Today begins the first build of a new series we’re calling Handbuilt Holiday.  The first project is a folding desk.  I teamed up with Ana White to create all new gift plans for you to build. And every Friday leading up to Christmas we will share a new plan. We’re starting now so you have time to build all those gifts for this holiday season!
A DIY tutorial to build a portable folding desk. Take this folding desk anywhere with legs that fold inside the desk tray and a carrying handle.
Ana makes the plans and I build the projects to share with you all so you can make them for anyone on your gift list. Â And of course this folding desk is perfect for kids who always want a hard surface to work on.
Ana designed the plans so the legs fold flat into the back of the desk tray. Â This makes the folding desk super easy to carry around and store.
I added personalization onto these trays by handpainting names with acrylic paint.
And the mitered legs allow the desk to sit level to the ground and also make a perfect spot to pull the legs up and out.
Below I’m sharing how to build a folding desk. Â Please read through all steps entirely before beginning.
Step 1: Use Ana’s plans and cut the lumber.
Step 2: Assemble the legs.
Then drill a hole at center top of each leg:
Step 3: Attach the legs to the frame.
Note the top point of each leg should attach slightly below the top edge of the frame to allow for movement.
Step 4: Cut 1/4″ plywood top to fit then glue and nail in place.
To make the personalization print out desired name. Â I used American Typewriter font at 225 point.
Step 1: Center the print out on desk surface and tape in position.
Step 2: Using a ballpoint pen trace around letters with lots of pressure.
The pressure of the pen creates an indent in the wood giving you an outline for painting.
Step 3: Paint on and inside the indent left behind by the pen.
Step 4: For the border detail simply tape off the edge.
Then paint in between the tape.
Step 5: Â Lastly seal top surface with clear satin spray polyurethane.
Don’t forget to check back next Friday for another Handbuilt Holiday gift build plan.
What a great idea for a series! I am looking forward to all your projects.
I love these little desks! They would also work nicely for breakfast in bed.
Love the folding tray! I think I need to make one asap for myself!
Ciao Jaime….. mi chiamo Gio vivo in Italia…sono giunta a te grazie a Pinterest….complimenti per il tuo ottimo blog ,mi piacciono molto i tuoi lavori…da oggi ti seguo
buon fine settimana
Gio
How do you do the lettering? Why kind of program do you use?