Put a Cork In It: How to Make a Geometric DIY Office Organizer with Cork

Let the games begin! After yesterday’s announcement, I’m hitting the ground running with today’s DIY office organizer. Because if there is one thing we need to get a handle on around here, it’s organization. There are still lots of boxes to unpack and bags upon bags of craft supplies to go through. But I can’t tackle everything at once, so I’m starting small and working my way up to the big stuff. Who’s with me?

These geometric cork containers can be used for keeping pens, paper clips, and paint brushes tidy. Or pop a plant in one and you have a geo planter. You can hang these on the wall or keep them on your desk. Lots of options for this one. I keep picturing a ton of these (like 15-20) hanging on the wall with plants inside. What do you think?

Materials:

– cork sheets (mine have little flecks of color in them, if you like that sort of thing)
– scissors
– hot glue gun
– pen or pencil for marking
– ruler* or straightedge

*You can definitely create these cork containers without a ruler if you prefer. I did mine without one. BUT it’s a lot easier to get the measurements right the first time if you have one (which I realized after the fact). Just FYI.

How To:

1. Start by creating a triangle (any size) and marking off the line to cut on, using a ruler or straightedge.

2. Cut the triangle out with scissors. This will be the bottom of your container.

3. Next, measure and cut each side of your triangle and cut a rectangle for each side of the triangle from the cork. *Make sure all of the rectangles are the same height. These will be the sides of your container.

If you’re not using a ruler, just trace one side of the triangle base to get the correct width, then cut a rectangle that is that width. Repeat this process with the other two sides of the triangle. Again, making sure that all of the sides are the same height.

4. (optional step) To create a container that is lower in the front than it is in the back, determine the severity of the angle you want and, using a straightedge or ruler, mark those lines. I found it easiest, to put the two front pieces together (without glueing), like how they’ll be when they’re connected to the base, and drew an angle on each one that lined up with the other. See photo.

5. Next, it’s time to glue all of the pieces together. Run a bead of hot glue along all three edges of the base triangle and attach the side walls. Then glue the side walls together.

6. (optional step) If you decide to create a hanging wall container, you’ll want to cut out a small hole in the back of the container that can rest on a nail in the wall. OR add a wall hook to the back, if you prefer.

Add pens, pencils, or plants and you’re good to go. Geometric cork containers for office organization and beyond.

Photography by Amelia Tatnall
Concept and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff

Think you’ll give this DIY a try? How do you keep your office supplies organized?