The Happy Room

Pencil Pouches
©Copyright 2006 Kathie McGuire

Supplies:
Ribbon
Ink Pads
Crimper
Rubberstamps
Scoring tool
Decorative Button
Decorative Scissors
5 ½” X 8 ½” piece of cardstock
Two sided tape (the heavy duty type)

Begin by scoring the cardstock lengthwise at 2” and 4”. Fold the cardstock and crease on the scored lines. Unfold and lay flat, then stamp/decorate .On the unstamped side, apply two sided tape along the BOTTOM edge. Then, apply two sided tape along the edge of the section that measures 1 ½”. Fold the cardstock at the scored lines and press to secure the pencil pouch along the edges with the two sided tape. Next, crimp the end of the pencil pouch to approximately 1”. Then, cut the pouch top with the decorative scissors to create an interesting edge. Insert two pencils into the pouch and finish with the decorative ribbon and coordinating button.

Kathie's Comments: These pouches are fabulous gift giving projects for more than just pencils! Here are a couple of ideas (see the photos for a great visual): Nail files/Emery Boards (how about for your favorite nail tech?), Combs (a very clever idea for a hair stylist or a great gift idea for the motorcyclist in your life suffering from the dreaded "helmet head hairdo"), Paint Brushes (for the aspiring artist in your life), or a Bookmark (for your bookworm friend). You are only limited by your imagination for the contents and theme of this great gift giving packaging!!

Bonus Tip: Most craft stores and other retailers carry a variety of "theme related" pencils (dog paw prints, holiday images, etc) so take advantage of the product by making a coordinating pencil pouch for your theme related pencil (see the "Zebra" theme pencil pouch in the photos. Also the "Dog" theme pencil pouch. Both pencils were purchased in a craft store).

Big Bonus Tip: Don't have a pencil to match your color theme? Paint it with acryclic paint! It only takes a few minutes and WOW, what a difference. For a great example of painted pencils, see the mauve "Letter Writing" theme pencils above. They were painted with a paint brush and an inexpensive acrylic paint available in most craft and retail stores. Then, the second coordinating color was simply sponged on with a make-up sponge. (As a note, there is no need to sand or prep the pencils first.)An instant color match and a great way to make your project look like it came from a chic boutique!!