{"id":24419,"date":"2016-08-17T02:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-08-17T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com?p=24419&#038;preview_id=24419"},"modified":"2025-03-16T03:22:02","modified_gmt":"2025-03-16T03:22:02","slug":"easy-homework-helper-portable-desk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/2016\/08\/17\/easy-homework-helper-portable-desk\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make an Easy Homework Helper Portable Desk"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24836 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-21-1.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"1505\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24708\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/blank630x20.png\" alt=\"blank630x20\" width=\"630\" height=\"20\" \/>We&#8217;ve got a wonderful way to inspire your kids to do their homework with a small portable desk homework helper station! It comes complete with pencil\/pen holder, snack holder, inspirational quote and a place to store their homework. This very creative upcycle made from a TV tray comes together very quickly and you can color it however you want. We have <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">THREE FREE PRINTABLE THEMES<\/span> to choose from!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It also utilizes our <a href=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/2016\/08\/10\/homework-helper-pouches-from-3-ring-binders\/\" target=\"_blank\">Homework Helper Wall Pockets<\/a> which you make using 3 ring binders!\u00a0 You might also remember our P<a href=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/2016\/03\/10\/portable-diy-lego-table\/\" target=\"_blank\">ortable DIY Lego Table<\/a> we made from the same type of TV stand!<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24708\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/blank630x20.png\" alt=\"blank630x20\" width=\"630\" height=\"20\" \/>Homework Helper Supplies<\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">NOTES: You can design the desk however you like, but we will link to the exact items we used below. You can use a variety of containers for the top. Use one longer one if you wish!\u00a0 Just make sure there is room for them to work.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">1 wooden TV tray<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2bm1eBY\" target=\"_blank\">Snack bin (exact one shown)<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2aNeugu\" target=\"_blank\">Pencil\/Pen bins (set of 3) Exact set used<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/2016\/08\/10\/homework-helper-pouches-from-3-ring-binders\/\" target=\"_blank\">Homework Helper Pocket<\/a> (tutorial)<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2b5VFZl\" target=\"_blank\">Velcro<\/a>, with a sticky back or regular Velcro you can glue on. You can also just glue the containers directly onto the desk.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Paints<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2bhuoVA\" target=\"_blank\">Package tape<\/a> (for laminating the small labels if desired.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2bhue0g\" target=\"_blank\">Washi tape<\/a> (optional)<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Printable Theme below<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Other<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2xMeY4l\" target=\"_blank\"> basic pencil cases<\/a>.\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/amzn.to\/2aVwJWL\" target=\"_blank\">Another type<\/a>. (Keep them slim and not too tall.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: left;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24708\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/blank630x20.png\" alt=\"blank630x20\" width=\"630\" height=\"20\" \/>Download Themes<\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">pdf\u00a0 (click download\u00a0 button under graphic)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24841 size-full\" style=\"border: 1px solid #9e9e9e;\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-Themes.png\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"875\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><div class=\"sdm_download_button_box_default\"><div class=\"sdm_download_link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/?sdm_process_download=1&download_id=24838\" class=\"sdm_download teal\" title=\"Homework Desk Themes\" target=&quot;_blank&quot; download>Download Now!<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24708\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/blank630x20.png\" alt=\"blank630x20\" width=\"630\" height=\"20\" \/>Instructions<\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">NOTES TO KEEP IN MIND:\u00a0 Measure the top of our tray and purchase the containers ahead of time. You can then adjust the painting to fit the containers if desired. <strong>Keep in mind this is a small surface so you want fairly slim containers<\/strong> so there is still room to do homework on.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We started with an old wood TV tray you can find at many thrift stores.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24843\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-1.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"830\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The top was a bit worn so we sanded it. <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24844\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-2.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"441\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Spray paint one side of the table the color you want. <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24845\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-3.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"441\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">After the first color dried, tape off the dividing area and paint the other side.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24846\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-4.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"441\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">You can use Washi tape if desired to decorate it. <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24847\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-6.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Designs work best if you don&#8217;t use a large container that will cover it up.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24848\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-7.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">We decided to use sticky backed Velcro to hold our containers in place.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24849\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-8.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Decide where you will place the container(s)<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24850\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-9.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Apply a strip of Velcro to the back and to the table. Though we used a larger strip, we decided a small piece on each end would work better.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24851\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-10.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Print out the labels and signs of choice and cut them out.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24853 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-12.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">To make them sturdier and last longer we applied packing tape over the small ones before cutting them out.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24852\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-11.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Our TV stand had a cross bar that was in the middle of the legs and high enough to attach a pouch. We used one of our <a href=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/2016\/08\/10\/homework-helper-pouches-from-3-ring-binders\/\" target=\"_blank\">Homework Helper Wall Pockets<\/a> to hang on the bar. We added two grommets to the container to allow it to hang. These are super easy to make and grommets are also cheap and easy to use! Check out our tutorial to make your own!<a href=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/2016\/08\/10\/homework-helper-pouches-from-3-ring-binders\/\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24758\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Homework-Helper-Pouches-FE.png\" alt=\"Make super cheap &amp; creative wall mounted file holders using 3 ring binders! We\u2019ve got free printables so you can turn yours into a homework helper set!\" width=\"630\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/abode\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Homework-Helper-Pouches-FE.png 630w, https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/abode\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Homework-Helper-Pouches-FE-600x286.png 600w, https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/abode\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Homework-Helper-Pouches-FE-300x143.png 300w, https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/abode\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Homework-Helper-Pouches-FE-24x11.png 24w, https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/abode\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Homework-Helper-Pouches-FE-36x17.png 36w, https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/abode\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Homework-Helper-Pouches-FE-48x23.png 48w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\" \/><\/a>This is the pouch we made for our homework helper desk.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24854\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-5.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Two small screws were placed in the cross bar to hang our pouch. You could also tie it on using ribbon or heavy string. <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24855\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-13.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This is the &#8220;Dreams Don&#8217;t Work Unless You Do&#8221; theme.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24856\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-14.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">A snack bin.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24857\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-15.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">A container for pencils and pens etc.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24858\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-16.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Our pouch with an inspiring quote. <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24859\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-18.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24708\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/blank630x20.png\" alt=\"blank630x20\" width=\"630\" height=\"20\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24860\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-19.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"848\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24708\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/blank630x20.png\" alt=\"blank630x20\" width=\"630\" height=\"20\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24976\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-23.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"472\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24708\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/blank630x20.png\" alt=\"blank630x20\" width=\"630\" height=\"20\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24977\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk.png\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"681\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24708\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/blank630x20.png\" alt=\"blank630x20\" width=\"630\" height=\"20\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">This is our Super Hero theme. We also have a Dr. Seuss theme.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24862\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Easy-Homework-Helper-Portable-Desk-24.jpg\" alt=\"This portable desk makes the perfect homework helper &amp; your kids will look forward to doing it! We've got three printable themes you can choose to inspire!\" width=\"630\" height=\"630\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24708\" src=\"http:\/\/ourpeacefulplanet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/blank630x20.png\" alt=\"blank630x20\" width=\"630\" height=\"20\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We&#8217;ve got a wonderful way to inspire your kids to do their homework with a small portable desk homework helper station! It comes complete with pencil\/pen holder, snack holder, inspirational quote and a place to store their homework. This very creative upcycle made from a TV tray comes together very quickly and you can color [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24840,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1603,1610,1625,1622,1606,1607,1633],"tags":[1464,1465,1466,1467],"class_list":["post-24419","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1-blog","category-crafts","category-for-kids","category-freebies","category-how-to","category-living","category-upcycles","tag-back-to-school","tag-homework-helpers","tag-school-ideas","tag-school-printables"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24419","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24419"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24419\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32074,"href":"https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24419\/revisions\/32074"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24840"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24419"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24419"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craftyourhappiness.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24419"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}