I mostly work with my computer on my lap sitting on the couch. Why would sit at an uncomfortable desk chair when I can lounge on my couch and get the same work done? But the warmth of the computer can be uncomfortable in the summer heat. (A benefit in the winter though!) And storage….can we ever really have too much? So, if all this sounds like your world why not make yourself a vented computer laptop desk out of a Walnut Hollow Basswood Cornice box.
Materials and Tools
Professional Rotary Tool 29637
Drill bits
Fabric
Batting
Trim
Hot Glue Gun
Pencil
Scrap paper
Scrap wood
Cut two rectangles of batting a bit larger than the box so they will wrap around the edge. Cut one a bit larger than the other and trim the corners to reduce bulk.
Cut a piece of fabric a few inches bigger than the batting. Set these aside for later after you drill the holes in the lid.
Place a piece of paper on the lid and then your laptop to see where the little feet on the computer are. You will want to avoid drilling holes near the feet. Sketch out a pattern of different size holes to use as a rough guide.
Place pieces of scrap wood and paper to fill the interior of the box. This will help reduce splintering on the inside of the lid. You can see in the open photo above I left this step out on the first large hole I drilled and the inside of the wood box split more than the others.
You are now ready to drill the vent holes in the lid that will help keep your laptop cool.
Draw down the drill bit to poke through the paper. This will mark the center spot on the wood lid through the paper.
Drill a variety of holes in the lid starting with the largest size first, then medium, and then fill in spaces with small holes.
Once you have all your holes drilled give them a sanding with the Professional Rotary Tool.
Now would be the time to paint it if you like. I liked the natural wood so I left it as it is.
All that is left to do is to hot glue the fabric to the box.
Trim off the excess fabric and glue a strip of trim around the parameter to hide all the rough edges and glue.
I hope you’ll try making this fun computer lap desk with your favorite fabric.
Thanks for taking time to check out this tutorial and if you’d like to see more of my crafting with a re-purpose and adult coloring pages pop on over to my blog Sweater Surgery.
Stefanie Girard is a crafter with a re-purpose. She has been cutting stuff up since she was old enough to hold a pair of scissors in her tiny hands. She earned her degree in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute and move to Los Angeles to work in the entertainment industry first as a Set Decorator and Prop Master then onto TV Producer specializing in How-To TV shows for HGTV and the DIY Networks. After writing 5 craft books for the Quarto Publishing Group she now spreads the crafty word online through book reviews and original projects with a focus on recycled elements.
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