Upcycled Life: Colored pencil pendant

While cleaning out supplies to get ready for the next school year, think twice before tossing those short, stubby pencils. They might be too short to sharpen any further but just right to turn into a colorful piece of jewelry. By cutting up a colored pencil, the pieces can be used for just about any kind of jewelry you like, including earrings, bracelets or cuffs and necklaces. Follow these directions to make a pendant.

Directions

Cut about ¼-inch sections off the end of the pencil with a dovetail saw. Repeat with desired colors and lengths.

Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper. Avoid the center of the colored pencil to reduce the amount of color rubbed into the wood part of the pencil.

Arrange the cut pieces into a shape and glue down onto a scrap of leather (or felt) for the backing. Arrange two small screw eye pins under the pencil pieces and glue in place for hanging the pendant.

Trim the backing flush against the pencil edges.

Use a water-based dimensional adhesive to add a finished glaze and to fill in the gaps between the pencil pieces.

When dry, hang on a chain or cord.

Katie Patterson Larson is the director and founder of Art Salvage, a creative reuse center in Spokane. Art Salvage keeps usable materials out of the waste stream and makes them accessible and affordable to everyone. For more information, visit artsalvagespokane.com.