Make the mundane magnificent by covering mechanical pencils with beautiful papers! Improving on an already classic idea and using refillable – not disposable – pencils makes complete sense in this time of reusing and recycling. Enjoy the fruits of your labor over and over (and over again)!
–Annie
PS colors: gravel & beet
Latest fave: Japanese 8 1/4″ Scissors
Materials needed:
Mechanical Pencils
Decorative Paper (Indian & Japanese papers work best!)
PVA Glue
Glue Brush
Scissors
Guillotine Paper Trimmer (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut strips of decorative paper to fit lengths of mechanical pencils, with a 1/4” overlap.
2. Coat backs of decorative strips with PVA. Wrap around barrels of mechanical pencils just below erasers.
3. Reuse over and over and over again!
I absolutely LOVE this…I’m adding it to my crafting “to do” list for sure! Thank you for sharing this idea. 🙂
nicole – i LOVE creating & sharing ideas! you are so welcome!
Nice to cover stick ball point pens with papers to match hand made set of cards. Soooo many possibilities!
@Linda–fabulous idea!!
linda – that’s using your noodle!
judy – i concur!
i think this should be a new way to get kids (of all ages!) ready for “back-to-school”…covered mechanical pencils, pens, notebooks, clipboards. as linda said “soooo many possibilities!”
What brand pencil was used in the photo above?
more fun and less expensive than using fabric or ribbon!
I will try it this weekend!
Very cute, and they sound easy to make. I don’t really use pencils myself, but perhaps I’ll try pens as Linda suggested. 🙂
Love this idea. Just made the A2 note pad and want to make matching pencil. I’m having trouble finding a good mechanical pencil w/o a “pocket hook” thingy (which are often a weird color or with a logo). Any ideas on a brand or other type of pencil?
thanks 🙂
Annie found hers at an office supply store – here’s an example online: http://www.zebrapen.com/products/pen/zebra-2-0?c=32
She liked these mechanical pencils becuase they have a plain silver finish and the taper looks like it could be wood.
Thank you. I found the pencils. I’ve been busy making all kinds of gifts with this idea.
Hi!
Do you have to use PVA glue? I read about this project on another craft website as well, and they recommended using Mod Podge. I really don’t know the difference between the different glues out there-except I have noticed that some-like elmers make the paper warp if you use to much. Maybe this could be an educational blog post for a glue expert out there? Running to check to see if PS has already done it!
Great idea to use for advertising as well. Is there a machine that would simplify the job when making thousands of pencils? Love to hear from you.
I love the idea of personalizing your pencils, this can be a great gift as well.
I love this! I’m also smitten with that paper. Gorgeous! <3