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All, Make, Tutorials 74

How to Make Paper Pencils (tutorial)

By Kimanh · On January 4, 2012


how can I make pencils? easy!

I have always wanted to make my own pencils, but the thought of shaping two pieces of wood to allow a piece of lead to sit perfectly inside made me think it wasn’t worth the effort. For some reason I was looking at some pieces of lead I have (for a drafting pencil) and “pop” there it was.. a solution to my DIY longing. Here is a tutorial to make pencils that is so ridiculously easy I’ve made 10 pencils since the idea came to me yesterday! Enjoy.

TUTORIAL

how to make paper pencils

Paper: I recommend using 6″ origami paper. The paper I used was beautiful washi origami paper made in Japan (see exact product here). I did attempt using other paper I had for card making and scrapbooking, but the paper was too thick and didn’t act like a skin when rolling the pencil.Lead: The lead I used I originally bought from a craft store in South Africa. I had a bit a of struggle finding it online, but turns out you can get the exact lead I used on Amazon for a steal at $3.90. You can also get a bit creative and use coloured leads! (If you are going to purchase leads to do this craft, make sure you used a HB lead. If you use 2B leads or above, I fear the lead will be too soft to roll without snapping the lead.)Mod Podge: I used Mod Podge with a gloss finish. Mod Podge with a matt finish is also available.

how to make a paper pencil steps

Here’s a video I made so you can watch me make it from start to finish!


I have to admit I really enjoyed doing this craft. It’s so simple and practical! There are also so many possibilities with this craft! Why not place twine between the layers to make a hook to hook it on something? Or use the ink stick from a pen to wrap! You can also go over board with the size and different layers for the pencil. Check out the picture below where I layered different paper to fade from red to light pink. Need matching pencils for your wedding? Stationary Set? A little something something?

how to make a pencil using paper

Hope you’re just as excited about this as I am!



 

leads {here}

paper {here}

mod podge {here}

{If you like pencils, you may also like my toadstool pencil craft!}

peanut planner - the ultimate baby shopping list

 

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Kimanh

Hi my name's Kimanh. I blog about stuff I like. Cooking. Eating. Making. Exploring. Taking photos. & Blogging. I'm married to a humanitarian worker and we live in Vanuatu - a tropical paradise in the South Pacific Ocean. Nice to meet you.

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74 Comments

  • felterskelter says: January 4, 2012 at 4:24 PM
    fabulous!
    Reply
  • christa morgenstern says: January 4, 2012 at 4:40 PM
    Thanks a lot for sharing this. A fabulous idea. This would be a perfect present for any upcoming birthday and even Christmas because I am a painter and I could use copies of my paintings and turn them into pencils. I love this. Thanks from Christa
    Reply
    • Kimanh says: January 4, 2012 at 10:38 PM
      Christia, I just looked at your site.. you're very talented! I love your site's banner! Kimanh
      Reply
  • rena says: January 4, 2012 at 10:03 PM
    brilliant!
    Reply
  • Get Crafty ~ Make Your Own Pencils Tutorial | Sea Flower Studios says: January 4, 2012 at 11:57 PM
    [...] would imagine you could even use recycled newspaper. For the full tutorial check out the post from Scissors.Paper.Wok here! Have fun! [...]
    Reply
  • Laura says: January 5, 2012 at 12:39 AM
    Yes I am!!! Love this idea, brilliant! Thank you for sharing!
    Reply
  • Lady Jane says: January 5, 2012 at 4:31 AM
    Great fun to be had with my kids! They will love doing this project! Thank you.
    Reply
  • Jeni says: January 5, 2012 at 5:56 AM
    I did something similar to this a few weeks ago! We took magazine paper with all the different designs and rolled them up on a ball point pen then stuck a jewel on the end. (works best if you leave a little extra paper at the end so jewel can sit right in the hole). They looked great! :D
    Reply
  • Dollar Store Crafts » Blog Archive » Make Paper Pencils says: January 5, 2012 at 3:00 PM
    [...] Yes, you read that right.  You can make your own pencils out of paper!  When I saw this project the first thing I said was, "woah!"  Using pencil leads (look for the larger-diameter leads for mechanical or drafting pencils) and origami paper, Kimanh from Scissors Paper Wok made the coolest.pencils.ever.  You could also try paper-wrapping the refills for stick ink pens, or look for colored leads...  Or, if you were so inclined, you could even use this technique to fancy up your crayons!   [how to make paper pencils] [...]
    Reply
  • Catrin says: January 5, 2012 at 3:21 PM
    Wow. I love this. I need to make these. I never even thought about making pencils myself. These would make super nice gifts. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Germany Catrin
    Reply
  • Amy says: January 5, 2012 at 5:19 PM
    You are a creative master.....I LOVE this idea.
    Reply
  • Kristina says: January 6, 2012 at 1:05 PM
    That is just amazing, they came out wonderfully! If I ever happen across some lead, I think I'll give it a try :)
    Reply
  • Kimberly Mueller says: January 6, 2012 at 3:33 PM
    This is one of the coolest craft tutorials I've seen in a long time! So original and creative. You could do so many variations, too. Thanks!
    Reply
  • elhadadepapel says: January 6, 2012 at 4:44 PM
    This is really pretty.... nice present!! Thanks for the tutorial!!
    Reply
  • Jennifer says: January 6, 2012 at 6:43 PM
    That donkey clip/pencil cup is so adorable! Where did you get it?
    Reply
    • Kimanh says: January 7, 2012 at 12:17 PM
      Hi Jennifer, you spotted one of my favourite desktop items! You can get it on Amazon (here) for almost half the price of what I paid! And I just saw that they have different animals (loving the hippo)!! Kimanh update: Jennifer, dare I say you have given me an idea for a giveaway! Stay tuned! x
      Reply
  • Agus says: January 6, 2012 at 9:51 PM
    Such a great tutoria! I used to have paper pencils when I was a child, they were chinese, and then I couldn't find them anymore, since then I have always wondered how they were made! so thanks a lot for the tutorial!
    Reply
  • Jalinda says: January 9, 2012 at 6:23 PM
    This is so awesome! Definitely going on my to do list, thank you for sharing!
    Reply
  • beatriz_souza says: January 13, 2012 at 6:08 AM
    thanks for sharing such a great idea!
    Reply
  • Michelle says: January 14, 2012 at 5:42 PM
    You could add scented oil and make your own smencils!
    Reply
    • Kimanh says: January 15, 2012 at 12:12 AM
      I love this idea! I'm just imagining opening up a pencil case or handbag with a lovely scent wafting out!
      Reply
  • Caroline Singleton says: January 14, 2012 at 7:41 PM
    I am digging the multiple color pencil. This could make math homework actualllyyyy fun.
    Reply
  • Meredith says: January 20, 2012 at 1:42 AM
    I am so going to do this.
    Reply
  • little_storm says: January 22, 2012 at 10:30 PM
    I love this tutorial: I just don't understand how to make it layered. Help?!?
    Reply
    • Kimanh says: January 22, 2012 at 11:45 PM
      Ahhh... Perhaps I'll have to do another video. I had 5 pieces of paper. 4 were from light pink to dark red, and 1 piece of brown (wrapping paper that I cut to size). The coloured paper was like a strong tissue paper so wrapped around very easily. I just wrapped them around each other - one layer at a time. It took longer to dry out. So you might have to get the hair dryer on it if you want it dried faster.
      Reply
  • PPPPP says: January 24, 2012 at 7:38 AM
    Oh, it's so pretty! Thank you for posting this ^▽^
    Reply
  • Justine Remington says: January 25, 2012 at 6:32 PM
    These are so much fun! My husband thinks I'm crazy, but they are so pretty, and when one of your crafty artsy friends asks where you got them, you just say "I made 'em" :)
    Reply
  • Liz (lizijk) | Pearltrees says: January 27, 2012 at 2:19 AM
    [...] Lead: The lead I used I originally bought from a craft store in South Africa. How to Make Paper Pencils (tutorial) | scissors.paper.wok [...]
    Reply
  • Moe says: January 30, 2012 at 9:15 AM
    I love love your page! You are a creating inspiration! Thank you! Where did you get the thin pink to red paper?
    Reply
  • Marion says: February 3, 2012 at 10:23 PM
    WOW! thats fantastic! I love it. What kind of glue can you substitute for the Modge Podge? Well, in our place, they don't sell the Modge Podge Glue^^
    Reply
    • Kimanh says: February 3, 2012 at 10:25 PM
      I'm sure any glue that dries clear will have a similar result.. Just use that you feel will make the end pencil very hard/stiff. I wouldn't use ordinary paper glue, something like PVA should also work. Good luck!
      Reply
  • Chris says: February 9, 2012 at 8:36 PM
    Had to try this when I saw it but had no lead, glue or nice paper so ended up stripping a pencil for the lead, making my own glue and using paper from an old notepad. Have to wait and see how it turns out
    Reply
    • Kimanh says: February 9, 2012 at 10:07 PM
      Hi Chris, that's awesome! Post a pic of your pencil to SPW's Facebook page when you're done! Kimanh
      Reply
  • melody says: February 11, 2012 at 8:19 PM
    where can i get the pencil lead?
    Reply
  • Divya N says: February 14, 2012 at 1:35 PM
    This is really cool...now the hard part is to find lead..
    Reply
  • elissa says: February 15, 2012 at 11:42 PM
    can you use these in a regular pencil sharpener?
    Reply
    • Kimanh says: February 15, 2012 at 11:45 PM
      Yes! I've used a normal pencil sharpener to sharpen them! Just make sure the paper is rolled really tight so once it dries it's like one single pencil - in other words, don't leave any air gaps between the layers. Kimanh
      Reply
  • Aleksa Torri (aleksatorri) | Pearltrees says: February 16, 2012 at 11:27 AM
    [...] How to Make Paper Pencils (tutorial) | scissors.paper.wok Lead: The lead I used I originally bought from a craft store in South Africa. I had a bit a of struggle finding it online, but turns out you can get the exact lead I used on Amazon for a steal at $3.90 . [...]
    Reply
  • Papercraft and bookbinding | Pearltrees says: February 21, 2012 at 8:06 PM
    [...] Lead: The lead I used I originally bought from a craft store in South Africa. How to Make Paper Pencils (tutorial) | scissors.paper.wok [...]
    Reply
  • Bea says: February 21, 2012 at 11:08 PM
    This is so great, my kids can make their own pencils, my daughter loves to draw, and it's great for a birthday present. Thanks for sharing.
    Reply
  • Kimanh says: February 25, 2012 at 1:40 AM
    You're welcome!
    Reply
  • Karboojeh Handmade Jewelry says: February 26, 2012 at 11:30 AM
    Hi, I love your paper-pencil tutorial, which I got to know about via Pinterest. So I decided to share it on my blog ( http://karboojeh.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/crafty-diy-how-to-make-paper-wrapped-pencils/). Great work on the video, it's easy to understand, enjoyable, and makes you want to make tonnes of pencils :)
    Reply
  • Joanne says: February 29, 2012 at 9:25 PM
    Thanx so much for doing this. My home-schooled kids and I are going to try it next week. : )
    Reply
  • Marion says: March 7, 2012 at 1:19 PM
    Hey, i would like to ask a permission if i can share the video to my fellow friends. and thank you for making for this blog. it helped my project so much.
    Reply
  • Trina says: April 16, 2012 at 8:30 PM
    I loooove this. I'm a teacher to a bunch of forgetful high schoolers and am constantly loaning pencils which are rarely returned (unless I take a cellphone as collateral). I wonder if they'd respect the handmade, special aspect enough to give them back.
    Reply
    • Kimanh says: April 19, 2012 at 1:05 AM
      Try a giant dorky silk flower taped to the end of your pencils. They might just remember it's not theirs when they put it in their bag - or remember to bring their own :)
      Reply
  • Holly says: April 18, 2012 at 2:39 PM
    For pencil lead check the stores places that sell drafting supplies for architects.
    Reply
  • michip says: April 21, 2012 at 4:32 AM
    Hi, this is a great idea! I'd like to try this over the summer. Also, I linked this tutorial in a DIY blog that I run...I added the blog's url to this comment. Hope that's ok! Thanks michip
    Reply
  • M says: April 28, 2012 at 1:50 PM
    How awesome! I have a bunch of pencils I bought a few years ago made with reused newspaper instead of wood - I didn't realize the pencils were so simple to make! I'll definitely be making this at some point! Thanks for sharing!
    Reply
  • Kim says: April 30, 2012 at 1:24 PM
    These are fantastic! Thanks so much!
    Reply
  • Zaeth says: May 3, 2012 at 12:12 AM
    Awesome idea :D
    Reply
  • Yvonne says: May 23, 2012 at 3:51 PM
    I like the pencils, but I will confess - I want the pencil holder! So cute! Where can I find one?
    Reply
    • Kimanh says: May 23, 2012 at 10:39 PM
      HI Yvonne, you can get the donkey holder here :) I love it too! Kimanh
      Reply
  • Kate @ A Creative Cookie says: May 23, 2012 at 11:29 PM
    GENIUS! I love this idea!
    Reply
  • Yna says: June 2, 2012 at 11:30 AM
    Found your Paper Pencil Tutorial. Can't wait to try it by myself. That's such a nice idea. Thank you for sharing it.
    Reply
  • alya says: June 11, 2012 at 3:45 PM
    omg! i just love it! your so creative! i'm going to add you to my readings list!
    Reply
  • Easy DIY: Paper Pencils | Celebrate the Big & Small says: July 24, 2012 at 1:00 PM
    [...] Kimanh at Scissors Paper Wok has this amazing paper pencil tutorial. [...]
    Reply
  • Art | Pearltrees says: August 2, 2012 at 6:58 AM
    [...] < Crafts < kazanianqueen Get flash to fully experience Pearltrees Absolutely Madness How to Make Paper Pencils (tutorial) I have always wanted to make my own pencils, but the thought of shaping two pieces of wood to [...]
    Reply
  • ATasteOfMadness says: August 20, 2012 at 10:07 PM
    This is the greatest thing I've seen today! Bookmarked, and am going to make it soon
    Reply
  • Daily Marketing | Pearltrees says: August 27, 2012 at 8:21 PM
    [...] How to Make Paper Pencils (tutorial) I have always wanted to make my own pencils, but the thought of shaping two pieces of wood to allow a piece of lead to sit perfectly inside made me think it wasn’t worth the effort. For some reason I was looking at some pieces of lead I have (for a drafting pencil) and “pop” there it was.. a solution to my DIY longing. Here is a tutorial to make pencils that is so ridiculously easy I’ve made 10 pencils since the idea came to me yesterday! [...]
    Reply
  • levitra says: September 1, 2012 at 2:27 AM
    very nice post... It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks...
    Reply
  • Crafts | Pearltrees says: September 9, 2012 at 5:40 PM
    [...] < ajrcolorguard Get flash to fully experience Pearltrees How to Make Paper Pencils (tutorial) I have always wanted to make my own pencils, but the thought of shaping two pieces of wood to allow [...]
    Reply
  • EmilyFalcon says: September 22, 2012 at 7:54 PM
    Hi, and thanks for the great tutorial! I'm making a few pencils to go with a matching handmade sketchbook for my sister, but I'm having lots of trouble getting them to roll smoothly so that they don't turn out wonky and non-cylindrical after I'm done. I'm using a somewhat delicate decorative paper (http://savoirfaire.com/surfaces/lama-li/decorative-paper/metalic/paradise-metalic.html) so could that be the problem? The issue is that they're rolling up with gaps between the layers, no matter how firm I am or slowly I roll it. Suggestions?
    Reply
    • Kimanh says: September 23, 2012 at 2:03 AM
      Hmmm.. seems you've done everything right. The only things I can suggest is: 1. Let the paper soak in the mod podge to become more pliable. So maybe wait a minute or so and see if it becomes soft. or 2. Use a thinner paper to make the pencil, and then just use a short strip of the decorative paper as a second layer. Might save on the pricey paper too! Let me know how you go :) Kimanh
      Reply
  • How to Make Paper Pencils (tutorial) | PAPER and more | Scoop.it says: October 1, 2012 at 2:01 AM
    [...]   [...]
    Reply
  • Emiel says: December 7, 2012 at 1:10 AM
    I tried but for me it was a little hard at first but then i got the hang of it. That is such a good idea!!!!!!!!!!!
    Reply
  • A.L. Designs Jewelry says: December 16, 2012 at 9:38 AM
    Really great tutorial!!! Love it so colorful as well :)
    Reply
  • onel says: December 31, 2012 at 2:19 AM
    This is absolutely genious! Thank you so much for sharing this. Happy New Year! :D
    Reply
  • Guney says: January 11, 2013 at 7:16 PM
    Thank you! I was always a pencil lover, and always wondered how could i do my own pencils. I searched at this and found here. It's fabulous... I could, and i'd like to write more thanks to you but I'm afraid I can't. I'm soo busy with making my own pencils!
    Reply
  • Gift Ideas | Pearltrees says: February 26, 2013 at 3:52 PM
    [...] How to Make Paper Pencils (tutorial) This tutorial is an old one of mine that’s too good not to share again. Since posting the first time, I’ve had lots of questions about these buttons which will hopefully be answered in this revised post. <i>Some handy notes: </i> 1. [...]
    Reply
  • DIY | Pearltrees says: August 2, 2013 at 8:05 PM
    [...] How to Make Paper Pencils (tutorial) | scissors Edit Edited by Jack Herrick, Josh Hannah, James Quirk, Ben Rubenstein and 92 others Having a pinata at your party is a great way to provide decoration and entertainment all in one. There's no need to go out and buy a pinata for your next party, though. With these simple steps you can build your own, and you might find that making pinatas can be just as fun as breaking them! [...]
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  • CRAFTS | Pearltrees says: August 11, 2013 at 8:03 PM
    [...] > Sewswell How to Make Paper Pencils (tutorial) | scissors I have always wanted to make my own pencils, but the thought of shaping two pieces of wood to allow [...]
    Reply
  • Jo says: February 3, 2016 at 2:11 AM
    Hi Kimanh, I just found your pencil making tutorial and would like to ask your opinion. If I want to make a plantable pencil by using the seed paper similar to this link https://www.botanicalpaperworks.com/catalog/seed-paper or sprinkling seeds on paper after applying a mod podge, is it possible ? Thanks,
    Reply
    • Kimanh says: February 3, 2016 at 10:12 PM
      What a wonderful idea. I'm not sure to be honest. Only because the mod podge is necessary to make the pencil hard, which will probably mean it will make it water tight and make it difficult for the seeds to sprout. I personally wouldn't use the paper for that, but if you wanted to make a plantable pencil, perhaps glue some seeds to the end.
      Reply

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