Recycled Desktop Organizer

I had a cheapo plastic lazy Susan sitting on my desk collecting dust and whatever else I was too lazy to put away. It had no useful function, was just taking up space, and became a catchall. I was holding onto it because I knew that one day I could use it as an organizer. Just how, I didn't know.

Ideally, I needed something with a good number of sections to keep items separated and organized. Having my frequently used tools close at hand would be my goal. It was becoming increasingly frustrating to have to dig through drawers to find the right tools for each project.

Recycling cans to organize tools is an excellent idea and nothing new, but this method hasn't always been practical for my needs. The cans would become top heavy when fully loaded and topple over. This became frustrating and would eventually lead to the abandonment of the cans-used-as-an-organizer idea.


Then the concept of using magnets to secure the cans came to mind. This would surely solve the toppling over problem. The cans would sit securely on the lazy Susan and remain upright as they spun around. If I needed to transport the items contained in a single can to another work space, I could easily pull it away and take it to where it was needed. This would be very practical because the entire organizer would not have to be moved along with it. When I was done, the can would easily and securely slip back into place. Perfect. I wouldn't even have to glue the magnets to the cans if I didn't want to. When the organizer was no longer practical for my needs, I could toss the cans and reuse the magnets on other projects.

Here is my organizer in all it's recycled glory. Placing the cans in a flower-like configuration works great and fits well on the lazy Susan. A few paper flowers and a few other adornments and I was good to go. Quick and easy. Inexpensive to make. A bit of recycling involved. Functional. This is working out great and I couldn't have asked for anything more.


I used a Stampin' Up stamp set called Playful Petals to create the flowers.


I placed 3 magnets on each of the cans that sit around the perimeter. This provides a secure connection and keeps the cans from toppling over.


The center can (pink) does not require magnets as the cans on the perimeter all "kiss" up to it. I could easily say something about that, but I'll keep my comments to myself.


I realize that this may not be a practical organizational option for everyone but it works great for my needs. Well, at least for the time being anyway.


Have a fabulous day!

Aloha!