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In the coming weeks, I am going to share with you some DIY projects I did recently. If you have an aversion to DIY projects, have no fear, these projects are so easy and fun to do that you will be amazed.
This week's project is a DIY pencil holder. I transformed these planters into a great pencil holder for my daughter's desk. She loves to draw and there were pencils and markers in a variety of different containers in her room. So, to consolidate all of them together, I decided to make this for her. After finding these planters at a nearby used marketplace, I visited the nearby hardware store to have them help me figure out which screws and bolts I should use. We measured the distance of the two planter sides so the screw will pass through and have enough room to attach a bolt securely. Check it out.
Transforming planters into desk pencil holders step by step tutorial
These three boxes (Affiliate Link) are actually planter boxes (Affiliate Link). They came with these little handles. If they weren't already distressed in white, I would have done it anyway. Perfect find for me!
Liners hold the pens and pencils inside without marking the wood and will keep it clean if there is a pen leak.
And these liners were included. I want to keep the lining because it protects the screws from getting undone. It also protects my daughter's hands when she goes into the boxes (Affiliate Link) to find a pencil.
I drilled 2 holes straight into the side of the boxes (Affiliate Link) of the smaller planters. After drilling all the way through on the two areas, I lined up the back of the box on the table and used the screw to mark the place where I needed the hole to be for the larger box. Then I removed the smaller box and drilled right into the marks that were indicated on the box. I did the same with the other smaller box and then marked the other side of the larger box, removed the smaller box, and drilled the other holes. So, the larger box had 4 drill (Affiliate Link) holes and the smaller ones had 2 each.
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Attach with screws and bolts.
I passed the screw through the holes from the smaller boxes (Affiliate Link) to the larger box. I then passed it through and attached the bolt to the other side. And, then I replaced the liners that covered the holes.
And, that's it! This is the finished product. What do you think? Cute, right?
The entire project took a total of 20 minutes to put together. The planters cost was $10.00 and the screws were less than $5.00 so the entire project was around $15.00. I didn't even need to paint it because it matched my daughter's room. So easy!
Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase.
Jeannette Paladino says
Great idea and good for the budget, too. There are so many household items that can be used for purposes other than were intended.
Sushmita says
It's very cute and apt. Loved what every may be the need it can used and adapted easily. Thanks for sharing!
Erica says
They are so cute! I'm sure that your kids appreciate how much they have that has been created just for them. This looks like a really fun project.
Tatia says
What a creative project Sabrina! The planters make spacious holders and nice decorative pieces too.
Jeri says
DIY projects are great. I typically use a coffee cup to hold my writing utensils, but this is a cute idea for sure.
William Rusho says
What a great DIY project. The pieces look great too when finished. I might try this sometime soon. thanks for sharing this with us.
Marquita Herald says
Looks like a fun project Sabrina! I set aside a couple of days this week to go "shopping" for the new home and this is just the kind of goodies I'll be looking for. Thanks for the inspiration!
RoseMary Griffith says
What a fantastic idea, Sabrina. I love DIY projects. We've always got something going on around this house. Those boxes are a fun way to keep your daughter organized. My desk might be jealous.
Phoenicia says
I typed a message and lost it!
Interesting to know your daughter is artistic. My daughter has the creative bug which we are trying dearly to embrace.
The pen/pencil pots will ensure they are kept in one place.
Janet Barclay says
I can't believe you did this in 20 minutes! I'm just not handy this way.
Catarina says
They are both cute and practical, Sabrina. Am sure your daughter loved them!
lenie says
Sabrina, what a cute idea and so practical. Anyone can use this because it seems to me that we all have pens and pencils laying around (and never can find one when we need it). These planters/pencil holders would fit in lots of places. Well done.
Ken Dowell says
It is cute and very resourceful. Thanks for the tip.