Custom Chubby Photo Pencils

One of my favorite blogs right now is Scissors Paper Wok by Kimanh.  I found her blog when I was looking for how to make custom buttons.  While looking through the rest of her blog posts I saw this post on how to make custom pencils.  Her pencils are pretty cool looking and I knew I wanted to try to make some. Unfortunately, I didn't have any pencil lead, so I improvised and used regular number two yellow pencils.  Avery is getting at the age where she loves to draw and is starting to write.  Wrapping the number two pencils with paper not only made them cute but thicker so her little fingers have a better hold of them.  I also trimmed the pencils down to make them easier for her to hold.

I printed a mosaic of pictures on regular printer paper (on a laser jet printer).  Cut the pencil to about 6 inches (I don't have a saw so I used wire clippers and sanded it down).

Mod Podge the entire pencil and then roll staring from the end adding Mod Podge as you go.

Cover the outside of the pencil with Mod Podge. Hang dry for about two hours then your pencils are ready to use.  To hang dry i put a rubber band around the end of the pencil.  You could also put a rubber band around the tip of the pencil where you are going to sharpen it.  It is easier to tie the rubber band on before you apply the final coat of Mod Podge.  I used a large pencil sharpener to sharpen it.