Friday, October 8, 2010

Desk Set

Well, today is your lucky day, because today you are getting two tutorials in one!  I did the first part of this project a few weeks ago but then noticed that there were already several other posts in the linky parties for the same project.

Not wanting to waste a good post that was already written I started to think about ways that I could add to it.  So, here it is, the beginings of a very pretty deskset that I think we might be able to add onto in the next little while.

Because I did each part of the project separately, I'll show the steps separately for you, but I think this is something you could do all together at the same time and would probaby end up saving you time and clean up.

Part 1-Pretty Clips

Here are the materials you need:
(paint is optional)

Steps:
1)Apply Modge Podge to one side of clothes pin and place onto wrong side of paper.  If you line up one side of your clothes pin with the outside edge of the paper you don't have to make as many cuts.



2)Using a sharp blade cut your paper as close to the clothes pin as you can.



3)Apply another layer of Modge Podge on right side of paper for a nice sleek finish.



If you're really industrious and want something that looks uber professional you can paint the clothes pin.  I decided that I liked the natural wood look....and painting seemed like it would get pretty messy.


Mod Podge Clips, DIY Clips, Embellished clothes pins, DIY Clothes pins

I tried a few different kinds of paper (origami, tissue, scrapbooking) but had the best results with some beautiful paper napkins that I had.

You can adhere magnets on the back to use on magnetic surfaces like your filing cabinet or fridge or just use them to keep all of those important papers together.  Try adding embellishments or using stamps.  The possibilities are endless!

Now for Part 2!-Pretty Pencils

Here are the supplies you need:


After I took this photo I realized you might want to add a pencil or marker.
Steps:
1)Place your pencil onto the wrong side of your paper with the metal end at the bottom flush with the edge of the paper. Or, just measure the length with a ruler.  Cut your paper the desired length.  Don't worry if your off a bit, the pencil will need to get sharpened eventually so any extra won't even show.


2)Roll the paper around your pencil to figure out the width that you need.  I used standard pencils and needed just over 1" but you should double check in case in your pencils are different.  Cut your paper the desired width.


3)Cover the wooden portion of your pencil with Modge Podge



4)Place the pencil onto the wrong side of your paper.  Roll the pencil and press the paper until you get a smooth finish.

5)Apply another layer of Modge Podge to the right side of the paper to seal the seam and to give it a nice shiny finish.  (I tried my new Sparkle Modge Podge for this step on some of the pencils and absolutely love, love, love the effect!)




















6)Let Dry.  I propped mine up against some styrofoam.  Make sure whatever you use that your pencils don't stay stuck to it.

Mod Podge Pencils, DIY Pencils, Pretty pencils, embellished pencils, Easy Crafts, Mod podge
I found that the thinner the paper is, the easier it is to use.  The scrapbooking paper was the most difficult to roll and to stay put.

So, here you go!  The beginnings of a very pretty set of accessories for your desk at work or at home:


mod podge, mod podge pencils, easy DIY craft, kids craft, DIY decorative pencils, DIY desk set


I did try sharpening the pencils and they still look beautiful...



These will make great stocking stuffers or thank you gifts throughout the year.  What do you think?  What else can you use them for?  Don't be shy...leave a comment.

This weekend is Thanksgiving in Canada, so...Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Have a great weekend~

(This project will be posted throughout the week at the linky parties from the linky party tab above.  Check out the sites for more great ideas!)

 The Shabby Chic Cottage was my top referrer last week, so go visit Gina and
check out her site for other fab ideas!


As always, don't forget to check out Todays Creative Blog for more fun ideas.

17 comments:

Janet - Birdland Treasures said...

I really like the idea of making "custom pencils" - very pretty! Did you have any trouble with the paper peeling once they were sharpened? And of course the clips are always handy!

Anonymous said...

a very great idea..it will sure brighten up the work desk!

Etcetorize said...

Hi Janet, I've been using my pencils and have had to sharpen them a couple of times already and so far absolutely no problems and no peeling at all.

Lavender and Linen said...

These are lovely! I am painting my art room and they would look so nice on my desk.

Thanks for posting!

Roberta said...

Too cute...I did this once for a party favor and everyone was calling me "Martha F'n Stewart"...they still call me that occasionally when I complete another project...lol
Have a great week, fondly, Roberta

katskraps4kids said...

These are so cute! My daughters would probably love to make some personalized pencils and clips for their desks! tfs Be blessed, Karyl =0)

Unknown said...

wonderful idea.Thanks for sharing

Tony said...

thats so cute! i want to make myself matching sets now!

Kimra
http://crafty-cove.blogspot.com

Jennifer Leigh said...

This is now on my to-do list...it's so cute. Thanks for sharing!

Lisa said...

Too cute! I'd love to have some of these at work so everyone else in the office will be jealous! : )

Etcetorize said...

Hi Lisa, make sure to check back soon. I'll be having a giveaway in the next little while and if you've signed up as a follower...you just might win some!

Leanne said...

What fun accessories. They turned out beautiful. I'm hosting We're Organized Wednesday until Saturday and would love for you to join the party. There's a great giveaway too. Hope to see you there.

Hanna said...

Hi there!!! I'm your newest follower from the weekend linky:) I love finding new blogs and yours is lovely:) You can find me at www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com

These are gorgeous!! I love them

Etcetorize said...

Hi Hanna! Thanks so much for following. I'll definitely come visit you~

Leanne said...

I'm going to have to make a ton of these pencils. My girls will love them. Thanks for linking to We're Organized Wednesday.

Lori said...

Very neat idea.

Thanks for joining Get Your Craft on Thursday at Life As Lori!

Creative Mind said...

super cute tutorial..i like it

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