DIY Personalized Pencils in Four Easy Steps

Who doesn’t want a set of pretty personalized pencils to start a new school year? These also make great gifts – and are easy to do with Mod Podge.

Skills Required: None. Even if you’ve never Mod Podged before, this will be an achievable project for you. It’s simple enough for kids or adults.

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had a love of fresh, brand new school supplies. The actual going back to school part . . . not as much . . . but new No. 2 pencils and blank notebooks always make me swoon!

How to Personalize Pencils

Who doesn’t want a set of pretty personalized pencils to start a new school year? These pencils are one of my favorite crafts for teens or tweens. They also make great gifts – and are easy to do with Mod Podge.

Paper to Use

The only caveat I have is that you’re going to want to pick a thinner paper. Standard scrapbook paper is definitely too thick and not going to work – you want the pencil to fit into a sharpener!

Wrapping papers are typically thin enough, as well as the thinner rolls of kraft paper. Napkins and tissue paper will work, but it can take some practice so that they don’t wrinkle. I like to stick with the thinner wrapping papers.

Mod Podge Formula

If you’re wondering what Mod Podge formula to use on your paper wrapped pencils, the truth is – it doesn’t really matter. This project uses Matte, but you could use Gloss or Satin, too. Hard Coat is fine as well. I’d stay away from Outdoor or Fabric just because they are tackier when they dry.

Keep reading to jump into the project! You can easily make this at home.

Gather These Supplies

• Pencils
• Thin patterned paper {like washi or origami paper weight . . . thicker paper won’t work as well}
• Scissors or X-Acto knife
• Ruler
• Mod Podge Matte
• Paintbrush

Start by cutting the paper into strips, 6 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches (or whatever measurement you need; use your ruler).

You’ll want to get the length pretty spot on. You don’t have to get the circumference as accurate, though you don’t want the paper to overlap too much. The paper wrapped pencil still needs to go into a sharpener.

Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the back of the paper strips. Be careful not to saturate the paper, as it tears easily.

Lining up the paper at the eraser end, tightly wrap the paper around the pencil by slowly rolling it around and smoothing any bumps or air bubbles if necessary.

Let the pencils dry completely before sharpening. I found a hand sharpener worked best with the delicate paper.

Keep your pretty new pencils all to yourself or share some with a friend . . . I’m planning on gifting a few to each of our new teachers for teacher appreciation gifts in the fall!

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DIY Personalized Pencils

Learn how to make custom pencils with pretty paper and Mod Podge! These paper wrapped pencils are a really easy craft.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Active Time30 minutes mins

Total Time50 minutes mins

Yield: 6 pencils

Cost: $2

Equipment

• Scissors or craft knife and mat
• Ruler
• Paintbrush(es)

Materials

• Pencils
• Thin patterned paper
• Mod Podge Matte

Instructions

• Start by cutting the paper into strips to fit your pencils. Use the ruler to measure the length.
• Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the back of the paper strips. Be careful not to oversaturate the paper.
• Lining up the paper at the eraser end, tightly wrap the paper around the pencil by slowly rolling and smoothing out any bumps or air bubbles.
• Let the pencils dry completely before sharpening.

If you enjoy these cool personalized pencils, I’d love for you to check out these other related projects for school or office:

• Cute DIY Pencil Holder from a Jar (Free to Make!)
• Easy Back to School Crafts Made with Mod Podge
• Summer Crafts for Kids: 50 Quick & Easy Ideas