Lap boards? Lap desks? Lap top boards, maybe?

[ilovecraigandcooper]

You know the ones like they sell at books a million and places like that, with the cushy pillow on bottom and the hard top so that you can prop a book or your lap top or whatever? (I have no idea what they're called). Anyway has anyone on here ever tried to make any? I'm thinking they wouldn't actually be that hard but I'm not sure what to use for the hard part. And for the pillow part maybe microbeads? Would a place like michaels sell something like that? Any suggestions or tips? (I'm thinking these would make a cute gift, paired with a good book). I've also seen them where they have "cup holders" in one corner but I'm guessing that would be more complicated...HOPEFULLY SOMEONE HAS IDEAS!

 

[Local_Girl]

Well, I haven't made one, but we purchased a couple (for each of my kids) 2 years ago and they've worked really well and held up great. The hard surface is plastic with a handle (much easier to carry with one hand) at the top and a couple of shallow indentations (also at the top, on either side of the handle) which keep pens/pencils from rolling around when the desk is in use. There is also a metal spring-type clamp on the left side of the board that can hold papers in place. The pillow side is stuffed with polystyrene beads and the fabric is a lightweight polar fleece. There is a trim around the edge of the pillow, probably to hide the rough edge. It appears to be glued down.

Wish I could be more help. I toyed with the idea of making them, but then found a good deal on these--can't remember exactly, but I think we got them at Hobby Lobby using their 40% discount on each one. Pretty sure I couldn't make it for less than what we paid. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

 

[Cinder-Belle]

Never made one. Have had a few in my life. Loved them.

Maybe a good top-
Lowes or Home Depot sell the wipe off board material in sheets cut to size. We use them at school. This would be the right thickness and weight. It would clean up well, too. They cut the board and kinda round it off, so it is not sharp. Not sure of the price...

Good luck!

 

[lisaross]

sorry to ask my own question, BUT where can you buy these - i see them every once in a while but would like to give these to my kids w/some word search puzzles they want and a couple of Kooky Pens.

thank u

 

[disneygals]

Bed Bath and Beyond sells them

 

[lisaross]

Thanks picked 2 up at Bed Bath..19.99 each - used a 5.00 coupon and a 20% off!

Bed Bath and Beyond sells them

 

[Ephany]

My MIL sent DD hers from Lilian Vernon and I've seen them at pretty much every bookstore.

 

[NotUrsula]

If you're a woodworking hobbyist it's a nice project, but getting thin-sheet hardwood can require a special order; most folks would use veneers. Hardwood plywood works, but you can't do the pen slots without revealing the underlay. Another popular material is Corian, but cutting that requires special blades.

The hand-made versions I've seen tend to have leather cushions. Cup holders are easy; you just cut a hole a bit smaller than a normal cup, so that the bottom wedges in.

All in all, a rather expensive project, but nice if you want to do something really special. If ordinary materials are good enough for you, it's cheaper to buy ready-made. I've got one for the kids that I paid $6 for at WalMart.

 

[scrapquitler]

I just put a pillow on my lap and the top from a tv tray on top of it.

 

[disneyfan2]

do you guys find the laptops over heat on the plastic? Mine are terrible but i also need a new laptop

 

[savage1]

I just got a nice one at staples. My laptop and cooler mat fit on it and there is room for a mouse as well. 17.99. has cubbies for pens and such and two pouches that hang from the sides for whatever. Check it out.

 

[scjo68]

Jumping in late here, because I'm looking for one for a Christmas gift. Anyone seen one of these lap desks with storage? Years ago I bought one where the top opened up to reveal a flat storage compartment for papers, crayons, etc. Can't remember where I bought it and it was years ago.

Now I can either find padded lap desks with no storage (office stores and book stores) or storage desk type surfaces that don't have the padded bottom (TRU).. Anyone seen this in a store? Too late for me to order anything online now....

 

[funnygarcia]

I use my laptop in my bedroom nearly every day. I prop myself up in bed and use a folding table tray and have room for a snack or drink on the table as well. Better height level for typing and my laptop does not get over heated.

 

[Robinrs]

I bought this laptop lap thing this weekend at CVS with my 20% off coupon. It's $19.99, has a light, cup holder and a pen area and doesn't allow your laptop to slide. I really like it!