Pencil Perfect Ring

Intro: Pencil Perfect Ring

Personalize your wardrobe with a handmade ring. Use lots of color for summer or create a more toned down look for fall. Design it yourself and do it your way with the following steps and tips. 

For some fantastic inspiration for your own variations, check out Maria Cristina Bellucci. (Thanks for the link meatchris!)

STEP 1: Collect Supplies

Supply List:

hexagonal colored pencils (You can use other shapes, but you risk having gaps between your pencils which may lead to a weaker structure)
super glue or epoxy (I used E6000. It was a big mistake. You need a glue that dries clear and HARD. E6000 dries rubbery. When I had to re-glue pieces, super glue worked fine.)
jewelers saw or hack saw blade (I used these interchangeably.  If you don't have a jewelers saw, you will need a very large drill bit or require a lot of extra sanding.)
masking tape 
dril
drill bit (with a jewelers saw, you can use a small bit. With no jewelers saw, you need a bit as close to your finger size as possible.)
mod podge
sand paper
scrap wood
dowel/knitting needle/round pencil

STEP 2: Arrange and Glue

*Decide what shape you want your pencils to take. I decided to do a rectangular shape and arranged my pencils in three rows.

*Once you've decided, tape each row on one side to aid you in gluing them together. I only applied glue to about a third of the pencil so that I could use the rest for another project.)

*Once they are taped, add glue to the appropriate sides. When each row is dry, glue the rows together.

*Once everything is glued, tape the entire bundle at both ends

Tip: Be sure that you pay attention to the entire length of the pencil. It needs to be straight from one end to the other. 

Tip: Even if you choose not to glue the entire length of the pencil, don't cut the rest off until you absolutely have to. The extra length will help you grip and control your project. 

STEP 3: Cut a Hole

Time to make the hole for your finger. 

If you have a jewelers saw:

I used a large bit to drill a hole and then used the jewelers saw to make the hole bigger.

     Alternative:
          *Use a small bit to drill a hole that your saw blade will fit into.
          *Make a template with an existing ring. Trace it onto your pencils as a cutting guide.
          *Cut your hole 

No jewelers saw:

Use a drill bit that is as close to the size of your finger and drill a hole in your bundle.

STEP 4: Sanding and Shaping

This step is about getting the top looking the way you want it. I sanded until I had stripes of color on each side and then cut the top at an angle. 

Various sanding methods
*tape sandpaper to board and rub pencils against it
*tape sandpaper to small scrap wood and rub it against the pencils like a nail file
*wrap sandpaper around something round

At this point, you can also cut shapes out of it with your saw or drill more holes. Make it yours!

STEP 5: Bottoms Up

Make sure you have the top the way you want it. Put some making tape around the top so that your hands don't get it dirty while you cut the bottom. 

I made three cuts. One straight and then two diagonals. 
This is a tricky step. You have to pay attention to all angles when cutting the diagonals. I suggest starting your cut looking down on the top of the ring. Then turn the ring on each side and begin cutting a diagonal that is parallell to the hole. Cut a bit and rotate, cut and rotate, cut and rotate, until you've cut through. 

Once you've made all three cuts, keep sanding until it's smooth. 

STEP 6: Shiny!

Once it's sanded to your satisfaction, add mod podge and impress your friends. 

Comments

[Joetta_Jett]

you're totally right... lol^^ the round ones do NOT work... but I can't find a store with yours.. hmm..

[Brooklyntonia]

Look for Faber Castell pencils. You could order them off Amazon if need be. So glad you're giving it a shot!

[daner girl 16]

Coollllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

[michaelgc]

Great looking ring, My wife would love one of these. I think that you should find some kind of good cause, and put some people to work making these. I am sure you could get a whole bunch of pencils donated.

[jasonw6565]

I made this as a Christmas present for my fourteen year old sister. It was very easy, but making the hole large enough was a challenge. I found the easiest way to widen it was with a simple pocket knife. Great idea! Thank you!

[explosivemaker]

A forstner bit would probably have given a cleaner hole.
And yeah, e-6000 does not dry hard.

But a very cool idea.

[mygibzone]

Love this! Very creative & resourceful!

[Derek Scott Customs]

It would be cool to cut the top in a diamond shape! I think I'll try that!

[Brooklyntonia]

Fantastic idea! I'd love to see pics posted here of the finished product.

[Derek Scott Customs]

What is "mod podge"

[Brooklyntonia]

Mod Podge is a clear coat usually used for decopage. You could use any kind of sealer or laquer as well. I just happen to have some Mod Podge lying around.

[bartworker]

And, try to use a clock drill next time, the hole will be proper formed from the beginning and you'll reduce the risk of splitting the wood.

[Brooklyntonia]

Yes, that would have been nice, but the only one I have is way too big, and I tend to lean towards the "make it work" philosophy and not buy extra tools that I may never use again. Plus, I'm a teacher on summer vacation and it is very possible that when I was working on this, I simply did not want to have to get dressed and go to the store. It's pretty nutty how much more work I'll do in the name of laziness.

[bartworker]

Seen you made it to the final, great! Nice work, also - pure creativity & inventive woodworking. Like it!

[DeeRilee]

As an artist.....I want one! =)

But I don't want to sacrifice my CPs! =(

I'll have to keep an eye open for sales on CPs, the higher end ones have such greater pigment load, but the gloss finish may compensate.

Great idea, I love it!

[DeeRilee]

Ooooo, I've had another thought! I also love custom knives, I can envision a knife handle made from CPs!!! OMG!!!! It would be beautiful!

[Brooklyntonia]

I love it!

[Brooklyntonia]

Yes, I didn't want to use my Prismas either. I bought specifically for this project. You might also find some at a thrift store.

[amonj02]

Awesome. If only I had a saw.........
;)

[Brooklyntonia]

I got my jewelers saw at a local college art supply store. College supply stores have to carry a little of everything and at competitive rates. Otherwise a hacksaw blade from your local hardware store is easy to come by and quite cheap. Just wrap some duct tape around the end you're gripping.