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Apple Pencil Holder

Whether you make it for your teacher or to hold pencils in your study room, this paper mache apple pencil holder is sure to bring a smile to your face every time you see it!

This is also a good "Welcome to School" gift for an older sibling to give to a younger child!

 apple pencil holder

Materials:

bulletballoon
bulletpaper mache paste 
bulletstrips of newspaper
bulletstrips of white paper (3 sheets or so of old computer paper works well)
bulletred tempra/poster paint (or red tissue paper or red napkins)
bulletgreen felt or green construction paper

Instructions:

bulletprepare your paper mache paste (read my "How to Paper Mache" section if you don't know how this is done.
  
bulletBlow up the balloon ALL THE WAY and then let all the air out
bulletnow blow up the balloon a little bit (until it has about a 5 inch diameter) and tie it
bulletblowing it up all the way and letting the air out first, will make the apple more round.

 
bulletCover with 2 to 4 layers of newspaper paper mache and let it dry. 
bulletAbout 24 hours to dry unless you leave it somewhere sunny and warm
bulletdon't cover the tied part (this will be the hole for the pencils.
  
bulletCover with 2 to 4 layers of white computer paper (it's much easier to paint over than newspaper!) and let dry
 
bulletReach through the hole with a sharp pin and pop the balloon. 
bulletIf you can, pull out the balloon bits
  
bulletIF NECESSARY:  Take a fairly damp cloth and widen the hole (for the pencils) to the desired size (you can see from the photo above how large we made our hole).  The damp cloth will soften the mache so you can work with it.  Be patient and let it soften!

 
 
bulletCrush the bottom of the apple so that it stands without help.  You won't be able to crush it when it's all dry, so use a damp cloth (or set the apple on a damp paper towel for about 15 minutes) to soften the mache.  Then push gently to make a flat surface on the bottom.
  
bulletPaint the apple red.  If you covered with white computer paper, this should only take one coat.
bulletIf you're using tissue paper or napkins, tear into small pieces and paper mache them onto the apple in a final layer to turn it red.
bulletLet dry
  
bulletOPTIONAL:  Give the apple a coat or two of spray varnish (I always have a can of this around for projects the girls are especially proud of, to waterproof them and ensure they last longer)
  
bulletCut two simple leaf shapes from green felt or construction paper and glue to the top of the apple.
  
bulletAdd a couple of sharp new pencils and present to your teacher (or to a child who is just starting school).

apple pencil holder