The best part of going back to school? Fresh supplies! All kids love getting new notebooks, pens, and pencils (stored in a personalized homework box). Make those standard school pencils stunning by either painting them or creating this quick and easy craft: Pencil Charms. Writing becomes so much more fun with a whimsical and charming pencil.

Materials

• 1 pencil
• 1 1-inch x 1-inch square of self-sticking craft foam

• 1 piece of embroidery floss, about 4 inches long
• 2 identical and symmetrical craft foam stickers in your favorite shape

Instructions

1.
Choose two foam stickers that are the same shape. Make sure that shape is symmetrical (the same shape whether it's turned right-side up or right-side down) so you can stick the two stickers together and they will line up.

2.
Fold the 4-inch piece of embroidery floss in half.
3.
Take the backing off one foam sticker, and stick the folded end of the floss to the sticker.

4.
Stick second sticker to first sticker, covering the floss and sealing the two stickers together completely.

5.
Take backing off the foam square. Lay the cut ends of the floss on the center of the square.
6.
Lay the top of the pencil across the edge of the square, allowing the eraser to stick out past the top edge of the foam square.

7.
Carefully roll the pencil onto the sticky foam square until the square is completely rolled around the pencil. Press edges of square to secure.

Tips

• Can't find symmetrical stickers? No problem, just sandwich the floss between a sticker and a piece of non-sticky craft foam to create the charm.
• Other charm ideas: You can string just about anything onto the embroidery floss for a charm. Try buttons, rhinestones, or tiny toys.