DIY Paper Roll Pencil Organizer: Easy Recycling Craft Project

Declutter your desk sustainably and create a charming and practical paper roll pencil organizer using items you likely already have around the house: toilet paper rolls and kitchen towel rolls! This paper roll pencil organizer is the perfect DIY project for eco-conscious crafters, kids, students, and anyone who loves turning trash into treasure.

Why Make a Paper Roll Pencil Organizer?

Recycling toilet paper rolls and paper towel tubes not only reduces waste but also sparks creativity. This pencil holder idea uses tubes of varying heights to store everything from pencils and pens to paintbrushes and markers. With a decorative twist using scrapbook paper and sleek black interiors, the result is stylish, functional, and sustainable.

This project is great for back to school supplies organizer and home offices. Students can keep it in their lockers or on school desk when working. It’s also a great school project for teaching kids to recycle. A sustainable and stylish organizing solution for art studios and craft rooms.

Paper roll pencil organizer

Paper roll pencil organizer tutorial:

Materials Needed:

• Empty toilet paper rolls (at least 4-5) or Empty kitchen towel rolls (1-2)
• A piece of sturdy cardboard (an old cereal box or shipping box works great!)
• Scrapbook decorative papers of your choice
• Black acrylic paint and Foam brush
• Mod Podge or a hot glue gun (with adult supervision if needed)
• Scissors
• X-acto knife and self-healing mat
• Pencil and Ruler

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Paper Rolls

Decide on the different heights you want for your organizer. Use your x-acto knife to cut some of the toilet paper rolls and the kitchen towel rolls to various lengths. This will create visual interest and help you organize different types of stationery.

Make sure none is taller than the pencils or the pens. The tallest one in my design is for keeping the paint brushes.

Empty paper rolls

Empty paper rolls organizer

2. Paint the Insides of Tubes

Paint the inside of the tissue rolls with acrylic paints using foam brush or paintbrush. I painted it black, you can paint it any color you like. This gives a clean and polished look to your organizer. Let the paint dry completely.

3. Choose and Cut Scrapbook Paper

Choose your favorite scrapbook papers—floral, geometric, or minimalist—and cut pieces to fit around the outside of each roll. Use glue to adhere the paper smoothly. Mix and match patterns for a fun look or stick to a single theme for a cohesive feel.

Now for the fun part! Measure the height and circumference of each paper roll tube. Cut pieces of your chosen scrapbook decorative papers to fit.

The simplest way to do this is by first rolling the paper over the tissue roll. Next mark the length and width of the roll. Once you have marked all the papers, it is easy to cut them to the right sizes. Make sure you leave some excess just in case, more is better than less.

Scrapbook paper to decorate tubes

4. Wrap the Outside with Scrapbook Paper

Apply mod podge to the outside of each tube and carefully wrap it with the decorative paper. Smooth out any wrinkles with a foam brush. Next cover the paper with Mod Podge to seal it. Let it dry.

Wrap the outside of paper rolls

5. Join the Paper Rolls

Use mod podge to join the tubes together by holding them together as shown in the picture.

Join the paper rolls

6. Attach the Paper Rolls to the Base

Place your prepared paper roll tubes on the cardboard and trace around the outer edges of all the tubes to determine the size and shape of your base. Cut out the cardboard base and paint it black.

Apply mod podge to the bottom of each paper roll tube and carefully attach it to your cardboard base. Place acceptable book weight on top to ensure they adhere well. Let the glue dry completely.

Glue the base

You will need some paint touches on the edges.

Glue and cut alternatively

Once all the glue is dry, your paper roll pencil organizer is ready to use! Fill it with your pens, pencils, markers, or even paintbrushes. Enjoy your newly decluttered and stylish desk.

Paper roll pencil organizer

Tips and Variations:

You can design it anyway you want, here are some options:

• Get creative with your scrapbook decorative papers! Mix and match patterns and colors.
• Add embellishments like buttons, ribbons, or stickers for an extra personal touch.
• This organizer isn’t just for pencils! Use it for paintbrushes, small craft supplies, or even makeup brushes.
• Add a ribbon or lace trim around the base.
• Use metallic scrapbook paper for a glam look.

Paper roll organizer

Say goodbye to desk clutter and hello to sustainable style. Our paper roll pencil organizer, crafted from recycled toilet paper rolls and kitchen towel rolls, and adorned with beautiful scrapbook decorative papers, is the perfect addition to any organized and eco-conscious workspace. The thoughtful touch of the black painted inside elevates its look and feel.

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