Makedo Desk Tray

by makedo-able

42K30312

Intro: Makedo Desk Tray

Keep your desk organised with this neat (in more ways than one) desk tray.

This simple creation made from up-cycled cardboard is designed so you can create, stack and join as many trays on top of each other as you like.

To make one tray, all you need is two Makedo Re-clips, some cardboard (keep the boxes that copy paper comes in), the template we’ve provided with these instructions, a ruler and cutting device.

We have provided two templates. One is a laser cut template and the other is a printable A4 sheet pattern.

STEP 1: Find

Source cardboard from around your home. We’ve used cardboard from an open packaging box.

STEP 2: Cut

To begin the first tray, draw out the template dimensions supplied with these instructions. Cut out the cardboard template.

STEP 3: Score

Using the point end of the Makedo Safe-saw, lightly score the flaps of the cardboard where there are dotted lines shown on the PDF template.

STEP 4: Fold

Fold along the scored lines and slowly your tray should take form.

STEP 5: Punch

To position the tray into place, use the Makedo Safe-saw and punch the sides of the tray where cardboard overlaps.

STEP 6: Connect

Connect the sides together using a Makedo Re-pin and Re-clip. Your first tray is complete. You can use this first tray to trace more cardboard templates. Stack the trays above one another to hold more documents.

STEP 7: Stack

To stack multiple trays simply sit the top tray over the lower tray, overlapping the sides. Connect the overlapping sides together using Makedo Re-pin and Re-clip.

STEP 8: Complete

You are now ready to organise all your important documents. Add a spash of colour to your desk by using different coloured cardboards and patterns. Remember to upload your creation to mymakedo.com or post on our Facebook. We would love to see it!

13 Comments

trevrepehteht 7 years ago

Great idea. It is however better to modify the tray design to avoid overlapping and punching. The trays can be glued inside a separate cardboard box for more stability.

Ventur 8 years ago

rugshd 11 years ago

That's fantastic - perfect for low budgets!

Neon Panda 11 years ago

I love this! It is really effective and so practical. I am off to find some cardboard....

SIRJAMES09 12 years ago

this is a very ingenious(?) Idea!!

and to think that the sky is the limit as to how many you can stack/how big you can make it.....I LOVE IT!!!

TY for sharing!!!

lsandifer1 12 years ago

GENIUS! I will definitely be doing this when I get some extra boxes =)

Toffy 12 years ago

Very very good. Nice job, and well done.

wannabeinventor 12 years ago

Thank you! This is definite project for my landfill of a desk!

vincent7520 12 years ago

clear, smart, easy to follow, a real help for those times where one's on the move or on a tight budget (or both), practical …
all in all a real
congratulations… from "instructables;dot;com"

makedo-able 12 years ago

Thank you!

BigChuckyD 12 years ago

Get Job!!! Far more appealing than my organizer. I stacked and taped 4 UPS Next day boxes , cut for an opening. Free and Good to go. :)