Do you have picky loved ones on your gift list this holiday season? My husband is so difficult to shop for, he has everything and what he doesn’t have, he is extremely choosy about, so a handmade gift is almost always the best option. He loves gifts that are personalized, especially if they involve the kids. This Christmas I made him a Handmade Pen Holder, complete with DIY Gift Wrap. The pen holder has pictures of the kids so I know he’ll love it!
The project was very easy to make–I was even able to sneak into another room and put it together in under an hour without being detected. Follow along if you want to make a DIY Pen Holder for the special person in your life:
{Materials}
All of the materials are from Michaels
For the Pen Holder:
Wooden Cube
4 pictures
Acrylic paint in your color choice
Foam applicator or small paint brush
Drill with 1/4-1/2″ drill bit
Fine grit sandpaper
For the Gift Wrap:
Brown gift bag or banner paper
Your choice of ribbon
Cork gift tag
Holiday stamps
Loose glitter
Foam applicator
Mod Podge
Colored excelsior (optional)
{Directions}
Pen Holder:
Drill 4 holes to the top of the cube (use a level to measure if necessary), follow with a light sanding over the holes to remove any excess sawdust.
Paint the cube and let dry. Apply a light coat of Mod Podge onto a picture, and onto the wood. Gently secure the picture in place; repeat all the way around the cube, making sure carefully smooth out any air gaps. Go over each picture with Mod Podge again, eventually covering the entire cube.
Brush a few coats of Mod Podge over the entire cube allowing to dry to the touch in between.
How cute is that? I didn’t get too crazy with color because knowing my husband he’d think the sharp black would look best on his desk. However, there are a million different options to kick this up a notch or 12! Design this Handmade Pen Holder with your loved one in mind.
DIY Gift Wrap:
The gift bag was so simple but turned out so pretty if I do say so myself! I picked up a couple of stamps at Michaels that I know I can use year after year.
I decided to use a gift bag, but this design can easily be translated into plain brown or colored paper wrap as well.
Brush a light coat of Mod Podge onto the stamp, then press the stamp onto the desired spot on your gift bag. Sprinkle with glitter, allow to dry and shake off the excess. It’s that easy!
If desired, do the same thing on a gift tag, like I did here with the “Merry Christmas” stamp.
Tie some holiday ribbon around the handle or if you are wrapping a box, make a pretty bow and attach to the front.
Fill the bag with brightly colored excelsior to complete the festive look!
For more DIY gift ideas take a look at Michaels’ DIY Gift Ideas Pinterest board, and if you’re still in need of tree decorating inspiration, head over to Michaels’ blog, the Michaels Makers Dream Tree Reveal and Decorating Tips posts are a must see.
Rachel @{i love} my disorganized life says
I love the pen holder, Barbara!
Meredith @ Wait Til Your Father Gets Home says
Seriously so smart to use a STAMP!! Love the gift wrap and the pen holder is such a great gift!!
Thanks for sharing at Monday Funday this week :)