Do you feel like your office desk could use more organization? An organized workspace is important to help improve productivity and reduce stress. Using desktop organizers and holders gives your workplace supplies a place to call home.

By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to craft a pen/pencil holder for your desk successfully, supporting a more efficient work environment and eliminating clutter.

Supplies

You will need the following materials before you begin:

Plastic Toothbrush Holder ($2.27)
Wood Circle ($1.80)
Wood Dowels ($1.12)
Acrylic Paint- Color of Choice ($0.58)
Paint Brush
Hot Glue Gun
Saw or Pliers

The materials above can be purchased at Walmart for the listed prices if you do not have them already.

Disclaimer: Exercise caution when working with hot glue guns to avoid burns or other injuries. Keep away from children and pets. Do not touch the hot glue nozzle or melted glue; be mindful of potential drips. Allow the glue gun to cool down completely before storing it. Handle the glue gun carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation. When using saws or pliers, prioritize safety to prevent accidents or injuries. Wear appropriate protective gear, including safety goggles, to shield against flying debris or sharp edges. Keep work areas clear of clutter and distractions. Ensure tools are in good working condition and use them according to their intended purpose. Always cut away from your body and maintain a firm grip on the tool. Keep fingers and hands clear of blades or moving parts.

Step 1: Measure & Cut Dowels

In step one, you will need the wood dowels, a pen, a saw or pliers, and a plastic toothbrush holder. To begin, remove the lid from the holder; you can discard this if you'd like. Place the dowel flush with the holder and use your pen to mark a line where the dowel meets the top of the holder. Once you've made the line, you will use your saw or pliers to cut on the line. Repeat these steps until you have approximately 40 dowels cut to size or until you have enough to place entirely around the holder.

Step 2: Paint the Base

In step two, we will paint the base for your pencil holder. The base is important to provide support when we glue the dowels to the holder in step five. You will need a paintbrush, paint, and a wooden circle base. Apply a quarter size of paint onto a palette, piece of cardboard, or a napkin. You'll want to paint over the base once or twice until it has been covered thoroughly.

Step 3: Attach Holder to Base

In step three, we will attach the holder to the base. You'll want to wait about 20-30 minutes until the acrylic paint has dried from step two; the drying time may differ if you use a different type of paint. Apply a generous amount of hot glue to the bottom of the holder. Be sure to place it within the middle of the base, push the holder down onto the base, and apply pressure.

Step 4: Paint the Dowels

In step four, we will be painting the dowels. You will need the cut dowels, paint, and a paintbrush. You will most likely need more than a quarter size of paint for this step. One coat of paint on the dowels should suffice. However, there may be specific spots you'll want to touch up again.

Step 5: Attach the Dowels to Holder

In step five, you will need your hot glue gun, your painted and cut dowels, and your holder with the attached base. Using your hot glue gun, dispense a thin line of hot glue onto the dowel and a drop of hot glue onto the bottom; place the side with the glue onto the holder, and be sure the bottom with the drop is positioned onto the base. The dowel should stand straight against the holder. Continue this process until the dowels cover the entire outside of the holder.

Step 6: Video Tutorial

In this 3-minute video, I guide you through a detailed tutorial on crafting a pen/pencil holder for your workspace. Each step in the video corresponds directly with the instructions outlined above.

Thank you for investing your time in reading and watching my instructable. I aim to help you declutter your workspace, alleviate stress, and cultivate a sense of organization through these simple steps.