Dear Readers,

Thank you so much for clicking on this post! It makes me so happy that somebody thought my idea was worth reading and, better yet, making. Thank you for your support!

I always seem to have an assortment of pens, push pins, paper clips, markers, and pencils scattered around in all the wrong places, and my favorite writing utensils are never where I need them when I need them. It is incredibly easy to make an absolutely wonderful little pencil holder from a recycled metal can, a hot glue gun, and a small little magnet! Once you've got the base, you can decorate using beautiful patterned papers. Attach this cute little pencil holder to a locker, your home fridge, or some magnetic board somewhere in your house. Why not make one for your pushpins using a small can like one that was used for green chiles?

I hope you enjoy this fun and simple craft, and the result!

(P.S. I bought all my materials in person so I don't have anything to go on for making a link. Sorry!)

Supplies

Materials:

Recycled metal can (Olive can, tomato paste can, diced tomato can, green chile can, etc.) (I used a crushed tomato can for mine.)
Ruler
Pencil
Thin patterned paper (I used a sheet from Colorbok's Mint Julep)
Scissors
Tape runner or glue stick (I prefer a tape runner because the paper is less likely to buckle, but a glue stick would be fine. The brand of tape runner I use is Ad tech)
Hot glue gun (I use a medium heat one I got from Walmart, the brand is Art Skills)
1-3 small magnets (I used ones I got cheap from the dollar store.)

Step 1: Prepare the Can

Peal the label off of the can.

Wash the can under hot water for about thirty seconds, or until the remaining peal is gone.

Manually dry with a towel.

Done!

Step 2: Measure and Cut

Using the ruler, measure from top to bottom the can, if it's an awkward measurement, then round up.

Cut a piece of patterned paper that is twelve inches long by your previous measurement wide.

Bend the paper around the can, if the paper is to long, cut it down. If the paper is to short, it will be fine. Trim the side with your previous measurement down so it fits perfectly on the can.

Done!

Step 3: Apply the Paper

Use the tape runner or glue stick to carefully attach the paper to the can. Starting with one end of the paper, press it onto the can, (Note: Remember that wherever you start the paper is going to be the back of your pencil holder!) press it down with your thumb. Begin slowly turning the can and pressing down on the paper, smoothing it out. (Note: Be careful not to let it buckle, it wont ruin the finished project, but it will look better if there is no wrinkles.) When you reach the end of the paper, press down firmly to stick the paper to the can.

Done!

Step 4: Add the Magnets

Depending on the size of your can, you will either need one (1), two (2) or three (3) magnets, for example, the pencil holder depicted in the pictures is 4 3/4" tall and I used three (3) magnets. Apply a small amount of hot glue to the center of the first magnet and quickly put it on the back of the can. (Note: If you are using two (2) magnets, place one (1) at the top and the other towards the bottom, if you feel you need to, you can add a third (3) to the center of the can. If you only need one (1) magnet, place it in the center.) You do not need to hold the magnet while it sets, it will do the job itself! Repeat with the other magnet.

Done!