Pencil Cups - Easy Craft Idea

by Lauri Griffin | More from this Blogger

31 Jul 2007 10:59 AM

Pencil cups is a very easy craft project to help ease into the coming school days.

You will need empty metal containers and paper. We used empty circular tea tins, a can of nuts, and a can baking soda can. As for paper, it can be anything - construction paper, scrapbook paper, a design you've printed off your computer, a plain sheet of paper the children colored, or even gift wrap. I like the sturdiness of scrapbook paper, they don't fade like construction paper, or rip easily, but the others do work.

Make sure the paper will wrap around the tin, then cut, leaving a little extra for gluing. Don't glue yet, though. Next, cut the paper to the height of the tin. You can either cut so the paper will fit under the top rim, or leave about two inches at the top for folding into the rim.

Now spread glue over the tin and press your paper into place. If you are wanting to cover over the rim of the tin, cut down every inch or so on the paper all around the top. This make little flaps so it's easier and neater for the paper to fold down. Spread glue an inch or so down the top inside of the container. Press the paper flaps down into the glue.

At this point you can trim the container with ribbon, stickers, or other scraps of paper. The kids can put their names on the container with stickers or cut out letters. They can even glue on pictures, or decorate with beads.

The scrapbook papers are so pretty that I usually leave the pencil cups plain. I even have a few on my very own desk.

Now we are off to the store for new pencils and markers to go in our cups.

More Easy Crafts:

Bottle Cap Magnets

Collage Fun

Beaded Bookmarks

Learn more about Lauri Griffin

Lauri lives in Colorado with her husband and three sons. Amidst all the laundry and packing of lunches, she tries to keep parenting fun.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger