Sharpen Up Your Workspace with a DIY Metal Pencil Holder
I love to craft and create things by hand. When I need some inspiration, I will turn to online crafting communities for help with ideas and motivation. There, I find tons of ideas for easy metal crafts for people of all ages. I especially like to find kid-friendly metal craft projects that I can make with my nephews. Who doesn’t like creating fun usable art while bonding with your family?
I like to work on craft projects that I can use in everyday life. Making candles, soaps and even items like paper towel holders are just a few examples of the projects I love, plus they make great gifts. Working in the metal industry has taught me there’s no limit to the usable steel crafts you can create. Today, I’m excited to present you with an easy, six-step project that even kids can do (with assistance): A pencil holder.
Step 1:
Clean your material of metal shards, grease, and dirt. You can use isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) to remove any grease, however, make sure it has completely dried before decorating or it will cause the material to rust. We use Sculpt Nouveau Metal Degreaser (Picture 1) A clean surface allows paint to be evenly distributed on your finished piece. You’ll see grease, metal shards, and other inconsistencies if the metal isn’t properly cleaned (Picture 2)
- Material:
- 1 piece of 6″ x 6″ base plate. You choose thickness
- 3 or 4 small square or round tubes. [2″ -5″ tall -1″-2″ wide]
- Tools:
- Epoxy
- Sandpaper
- Paint [Acrylic or Spray paint]
- Latex Gloves
- Clear Top coat [Matte or Gloss]
- Time Required:
- 12-17 hours
- Cost:
- Approximately $5-$10 dollars, depending on the materials you purchase.
Step 2:
Stage your square or round tube pieces on your baseplate in a design you like (Picture 3 & 4) You can play with the angles and the sizing to create a unique, working art piece. Settle on your design before you apply the epoxy, because once it is dry, although clear, it may not give you the texture you want.
Step 3:
Now it’s time to mix your epoxy. (Picture 5) Remember, a little goes a long way when it comes to epoxy. Quickly mix in quarter size amounts: one part epoxy resin and one part hardener (You can mix directly on the sanded baseplate.). Make sure to apply a generous amount to your pieces (Pictures 6)
Step 4:
After applying the epoxy to the baseplate, set your square or round tube piece into place. Apply a little pressure to each piece as you affix the tube to the base. Set aside in a safe place to dry. The drying process will differ depending on the type of epoxy you use. In the piece I made, I used a two-part epoxy that needs to dry 12-15 hours before decorating. (Picture 7)
Step 5:
Prime your completed pencil holder. Priming your material acts as a bonding agent, which allows the paint to adhere better and last longer. If you are using spray paint for your piece, use a spray primer. If you are using acrylic paint, prime your material with a white base paint. Acrylic paint will not bond correctly without a porous surface. Let the primed piece dry for two to three hours. (Picture 8)
Step 6:
Once primed, your piece is ready to paint and decorate. Really let those creative juices flow and make a piece that is uniquely you! See Picture 9 for inspiration!
Need more help making a functional piece like a pencil holder? Come in to DIY and let us help you. We not only have a great selection of material for this and more projects, but we also have several ways to customize the colors. From spray paint, to acrylic craft paint, to patinas and metal coatings, we have endless ways to make your project truly your own.
