The title of this one is a little misleading. These pretty pencils aren’t actually dip-dyed, they just mimic the look that’s so popular right now. You see, ever since these cheerful spoons started popping up all over Pinterest, I knew I wanted to put my own spin on them.
Pencils seemed like a great mini-project to try out the technique. Plus one of the biggest perks of being a teacher has to be having an excuse to collect pretty school supplies (that and the whole helping to shape America’s youth thing). As a student I always adored going back-to-school shopping to pick out gleaming new pencils and Pee Chees – why should teachers be any different?
I’m convinced these bright #2s will put a smile on any teacher’s face – and the kids will have fun making them too. All you need to make your own set are pencils, a paint brush, craft paint in a few bright hues, 100 grit sandpaper and some painter’s tape. To start, use the tape to wrap the ends of each pencil at varying heights.
Next use the sandpaper to lightly buff your pencils. Roughing up the slick top layer will help the paint adhere. Just don’t get too overzealous. If your pencils start to look like the photo above, it’s time to step away from the sandpaper.
Use a paint brush to apply the first coat of paint. I found it pretty much impossible to get good coverage with a single coat so I stuck my pencils in a small dish of rice and let them dry overnight. The next morning I applied coat number two and let them dry for another four hours or so.
I also experimented a big with a two-toned effect. I liked it on one but decided to stick to my inspiration and keep each pencil a single color.
Once the pencils were dry, all that was left was to slip them in a plastic tube procured from my local craft store for $1.99. I also attached a little note that reads “Thanks for helping me color my world”. I’m not sure how these will fair once they meet a pencil sharpener but for such a quick and easy project I was pleased with the results.
Teacher appreciation week is May 7th – May 11th this year (the official day is Tuesday, May 8th). What will you be doing to honor the teachers in your life?
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