Decorative Pencils

If your kids are avid crafters, there are times that you may struggle to find new ideas. But even the simplest ideas can result in wonderful crafts and time spent together. Decorative pencils are just one example of an easy crafting idea that also happens to be extremely fun, especially since kids can use their decorated pencils later at school and at home.

Materials

If you like crafting, you might have all of the supplies you need already around the house. You don’t need to get everything, but the more selection you have in terms of supplies to decorate, the more creative your kids can be! The following are some of the suggested materials to help you and your children get started making decorative pencils:

  • Jewels
  • Washi tape* or masking tape
  • Wooden pencils
  • Ribbon
  • Decorative thread
  • Origami paper
  • Scissors
  • Paint
  • Glitter paint or glitter
  • Twine
  • Craft glue
  • Paint brushes
  • Hot glue gun

*Note: Washi tape is a type of decorative tape from Japan. It features attractive designs or colors and feels sort of like masking tape. You can buy washi tape at your local craft specialty store. If you can’t find it, substitute colored masking tape.

decorative pencils2How To

The first step is to prepare the space where you will make the pencils. Lay out newspaper to avoid spills and stains on the table. Plug in the hot glue gun so that it is ready to use but be careful to help your kids to use it as they can easily burn themselves. Then set out the materials. Once everything is set up, it’s up to you and your kids how you choose to decorate your pencils.

Fun Ideas

Try wrapping a variety of washi tapes around the pencils to mix patterns and colors. If you are working with origami paper, you can also wrap it around the pencil and use a glue gun to make it stick. You should cut it to the correct length. Decorative threads and adhesive jewels can be used to give pencils a glitzy, glamorous look. If you want to be able to sharpen the pencils, you can try working with paint. Create a candy cane effect by wrapping thin masking tape around the pencils, painting them with acrylic paint, and then removing the tape. You can make stripes on the pencils by wrapping tape around it in rows, painting, and then removing the tape. Or, if your kids are aspiring artists, have them paint their own design on their pencils. It’s a great way for them to personalize their school supplies, too.

decorative pencils3Summary

Decorating pencils is a great craft idea for the late summer. If you’ve been shopping for school supplies with your kids, try personalizing them. You may already have most of the materials for this craft on hand. At most, you’ll need some tape, glue, paint, and decorations to spruce up some plain pencils. This is a craft activity that your kids will be sure to enjoy – and you will, too.