With summer almost over and school just around the corner, there's nothing more motivating than adding some color and fun to basic school supplies to keep the kids' morale high!
I personally find that pretty supplies are super motivating. This is an easy way to turn some old regular pencils into special, back-to-school pencils with encouraging messages. It's a perfect (yet simple!) way to get the new school year off to a great (and colorful) start!
If your little one's desk is in need of a refresh, you could decorate it with plants and crystals that promote productivity and diffuse essential oils that help your little one study.
Now let's get started with those back-to-school pencils!
Jump to:
Supplies
- Multi-surface acrylic craft paints (there are plenty of options on Amazon)
- Regular pencils
- Straight-end paint brush
- A super-fine Sharpie marker
Instructions
Paint first coat: Using the paint brush, paint each pencil in the desired color and recline them on the top so that they dry.
Paint second coat: After 30 minutes or so, give them a second coat if necessary (I found that they needed it).
Pencil on words: Allow enough time to dry (I waited 4 hours to make sure), and then trace your inspirational words with a pencil (just so that you can fix any mistakes).
Use Sharpie: Proceed to go over with your Sharpie pen. Let the ink dry completely and you're done with your new set of colorful pencils!
Hint: some of the messages we used include "Make your mark," "Deep thoughts," and "Make today count," but you can customize yours with motivational quotes, favorite song lyrics, or why not, your kid's name.
Variation
Don't have a straight head brush at hand? Just cover the ends of your pencils with washi tape and paint over with a regular brush. Allow to dry completely before removing the washi tape to reveal a perfectly smooth edge.
If you need more help getting a good start of the school year, we have some ideas for you! Mornings start way easier with these tasty Greek Yogurt Muffins, and we swear by these meatless meatballs for packed school lunches. Finally, these easy back to school hairstyles are good for moms and daughters alike.
112
Siusane says
https://helloglow.co/painted-back-school-pencils/
Elliott says
Awesome idea! We're going to feature this tutorial in our August Back to School themed newsletter.
Denise says
Alicia, you can't apply a clear coat. the sharpie will run! I have tried nail top-coat, spray on clear coat and brush-on. They all run! Also, i would give the pencils (and anything else that is smooth and glossy) a rub down with sandpaper. 250 or 300 grit. And I was just thinking, you know those rub on letters? They come in all sizes. those would work great! and you can apply a clear coat to them. (I would use spray). Good Crafting!
Denie
Alicia says
These look great! I'm wondering if the sharpie eventually wore off or should I put a coating of some kind on it?
Anna says
Did the paint wear off? :)
Anna says
Did the paint wear off? ?
ssuper_starr says
I think I'm going to try this for a wedding. Such a simple detail but super cute and inexpensive!
NCJ says
May I know what are the names of the colors that you use?
Livia says
Looks super cute and I love the colours you've chosen
Flo says
What a fantastic idea! I'm going to have to try this one out for sure, my student's will love them.
Thank you! <3
Flo x
Vicky B. says
Such a cute idea! Thank you for the inspiration :-)
SUMMER says
This is so a beautiful and great idea !! Thank you !
Jahaila @ Girl Nesting says
So clever!!! Love this!