During the last few days of summer, my daughter could hardly wait for school to start. It was all she could talk about.  To keep her occupied, and excited, we made back-to-school crafts. Having eaten a ton of Popsicles this summer, we made a DIY pencil using one of our favorite art supplies — Popsicle Sticks. Get those pencils sharpened – it’s time for back to school!

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Back to School Popsicle Stick Pencil Craft

Materials:

• 7 Popsicle Sticks
• Washable Paint
• Silver Washi Tape
• Painter’s Tape
• Elmer’s Glue
• Black Marker
• Scissors
• Ribbon

Directions: Line up five Popsicle sticks evenly leaving space in between each stick, and use the painter’s tape to tape off a third of the sticks. Have your child paint the uncovered portion of the sticks yellow. Allow paint to dry, and then tape off the painted side of the sticks. (I used the same tape.) Have your child paint the other part of the sticks pink.

Using a pair of scissors (not kids scissors) cut two of the unpainted sticks in half. Lay the painted Popsicle sticks face down and use a paintbrush to apply glue to the edges of each stick forming the pencil. Stick the sticks together, and then glue two Popsicle Stick halves to the back of the pencil (for support). Tip – lay your project on parchment paper to dry so it doesn’t get stuck to your work surface. Next use the other two Popsicle Stick halves to form the pencil point, gluing the ends to the back of the pencil.

Once dry, have kids use a black marker to color in the pencil tip. Place a strip of silver washi tape along the edge where the yellow and pink paint meet. Finally glue a piece of ribbon to the back of the pencil to hang.

Popsicle sticks are one of my favorite materials to craft with because they are easy to work with and readily available. Need more sticks? Have a Popsicle!!! My kids think a treat that results in a craft project is pretty perfect. For more Popsicle-themed inspiration, check out the Rules for Being a Kid Guidebook. In addition to cute and humorous rules for being a kid, when you download the guidebook you will also find free printables and project ideas – including DIY mustaches on a Popsicle stick. Our Rules for Being a Kid — Always save your Popsicle sticks for crafting!  Have a happy school year!