the opposite end.
Step 4: Finish Corners
Continue using staples every few inches until you come to the corners. Work with the fabric to create a nice corner and add staples to secure.
Step 5: Add Trim
Go around the entire edge with some rope trim and glue to cover up the staples. Allow to dry completely before using your dry-erase board lap desk.
Great, right? And you are going to love how easy it is to make. Now head out and grab your supplies to make your own version of this project today.
The DIY lap desk is one of my favorite things I have ever made. My kids love it and I am positive yours will as well. If you are looking for a fun back-to-school project, this one will definitely be a hit.
The best part is they can use it for school work, to hold a laptop, or even to write on with dry-erase markers. It really serves so many purposes.
If your kids are going to spend more time learning at home this year, this DIY lap desk really is a must. I love that it is inexpensive to make and great for small spaces. I hope you and your kids enjoy this quick craft idea.
Tips and Tricks for DIY Lap Desk
Now that you’ve seen this DIY lap desk, are you ready to make your own? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible!
- Adjust The Size – Whether you have a small, medium, or large-sized laptop, you can easily adjust this DIY lap desk to be any size! To do so, just buy a dry-erase board that fits your laptop comfortably.
- Decorate The Wooden Edge – If you want to add even more pizzazz to your lap desk, you can decorate the wooden frame before you begin step 1. You could decorate the frame using paint, paint markers, or even vinyl.
- Get Creative With Your Fabric – As I mentioned before, I used a tea towel for this project. However, you can use any type of fabric that you have on hand or even cut apart a pillowcase.
- Use Fabric Glue or Hot Glue – If you don’t have Tacky Glue on hand, you can use fabric glue or hot glue when adding the rope trim.
- Don’t Forget The Markers & Eraser – After you have completed your DIY lap desk, make sure you purchase some markers and an eraser for your dry-erase board!
5 Back-To-School Crafts
Did you love learning how to make this DIY lap desk and are now looking for other back-to-school crafts to make? Then check out the projects below!
Great project! Where did you purchase the whiteboard?
I think Walmart? Literally any will do!
Absolutely fantastic project! I know two littles that could use these! And I’m pretty sure I would like one for myself as well!
Oh wow! Thank you! Just what I really need.