Pencil Jewelry

Jewelry made from standard colored pencils is bright, cute and a lot of fun! It is also very quick and simple to make. As statement jewelry for a wedding, an original teacher gift, or just fun jewellery for a kid, this will turn heads and have people asking, how did you make that? Here's how...

First, choose the pencils you want to use. I picked a rainbow, but a set of tones or shades looks stunning as well. Plan your necklace design so you know the length to cut your pencils as well.

If they do not already have a point, sharpen your pencils before measuring - it is difficult to sharpen to the length you require after you have cut it!

Then, mark the length you want to cut, and use a saw to cut the pencils. I used a japanese saw which is extremely quick and sharp, but if you don't have one a hacksaw will do.

Now, sand down the cut edge of your pencils using fine grit sandpaper. With a japanese saw very little sanding is needed.

I love the rainbow pattern that it makes on the sandpaper!

Next, drill a hole in each pencil, about 1/4 inch from the end. I used a fine 1mm drill bit, and a drill bit for ease of accuracy.

Next, thread the pencils onto fine gauge hobby wire. Shape the wire then, using needle nose pliers, create wire loops at each end. Cut away the excess, then feed the end of the wire into the pencil hole to conceal it. Repeat both ends.

Measure two lengths of cord around 8 inches each (for an adult size).

Attach one to each end of the wire, crimping to secure.

Then add a second crimp to the end of each length of cord and fit the clasp of your choice (I used a lobster claw). Once done, your necklace is complete!

Create matching earrings by slicing lengths of the pencil about 1/8 inch thick, and gluing to earring posts

Once you have done that, your cute, fun pencil jewelry is ready to wear! I hope you like it!