A Lap Desk Craft

Lap Desk for the Car

• Going on long road trips with children means you need to find ways to keep them entertained for hours. Creating a portable lap desk that they can use in the vehicle is an easy way for them to be able to color, write letters, or even keep up with their homework. Purchase a piece of finished or painted wood. Use a small piece since it will be used in the car, such as one by one and a half feet. Find or purchase some colorful fabric with finished edges that is slightly larger than the board. Staple one edge of the fabric to the wood, and then stuff the fabric with cotton filler or scrap materials. Staple the rest of the edges down, and add enough filling to make your desired padding. Have your kids cut out photos from old magazines and books, and use glue to affix these to the top. Spray with a couple coats of polyurethane to seal the board.

Lap Desk for a Lap Top Computer

• Since the motor in your computer can tend to get hot, it is a good idea to keep the bottom of your computer on a hard surface so that it can be properly ventilated. Create a lap desk using similar techniques as the lap desk for a car project. Instead of decorating the top, you will want to use a plain, hard surface that can withstand heat. For example, purchase a cutting board in your desired color and size, since this will be hard and durable. Have a piece of wood cut to the same size, and attach your fabric to the wood to create the padded back. Use liquid nail to glue the wood to the cutting board.

Lap Desk With Legs

• If you want to create a lap desk that fits over your child's legs, you will need to first find a cardboard box that is the desired size. Use pieces of cardboard and tape to fill in any gaps in the box. Flip the box over, and draw a line approximately three inches in from the two short sides and the top long side. Then, make three cuts on each side that should create the place where the legs can fit through. Use the piece you cut out to create a matching hole on the other side. Have your child paint and decorate the cardboard, so that it has a personal touch.

Other Accessories for Your Lap Desk

• There are many ways to accessorize your lap desk. Attach a dowel rod or piece of cardboard to the bottom of the desk's top to stop crayons and pens from rolling off the desk. Attach a small bag with a zipper to the side of the desk, and you can help store your drawing tools. You can also make a skinny box for the side of your lap desk with legs to help store items.