I have admired this gold desk organizer at Anthropologie for some time now and I just saw that a very talented DIY blogger did her version for much, much cheaper and I was inspired. My daughter does her homework in one spot but she’s always scouring the house looking for supplies like pencils, erasers, markers so I thought I would make her this organizer that’s not only pretty but will also help keep all her things in one place.
I changed this version up a bit by adding some pink to the mix. There’s just something about pink and gold…
Materials:
Recycled tin food cans {4 different heights}, gold spray paint, pink spray paint {if you want to add a color to the inside of the cans}, liquid nails, a piece of wood slightly larger than the cans and some sand paper.
Here’s what I did:
1. Remove the labels from the tin food cans and clean throughly.
2. Spray paint the inside of the cans your desired color. I used several coats of the pink to get it to a good color.
3. Once the insides are dry, flip the cans over and spray the outsides metallic gold. While those are drying, sand your piece of wood so the edges and top are smooth. Then spray the wood piece gold too.
4. Attach the cans with liquid nails in the order you like. Let it dry for 24 hours.
5. Once the cans are securely attached, cover the tops of the cans with pieces of cardboard then do one more coat of gold spray paint to cover the residue from the liquid nails and give it an overall finishing touch.
Add your favorite accessories and enjoy! I love the poppin line found at Staples. They’re a little more money but they’ll be a colorful addition to your desk and the pens write like butta.
I also gave my dingy black and silver scissors an upgrade with the remaining gold spray paint by taping off the silver part and spraying the black handles gold. Now I have a nice pair of chic, mixed-metal scissors!
What do you think of this knock-off? It would only cost $7 for the 2 cans of spray paint – versus the $48 Anthropologie version. And I had some gold spray paint already so it was a true DIY bargain. Plus now my daughter has everything she needs in one place. Bonus.
Ohh I love the pink and gold! Your project is amazing. Thanks for the steps how to make it 😀
Thanks so much Helen – it’s an easy one!
Wow what an easy repurpose with amazing results. The pink and gold combination is so cute and girly but sophisticated at the same time.
I agree Mary! And my daughter loves it…
This would be perfect in my office! What a great idea with things I would otherwise throw out =)
Thanks so much!! I love upcycling! Go for it!!
What a good idea! I love that you even did the scissors.
Thanks Abigail! I’m loving the scissors too. Just saw a similar pair in target for almost $20!
Love the project – how do you smooth the inside edges of the cans?
Thanks!! I didn’t do anything to the sides of the can – I think the metallic spray paint gives it the smooth look!
I always worry about the inside of the can having sharp edges. Maybe I just need a better can opener. But, I’d love to make a set for my desk. Love the color combo! Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight Party. Pinned & shared.
Thanks so much for the feature!! I just use a hand held opener and the cans are always fine. Good luck!! Thanks for another great link party!
You’ve combined two of my favorite things – organizing and repurposing – into one lovely project. Congrats, you’re featured this week on the #ThisIsHowWeRoll Link Party on Organized 31.
Yeah!! You made my day! Thanks for the feature and a great link party!
This is gorgeous. I love it and it would be perfect to organize my cluttered desk.
Thanks Sarah!! We love it!