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. 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. 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. 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. 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: 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?