How to Make a Decorative Pencil Holder

Turn a drab office organizer into a decorative accent for your office or a practical gift for kids, teachers or co-workers. Use basic craft supplies to make an embellished pencil holder that can also hold markers, crayons, utensils and desk tools.

Things You'll Need

• Plain pencil cup
• Patterned paper or cardstock
• Paint
• Stencil (if desired)
• Sponge (if desired)
• Scissors
• Embellishments
• Pens or alphabet stamps
• Stamping ink
• Decorative trim
• Adhesives
• Jump rings
• Rubber or felt feet

Instructions

1. Buy a plain plastic, wood or acrylic pencil holder. Save money by using a coffee can or frozen juice mix container that you've washed and dried thoroughly.

2. Cover the surface with cardstock, patterned paper or a coat of acrylic paint. Use a solid layer or create stripes or other decorative patterns. If desired, place a flexible stencil over the surface and pounce paint over it with a sponge to make a simple motif.

3. Embellish further with small photos, foam shapes, gems, paper flowers or fabric swatches. If you're creating the pencil holder as a gift, add stickers that represent a favorite sports team, school or band.

4. Write an inspirational quote or song lyric around the bottom with markers or alphabet stamps and ink. Add doodles to create some artistic "graffiti."

5. Add decorative trim around the opening. Secure a length of lace, mesh, ribbon or fringe with a glue gun, adhesive dots or double-stick tape. You can also dangle metal letters, charms or beads from it with large jump rings.

6. Adhere rubber stoppers or small felt pieces to the bottom to prevent the pencil holder from scratching the desk or shelf it sits on.

Tips & Warnings

• If the pencil holder constantly tips over when you add pens or tools, weigh it down by pouring a few dried beans, marbles or small rocks into the bottom. They'll also keep the pens and pencils upright, separated and accessible.