There’s no need to look at pencils and pens scattered all over the place when you can put them in pencil holders! Learn how to make your own DIY pencil holder with this super easy method using hot glue.
As a crafter, there’s a certain amount of mess that accompanies creativity. I know that with every project I create, there will be supplies scattered around until I get it finished.
And while I can accept temporary crafting chaos, I like to keep the rest of our home organized and clutter-free as much as possible. Seeing pens and pencils scattered around sends me straight into cleaning mode, and I recently, I noticed some pencils out on the counter.
As I was later brainstorming hot glue craft ideas for Craft Lightning week, a DIY pencil holder made with hot glue was a natural choice!
Yes, you can make a pencil holder from hot glue! I figured out this cool technique that results in a texture almost like a basket weave, and I love how it turned out. Make sure you scroll down to see the details on our hot glue book if you like projects like this one.
If you love hot glue projects, also be sure to check out Hot Glue Stamps, Decorative Cactus Push Pins, and Statement Rings!
How To Make A DIY Pencil Holder With Hot Glue
Here’s what you need to know about this project, including the supplies you’ll need to gather and the steps you’ll need to follow.
Supplies Needed
Here is everything you will need to make these decorative homemade pencil holders yourself! I even included a few links to help you find what you need faster.
- Hot glue gun (one with a precision tip is ideal for projects like these)
- Regular hot glue sticks
- Non-stick hot glue mat
- Ruler (I used this easy square)
- Spray paint (in the color of your choice)
- Hot glue fingertips (optional but will prevent burns)
Instructions
Y’all, just follow these steps, and prepare to be amazed at how quick and easy this project is! In just a short time, you’ll have fun pencil holders to adorn your home or give as DIY gifts.
Step 1
I made the sides of my pencil holder 3 inches by 5 inches. Lay a ruler or easy square under your non-stick hot glue mat then go around the outer edge (a 3×5 rectangle in my case).
Step 2
After you create the outside edge, lay lines in hot glue going diagonally, horizontally, diagonally in the opposite direction, and vertically.
Lay all of the lines in one direction then repeat in the next direction. You can just lay them one right on top of the other without waiting for the glue to cool.
NOTE: I placed my lines about 1/2 an inch apart.
Step 3
Let the entire side cool completely and peel from your mat.
You will have something that looks like the image below. Repeat the same hot gluing process three more times to get four of these sides pieces.
Step 4
Now it’s time to make a bottom for your pencil holder!
I made a 3×3 square and this time I made the lines in the same directions as before but made them much closer together. This gave me a tighter weave so that no pencils would fall through.
Step 5
Once all of your pieces are made and have cooled, you can start assembling the pencil holder. Just use hot glue along all the seams and hold them in place until the glue cools.
NOTE: I placed the “flat” sides to the outside as they looked more finished to me, but you can use either side you like.
Pro Tip: This is where hot glue fingertips come in handy to protect you from hot glue burns. Glue the bottom and all sides together and hold them in place with your hands until the glue dries and cools.
Also, be sure to complete these steps on the non-stick mat. This will keep your project from sticking to your work surface.
Step 6
Once you have assembled your DIY pencil holder, the final touch will be to paint it to give it a finished look.
Spray paint all sides and allow to dry completely. Now your homemade pencil holder is complete!
Simply add in some pencils, pens, etc and this project is ready to organize any room!
Look at that basket weave-like texture! It’s amazing to think that it’s made with hot glue!
FAQs
Here are a couple of questions that I see readers ask about making projects like this DIY pencil holder. If you have a question, please check to see if I’ve already answered it below. Don’t see it? Please leave it for me in the comments!
Can I adapt this process to make different pencil holder sizes?
Yes, you can actually make this any size that you like. You just need to make 4 sides all the same size (ex: 4″ x 6″) and a square bottom that has sides equal to the shortest length of the side pieces.
Will other types of glue work for this craft?
No, other types of glue won’t work. The reason hot glue works is because it is easy to form into a shape, it cools/dries quickly, and it holds its shape once dry. Other types of glue aren’t able to do any of these things, so they aren’t a good fit for making decorative push pins.
Can kids make this DIY pencil holder?
This is not a project I would recommend doing with young children since they may reach out to touch the hot glue or glue gun and burn themselves. However, with some supervision, older kids can definitely complete this project!
Depending on your child’s skill level, you may need to help them put all the pieces together to avoid burns.
Grab some hot glue sticks and get started making a DIY pencil holder (or 5!) of your own. They make terrific projects for the home, as homemade gifts, or items to sell thanks to their unique look.
You could even take this same idea and adapt it to make containers in other shapes, sizes, and colors. Let your imagination run wild and your creativity soar!
Hot Glue Hacks and Crafts
Do you love how easy this project is? Perhaps you want even more project ideas with hot glue? Well, I have the book for you! I partnered with Carolina Moore to write a book all about hot glue to bring you projects just like this one. We are using hot glue in ways that you never thought possible. Hot glue shoes? Oh yes! And so much more!
So are you ready to dive in and use your glue gun like never before?
Click here to order your copy of our book on Amazon!
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Supplies
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue sticks
- Non-stick hot glue mat
- Square ruler
- Spray paint any color you desire
- Hot glue fingertips
Instructions
- Place your easy square under your non-stick hot glue mat then use your hot glue gun to create the outside edges of your pencil holder sides in the size you want. I made my pieces 3×5 inches.
- After you create the outside edges, go ahead and create horizontal, vertical, and diagonal (in opposite directions) lines in hot glue.Just add lines in one direction and then do the opposite direction immediately after. There's no need to wait for the glue to cool as you go.
- Once you have finished a side, let it cool completely and peel it away from your mat.Repeat the same hot gluing process three more times to get a total of four of these sides pieces.
- Now, make the bottom piece. I made a 3×3-inch square. I made the lines the same way as before but put them much closer together to create a tighter weave so that no pencils would fall through.
- Once all of your pieces have cooled, start assembling the pencil holder. Just use hot glue along all the seams and hold them in place until the glue cools.
- After you have assembled your pencil holder, it's time to spray paint it. Let the paint dry completely and your pencil holder is ready!
Notes
- Use hot glue fingertips to prevent burns as you glue the bottom and all sides together and hold them in place with your hands.
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Complete this project on the non-stick mat to keep your project from sticking to your work surface.
Very cool! My daughter loves to use the glue gun so I could see her wanting to try this. Visiting from BFF Party.
I love this idea! What a great craft for older kids to make as gifts for grandparents.
Scheduling for Pinterest.
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