How to Make a Pencil Box

Sure you can go to the local discount store and buy your child a pencil box. But the real fun comes when you help your child decorate a pencil box of his own. It's a great way to let your child express himself. There is any number of ways to make a pencil box. Use these suggestions to start.

Things You'll Need

• Box
• Pictures
• Scissors
• Old newspapers
• Craft glue that dries clear
• Water
• Old pie pan
• Craft brush or sponge
• Paper for lining

Instructions

1. Find a suitable box with a good lid. The box can have a hinged lid or one that is removable. If the pencil box is going to school, make sure it fits in your child's desk.

2. Choose a theme to decorate the box. Find pictures, cut out shapes or make drawings to carry out the theme.

3. Cover your workspace with old newspapers. If your child is young, you might want to have her put an old shirt on over her good clothes.

4. Mix two parts glue to one part water in an old pie pan. Brush the glue onto the box. Dip the pictures, one at a time, into the glue mixture. Set the cutout pictures onto the box in a manner that totally covers the box. Cut any pictures to fit around corners and edges. Also, smooth out any air bubbles.

5. Brush a final coat of glue over all the pictures when they are in place. Allow to air dry. The surface should be level and smooth to the touch when it's dry. If not, add another coat of glue.

6. Cut paper to fit the inside of the box. Glue the paper and set into place. Let dry.