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How To: Make Simple Lap Desks


This past Christmas, my goal was to make as many homemade gifts as possible. Partly for financial reasons, partly because I love being crafty, and partly because I get so sick of buying junky toys! One of the gifts I decided on for my two oldest was lap desks. I thought that they would enjoy them, but would also be very functional gifts. As homeschoolers, they are very useful for school work in the living room or even on their beds. They are also great for car trips! Here is the simple tutorial...

What you will need:
An old t.v. tray (or piece of wood)
Pillow 
Craft Paint
Industrial Velcro
Hot Glue/Gun
Letter Stickers *optional*

Step One:
We had some old wooden tv trays sitting around from our pre-children days that we never use. So, I asked my husband to remove the actual tray (the top) from the legs. You could use any rectangular piece of wood.

Step Two:
 I put my children's name on their lap desks using stickers and then painting over them. First I painted that area white & let it dry. Then place the letters stickers on the tray/wood (if you are using them). Now you will paint the entire tray/wood (may need multiple coats).

Step Three:
After paint has dried, apply the industrial velcro to the tray/wood and the pillow using hot glue gun (this gives an extra amount of adhesiveness). Make sure you line up the velcro strips on the tray and pillow together. I picked up my pillows from JoAnn Fabric on Black Friday for $5 each.  

You now have a lap desk! Enjoy :)




Thanks for stopping by on "How-To Tuesday"! Please leave a comment & share :)

Comments

  1. Great idea. I like the idea of being able to make them whatever size works best per person.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Gail! You are right - they could really be adapted to any size :)

      Delete
  2. This is such a great idea. My daughter loves reading and writing in her bed. I will have to try this simple lap desk! Thanks for sharing. I would love if you would share this at Mom's Library!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Janine! Let me know how it goes :) I will definitely pop over to Mom's Library!

      Delete

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