Absolutely Invisible Pencil Cup Compartment

When I was thinking of cool things I could build to enter in the secret doors/compartments contest, I was also thinking about how I never use all the colored pencils that sit on my desk. But then, inspiration struck!

Step 1: What You Need...

The supplies for this project are pretty simple:

-Crappy pencils/pens
WARNING: DO NOT USE EXPENSIVE LOOKING PENS WHICH MAY DRAW ATTENTION TO THE SAFE! (you would think that would be obvious...)
-Sturdy cardboard
-Razor blade or other sharp knife
-Cup (duh)
-Actual working pens (optional)
-Scissors (optional)
-Hot glue gun
-Glue (optional... NOT)
-Cutting board (only optional if you have an expensive table)

Step 2: Measuring the Amount of Pencils

Fill your cup slightly less than halfway with pencils (if you want the thing to hold REAL writing implements, too). Otherwise, fill it exactly halfway.

Step 3: Cut Your Pencils

Cut each pencil approximately in half. To do this, dig the razor blade or knife into one side, then snap the pencil with your hands. You can leave the ends a bit rough, because it helps the glue to adhere.

Step 4: Cut Your Cardboard

This is by far the hardest step (:P) so pay close attention. Trace the top of your cup onto the cardboard. Then trace the bottom of the cup inside the first circle. Choose a circle somewhere in between the rim and the base sizes, and cut the cardboard on the line in between those original two. (If you want to use this to hold actual writing implements, cut a small wedge in one side of the final cutout.)

Step 5: The Fun Part...

Now, take your pencils and the hot glue gun, and put a bead of glue on the CUT end of a pencil. Place this pencil on the cardboard. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Get the idea? NOTE: Do not place two halves of the same pencil next to each other! This will arouse suspicion pretty quickly.

Step 6: Finished!

That's it! Place the false top on your cup and stash whatever you want to hide! I added a bunch of nice pictures for you guys...

ONE MORE THING!!!!!
If you enjoyed this instructable, please vote me up. This is my first contest and it would be REALLY cool if I could win even as a runner up. Remember, every vote counts!

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