When measuring out the length of your pencil, make sure that one end of the lead is flat against one edge of the paper. Measure out the length using the other end. Origami paper works best, since it’s pretty and easy to manipulate. Newspaper or other waste paper is harder to wrap round the pencil, but friendlier to the environment. [1] X Research source In terms of hardness, make sure that your pencil lead is HB. A lead that is 2B or above might be too soft and could snap as you work with it. You can use standard graphite leads or colored graphite leads.
Temporarily set the lead aside as you apply the adhesive. You can use glossy or matte Mod Podge; either option is appropriate. If you cannot find Mod Podge, look for any combination glue/sealer in your craft store. The adhesive will ensure that the lead sticks to your paper as you work with it. It also makes the paper more flexible, and as a result, the paper will be easier to roll.
If the lead has a blunt end and a pointed end, line up the blunt end of the lead with the straight edge of the paper.
The lead must be tight and secure. Using your thumbnail, carefully press along the length of the wrapped lead from the top, forcing it further into the fold of the paper and flattening the paper flap in the process. Use your paintbrush to coat the decorative side of the paper flap with Mod Podge or white glue after it has been secured in place.
Apply a firm amount of pressure as you roll the lead. You need to make sure that there are no gaps in between each layer of paper. Be careful, however, since applying too much pressure can cause the lead to snap. Keep the lead as straight as possible as you roll it up. Let the wrapped lead pencil dry before continuing past this step. The drying process can take an hour or so, but you can help speed things up by letting it dry in the sun.
You might be able to use a standard handheld pencil sharpener instead of the craft knife as long as the sharpener has a sharp blade and the pencil has sturdy, gap-free layers. Apply light pressure to avoid snapping the lead in the process.
You can get creative by looking for a twig with an interesting color pattern or texture. Avoid selecting any piece of wood that could give you a splinter.
Take this time to examine the interior of your twig. If you see bugs or holes from pest damage, discard it and find a new one.
Situate the twig so that the cut end hangs slightly over the edge of your work station. This will be the writing end of your pencil.
You can use a sharp nail tip instead of a scratch awl. This indentation will become the starting point for your drill bit.
Pull the drill bit out occasionally as you work, to clear away wood chips from the flutes or grooves. If these wood chips appear stuck in the drill bit, stop the drill and quickly scrub the sides of the bit with an old toothbrush or similar utensil.
Make sure that the lead is coated all the way around its perimeter. The glue will help hold your pencil lead in place when you insert it into the twig. You only need to coat a length of lead equal to the depth of your hole.
Work carefully to avoid snapping the lead. Keep going until you have pushed the lead completely inside the hole. Do not leave part of the hole vacant.
Allow the glue to dry for several hours or overnight before continuing.
For safety purposes, move the knife in short strokes and work away from your body. Gradually remove thin shavings of wood until your pencil is sharp enough to write with.
Colored pencils are made with wax, pigment, and clay instead, with no graphite involved. [7] X Research source
China clay gets its name from the first people to use it for pottery. For centuries, only Chinese craftsmen knew which clay to use, and how to turn it into porcelain. It’s a little less mysterious now that it’s used to doodle on math homework.
If you see short or thin pencils for sale, the wood they came from probably had a defect. The mill cuts off the weak or damaged areas and tries to use the rest for these “weird” pencils or other purposes. The wood may also be waxed and stained to make the color uniform, and to make the pencils easier to sharpen. [12] X Research source
