One of my very first posts on this website was a tutorial for pencil rolls recycled from placemats. This is still one of my (and my kids') favorite projects. Since that post, I've made several as gifts, and I've made a few improvements. Here's my latest and most favorite roll up pencil case (a more grown-up look for my 10-year-old):
To see the complete tutorial for the original roll up pencil cases, click here.
Here are the changes I made since the tutorial to make the rolls better:
1. I've stopped edging the rolls with bias tape. It adds a nice edge, but it takes more time and adds more to the cost. It's much easier to finish without the bias tape. Just follow the alternate directions in step 7 of the tutorial to finish without the extra step.
2. Once I realized that the pencils fall out when you turn the pencil rolls upside down, I started adding a piece of fabric that flips over the pencils when it's time to roll up the pencils and put them away. In the above picture, I used a simple rectangular piece of fabric, but I altered it in the next picture so that the fabric doesn't stick out when the pencils are rolled up. (Please forgive the wrinkles.)
This is one of the original rolls with the bias tape. I unpicked the bias tape, added the flip-over fabric, and stitched the bias tape back on. No more lost pencils!
Thanks for stopping by! While you're here, be sure to check out some of my other projects. Images below are linked.
Click here to see all the fantastic sites I like to link up with each week.
Jodi
These are absolutely fabulous. What a clever idea.
Heidi Fowler
Thank you! You made my day.
Jenni
nice idea to make the edges angled in so they don't poke out after being rolled up!
Heidi Fowler
Thanks. It took a lot of trial and error before I figured that out!
Sweet Green Tangerine
I LOVE THIS!! I must try this.
Heidi Fowler
Thanks so much!
Kathie
These are so pretty (and sophisticated). I wish I could sew! Thanks for linking up this week!
Lucie
This would be a fun gift for a teacher who loans out pcneils or pens. In my middle-school classroom, I had to MARK my writing utensils so I'd get them back...with a distinctive topper like a fluff of curling ribbon. Something like this would have been super cute, especially with "Loaners: please return before you leave class" added on!
Nichi - The Mandatory Mooch
My daughter would love this!! I'd love to have you link this up to Tasty Thursdays on The Mandatory Mooch. http://mandatorymooch.blogspot.com/2012/08/tasty-thursdays-2.html
Thanks, Nichi
Brittany @ Crafty Mischief
What a great idea! I made crayon rolls for my kids but they've been asking for bigger ones for pencils and markers. Looks like I need to take a trip to the dollar store for place mats. Thanks for sharing! :)
Mackenzie
Cute! Thank you for sharing this at Saturday Show and Tell. I can't wait to see what you have for this week! I look forward to seeing you there.
-Mackenzie
http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com
Sarah Forhan
We love the pencil placemat roll-ups and so didn't our Bowdabra Blog readers. Congrats your link-up had the most clicks at our Saturday Showcase. Your craft project has been featured on our Feature Friday Post: http://wp.me/p1xtT7-3pY
Thanks so much for stopping by and we hope to see more of your great craft tutorials on our weekly Saturday Showcase Link-Ups.
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
What a cute way to be organized!
Nichi - The Mandatory Mooch
Thanks so much for linking up to Tasty Thursdays at The Mandatory Mooch. I love this project and it will be FEATURED this week. Congrats!! Nichi - The Mandatory Mooch
Polaroid Art Set
Can Be used for brushes and colors as well.