1/25/12

I got a pencil full of lead


I love Anthropologie. I do. But, I have to be careful when I go there. I walk through the doors resolute: 

"This store is strictly for window shopping! ...Unless I find something I like in the clearance section! ...And then if Ryan says it's ok, it's mine!" 

And, slowly, as my cheap Target shoes tread on those perfectly distressed wood floors, and my fingers caress dainty hand-painted knobs, and I waltz through racks of beautiful clothing that I, a lowly housewife with student loans up to the rafters, can't afford, I turn into a pouty-er version of Veruca Salt. With slightly less frizzy hair, thank you.

What I do love about that store is that I always, always leave feeling juiced up on inspiration and creativity. There's usually something there that makes me think, Well I can do that. (Isn't that a nice feeling?)

On my latest visit to Anthro, I happened upon these cute pencils. I turned to Ryan and said,

"I could make these, don't you think?"

Ryan replied, "Zzzzzzzzzz."

And it was settled.

I made those pencils, and they turned out pretty good! If I were to tell someone else how to make them in ten easy steps, I'd say this:

1. Get yourself a cheap pack of pencils, some tissue paper, some Mod Podge, and a little bit of white paint. 
2. Cut out a rectangle of tissue paper, about 7x12in.
3. Slap some Mod Podge on a pencil.
4. Roll that pencil up in your rectangle of tissue paper, leaving about 2-3 inches of overhang past the tip of the eraser.
5. Once the entire length of tissue is wrapped around the pencil, twist the overhang of tissue at the tip of the eraser.
6. Slap another layer of Mod Podge onto that pencil! (I say slap, but you know, brush.)
7. Let the pencil dry! I hung my pencils over my radiators overnight, and they were nice and crispy hard in the morning.
8. Cut the tissue on the end of the pencil into fringe.
9. With your white paint, dab some polka dots onto the pencil. I used the wooden tip of a paintbrush to make my dots, and it worked fantastically. Let dry.
10. Sharpen the pencils, and package them up real cute!

I think they'd make a sweet little Valentine's Day gift, don't you?

And, of course, when I figure out how to DIY this pretty little thing, I'll let you know.

22 comments:

  1. so adorable! great job!

    www.modernsuburbanites.blogspot.com

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  2. I have those exact same feelings when I walk through anthropologie. You did a great job though.

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  3. Nice job on the pencils and we shop the same way.

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  4. They are so cute! What a great idea.
    I love Anthropologie too and wish I could just have everything out of there--if only I had way more money!

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  5. I totally know what you mean! There's an anthropologie a block (a BLOCK!) away from my house and it always tempts me. I especially love their jewelry! Cute pencils btw! xo, Claudia

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  6. I found you through Alt's list of up & coming blogs - congrats on being included! I, too, have a lust for almost anything at Anthropologie and was just there this morning ogling a handbag I refused to even think about buying for $129 on sale. Love the pencil idea, I might make some of my own. Looking forward to following along!

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  7. Hi, I found you through Alt's list. Yes, shopping in a favourite store while broke is distressing! You did a terrific job with those pencils and I think they make a perfect gift.

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  8. So sorry, having issues with the comment!

    Very cute! My hubby wants to DIY an Anthro settee! Ever read Welcome to the Good Life? She has a whole section on Anthropologie DIY and she's so good!
    http://jaynsarah.blogspot.com/search/label/Anthro%20DIY

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  9. I saw those exact pencils at Anthro and thought the exact same thing! They've been on my mind-DIY for quite some time. I knew it was possible. Thanks for confirming. Oh yup.

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  10. Just found your blog from Alt Round up! Such a great space...so excited to be a new follower!

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  11. Thank you, ladies! I think we can all agree that unlimited cash towards Anthro would make this world a better place. :)

    And @Christina, thanks for the blog rec! WOW. That girl is amazing!

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  12. Hi again, just wanted to let you know I commented on Hank + Hunt today to tell Jenny you made these... I thought of your DIY immediately when I read her post - http://www.hankandhunt.com/home/2012/2/1/pencil-party.html

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! Seems I wasn't the only one who thought they'd be easy to make!

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