As a passionate writer, worldbuilder, and lore enthusiast, I often found myself struggling to keep my workspace organized amidst the whirlwind of creativity that accompanies my various fandom-inspired projects. Scattered notes, sketches, research materials, and mementos would quickly accumulate, making it challenging to maintain a productive and inspiring environment.

It was this very predicament that inspired me to conceptualize the Fandom Forge – a desk organizer that not only offers practical storage solutions but also serves as a canvas for celebrating the fandoms that fuel our imagination. I recognized the need for a product that could seamlessly blend functionality with an enchanting aesthetic, allowing creative minds to immerse themselves in their beloved fictional worlds while maintaining an organized workspace.

The Fandom Forge is designed to be more than just a storage unit; it is a gateway to the realms we cherish, a tribute to the stories that captivate our hearts and minds. By infusing elements from iconic fandoms into the very fabric of the organizer, each compartment, drawer, and detail becomes a portal, transporting us to the mythical lands that inspire our creativity.

Through this ingenious design, I aimed to solve the age-old dilemma of balancing productivity with passion, ensuring that the creative process is not hindered by disorganization but rather fueled by the very essence of the worlds we love. The Fandom Forge is a celebration of our collective imagination, appreciating the power of storytelling, all the while giving a practical solution for those who refuse to let their desks become the limiting factor in their creative endeavors.

Supplies

Here are the supplies needed to create the Fandom Forge desk organizer:

Wood:

- 2 wooden planks, 25 x 20 inches

- 2 wooden planks, 36 x 20 inches

Acrylic Glass:

- 2 acrylic glass panels, 12.5 x 36 inches (for double doors)

- 1 acrylic glass panel, 25 x 36 inches with laser cut print design

Hardware:

- 12 long screws

- 12 short screws

- 4 hinges

- 4 hooks

- 2 pen holders

- 2 box organizers (12.5 inches or smaller)

Finishing:

- Preferred color of spray paint can

Tools:

- Wood cutter or saw

- Drill

- Sandpaper

- Wood glue or super glue

- Double-sided velcro

With these supplies, you'll have the necessary materials to construct the main body of the organizer, create the doors and laser-cut design panel, attach hardware like hinges and hooks, and add organizational elements like pen holders and box organizers. The tools listed will assist in cutting, drilling, sanding, and assembling the various components. Don't forget the finishing touches with spray paint and velcro for customization and secure placement on your desk.

Step 1: Cut the Wood and Acrylic Glass to the Specified Dimensions

Using a wood saw or cutting tool, carefully measure and cut the wooden planks into:

2 pieces measuring 25 inches long by 20 inches wide
2 pieces measuring 36 inches long by 20 inches wide

For the acrylic glass, use a specialty glass cutter or scoring tool to score and snap the panels into:

2 panels measuring 12.5 inches wide by 36 inches tall (for double doors)
1 panel measuring 25 inches wide by 36 inches tall (for printed design)

Step 2: Sand the Wooden Pieces for a Smooth Finish

Use medium-grit sandpaper (80-120 grit) and sand all sides and edges of the wooden pieces
Sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches
Wipe away any dust or debris after sanding

Step 3: Drill and Assemble the Wooden Frame

Mark pilot hole locations on the wooden pieces for screws
Using a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter, drill pilot holes at each marked location
Apply wood glue to the end grains of the wooden pieces
Assemble the four pieces into a rectangular frame, ensuring proper alignment
Insert screws into the pilot holes and tighten to secure the frame

Step 4: Attach the Hinge Joints

Position the hinges at the desired locations on the sides of the wooden frame
Mark the hinge hole locations on the wood
Drill pilot holes for the hinge screws
Secure the hinges to the frame using the screws, ensuring smooth operation

Step 5: Apply Spray Paint and Allow Drying

Choose a well-ventilated area for spray painting
Lay the wooden frame on a protected surface
Following the manufacturer's instructions, apply an even coat of spray paint to the entire frame
Allow the paint to dry completely, usually 10-20 minutes, before handling

Step 6: Prepare the Acrylic Glass Panel for Laser Printing

Design your preferred print design, for this one we used a Hollow Knight poster with edits
Send the design file to a laser printing or engraving service
They will use a laser to precisely print or engrave the design onto the 25 x 36 inch acrylic glass panel

Step 7: Attach the Acrylic Glass Panels

Apply a generous amount of wood glue to the back of the wooden frame
Carefully position and press the printed 25 x 36 inch acrylic glass panel onto the glued surface
Allow the glue to dry and set according to the manufacturer's instructions
Apply double-sided velcro strips to the hinges and the edges of the 12.5 x 36 inch acrylic glass panels
Align and press the panels onto the velcro strips to secure the double doors

Step 8: Add Internal Organizer Components

Determine the desired placement for hooks, pen holders, and box organizers
Use appropriate hardware or adhesives to securely attach the hooks to the inside of the double doors
Place the pen holders and box organizers inside the frame in their designated spots

Step 9: Customize and Personalize

This is where you can get creative and add your personal touch
Consider adding decorative elements, fandom-inspired motifs, or personalized engravings/prints
Incorporate functional additions like adjustable shelves, drawers, or compartments
Experiment with different materials, colors, or lighting options to enhance the overall design

Introduction: Fandom Forge