Back to school season is here and you can celebrate by making a custom pencil case with your Cricut machine in minutes. This easy project is a perfect way to personalize your child’s school supplies. I used a cactus image but you can definitely use this same technique with any image or word you can imagine!
Typically, if you are an avid Cricut crafter, you are counting down to back-to-school season! Not only will you have more time to dedicate to crafting with the kids back in school, but you will be gleefully labeling anything and everything that will stand still with your Cricut.
I love how you can quickly label school supplies in any font you like with a Cricut. The text can be large, small, swirly, simple, or whatever your child fancies. Plus, you can adhere heat transfer vinyl to just about anything.
School supplies can get expensive, and kids aren’t the greatest when it comes to keeping up with all of them! To avoid spending a ton of money on replacing pens and pencils, or purchasing monogrammed bags and supplies, make custom supplies with your Cricut.
For this easy DIY project, we are getting the kids organized with a custom pencil case! You can use any pencil case you have on hand. I found a cute cork pencil pouch at Hobby Lobby that I wanted to jazz up and add some style!
How to Make a Custom Pencil Case with a Cricut
Supplies needed to make this custom pencil case:
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- Cork pencil pouch (I found mine at Hobby Lobby)
- Patterned Iron-on
- Cricut machine (click here to see which I prefer)
- Iron or EasyPress (click here to see more about the EasyPress)
- Weeding tools (optional)
- Stay Sharp cut file (click here to access)
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
Start by downloading the file. This design says “stay sharp” but you can design your own images and words in the software if you choose.
Next, cut the words and cactus from patterned iron-on. Remember to mirror your design before cutting and cut with the patterned side down.
Then, weed any excess material from around the image as well as the centers of any letters. Weeding tools do make this a bit easier but they are optional.
Then, position your design on the cork bag. Cover the entire thing with parchment paper to protect the cork from the heat.
Use your iron or EasyPress over the design to adhere to the bag. Start with 275 degrees for 20 seconds and increase from there if the iron-on does not adhere well.
Using iron-on directly on odd materials like cork is so super simple! Start off fairly cool with your temperature and work up if needed. The iron-on will adhere great and last a nice long time! It is perfect for items like this for school.
Remove the backing paper once adhered and your custom pencil case is complete.
So, tell us, what will you add to the front of your custom pencil case?
Love this custom pencil case and want more back to school ideas? Try the links below!
- First Day of School Teacher Gift
- Back to School Cupcakes
- Chocolate Apples Back to School Treat
- School Checklist
- over 40 back to school ideas here!
Supplies
- Cork pencil pouch I found mine at Hobby Lobby
- Patterned Iron-on
- Cricut machine
- Iron or EasyPress
- Weeding tools optional
- Stay Sharp cut file
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Start by opening this cut file in Cricut Design Space. To fully customize this project, just design your own images and words in the software.
- Cut the words and cactus from patterned iron-on. Remember to mirror your design before cutting and cut with the patterned side down.
- Then weed any excess material from around the image as well as the centers of any letters. Weeding tools do make this a bit easier but they are optional.
- Then just position your design on the cork bag. Cover the entire thing with parchment paper to protect the cork from the heat.
- Use your iron or EasyPress over the design to adhere to the bag. Start with 275 degrees for 20 seconds and increase from there if the iron-on is not adhered well. Remove the backing paper once adhered and your custom pencil case is complete.
Notes
- Need help with Cricut Design Space? Click here to get our beginner’s guide.
- Learn more about the best surfaces for heat transfer vinyl.
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Cute idea! This presents endless options for customizing school supplies.
Love your pencil case! Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration spotlight party @DearCreatives See you again soon. pinned and sharing.
I wish I was going to back to school so I could make this for myself (I just might anyway…). Thanks for sharing at our Merry Monday party! I’ll be including this pencil case in my Features next week. Hope you can come by and link up again!
What a fun project!