Let the organizing begin! After yesterday’s announcement, I’m jumping straight into a simple DIY office organizer project. With boxes still to unpack and craft supplies to sort, I’m starting small and tackling practical solutions that make a difference right away. If you need an easy way to bring order to your desk, these geometric cork containers are a great place to start.
These sturdy cork shapes work perfectly for pens, paper clips, paintbrushes, or other small supplies. They also double as modern planters. You can mount them on a wall or place them on a desk—either way they add texture and function. I can already picture an entire grid of 15–20 of these with succulents or office tools inside. Wouldn’t that be a striking display?
Materials:
- Cork sheets (patterned or plain, depending on preference)
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Pen or pencil for marking
- Ruler or straightedge (optional but helpful)
If you don’t have a ruler, you can still make these containers—doing so just takes a bit more care when transferring measurements. Using a ruler, however, makes it easier to get consistent pieces the first time.
Instructions:
1. Begin by drawing a triangle on the cork in your desired size. This triangle will be the base of your container. Use a ruler or straightedge for cleaner lines if you have one.
2. Cut the triangle out carefully with scissors; this becomes the bottom of the container.
3. Measure and cut three rectangles—one for each side of the triangle. The width of each rectangle should match the corresponding side of the triangle, and all three rectangles should be the same height. If you’re working without a ruler, trace one side of the triangle onto the cork to get the correct width, then cut the rectangle and repeat for the other sides.
4. Optional: For a container with a lower front and higher back (useful for easier access), decide on the slope you want. With the two front side pieces held together as they will be attached to the base, draw matching angled top lines on them and cut to shape. This step creates a gradual incline from front to back.
5. Time to assemble. Apply a bead of hot glue along each edge of the triangle base and press the side walls into place, holding briefly until the glue sets. Once the sides are attached to the base, glue the side seams where the wall pieces meet to reinforce the structure.
6. Optional: If you would like to hang the container on a wall, cut a small slot or hole in the back panel that fits over a nail or screw head. Alternatively, attach a small wall hook to the back using hot glue for a cleaner hanging solution.
Once assembled, fill the containers with pens, pencils, brushes, or small plants. These geometric cork organizers bring a clean, modern aesthetic to your workspace while keeping things tidy and accessible.
Photography by Amelia Tatnall
Concept and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
These cork organizers are fast to make, inexpensive, and versatile—ideal for tidying a desk, creating a living wall of small plants, or making a custom storage solution for craft tools. Will you give this DIY a try? How do you currently keep your office supplies organized?