You have probably come across the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle”, a mantra for environmentally aware individuals. But have you ever thought about how it could apply to a daily item as simple as a writing tool? Crafting your handmade eco-friendly pens and pencils can be an exciting, fun project. This not only aligns with your sustainability efforts but also reduces the amount of plastic waste generated and introduces a personal touch to everyday stationery. Let’s get started.
Materials needed for Eco-friendly Pens and Pencils
Here is a list of items you will need to craft your eco-friendly pens and pencils:
- Newspaper
- Lead refills for pencils or pen refills for the pens
- Wheat glue or any natural adhesive
- Craft knife
- Watercolors or natural dyes for decoration (optional)
Crafting the Eco-friendly Pencil
Step 1: Preparing the Newspaper
Take a single sheet of newspaper and cut it into half along its length. The remaining piece will be the future body of your pencil.
Step 2: Positioning the Lead Refill
Place your lead refill 1 cm from the top edge of the paper, leaving enough lead hanging out from the paper’s narrow end (at least 1 cm to ensure easy sharpening later).
Step 3: Rolling the Pencil
Start rolling the paper tightly around the lead. The key here is to make sure that the lead stays centered in the roll. To do this, you might have to adjust the way you roll it as you progress.
Step 4: Applying Adhesive
When you reach the end of your paper, use wheat glue or any natural adhesive you have, to secure the paper. Ensure all the paper layers are glued together to make the pencil solid and prevent it from unravelling.
Step 5: Drying Process
Let your new pencil dry for about 24 hours.
Step 6: Adding Color
Once your pencil is dry, you can use watercolors or natural dyes to add some color and decorate it as you please. Now, the sharpenable, eco-friendly pencil is ready for use.
Crafting the Eco-friendly Pen
Step 1: Empty Pen Assembly
Get hold of an empty pen. This can be one from a previous use whose ink has presumably dried up or finished. Keep the spring and refillable ink cartridge but discard any non-essential plastic components.
Step 2: Preparation of the Paper Body
Similar to the pencil, cut a piece of newspaper that will provide the new body for the pen. The size may vary depending on the size of the original pen body.
Step 3: Positioning the Ink Cartridge
Place the pen’s ink refill onto the edge of the paper, leaving a segment of it exposed on the narrow side for the writing point.
Step 4: Rolling the Pen Body
Roll the paper around the ink refill, making sure not to shift the ink refill off-center.
Step 5: Applying Adhesive
Use your wheat glue or natural adhesive at the end once you finish rolling to the edge of the paper. Make sure to cover all the paper seams to prevent them from unwinding.
Step 6: Drying Process
Allow the pen to dry for 24 hours or until completely hardened.
Step 7: Insertion of the Spring & Button
On the wider end of the pen, insert the spring and the push button to allow for the retraction of the refillable ink cartridge.
Green crafting has never been more stylish or straightforward with these eco-friendly pen and pencil initiatives. Nonetheless, remember that crafting these products also requires great care. Knives, the rolling process, and the use of adhesives could be hazardous if not handled correctly.
Creating your eco-friendly pens and pencils not only quenches your DIY thirst but contributes towards reducing environmental footprint. At the same time, they are cost-efficient alternatives to standard pencils or pens. Each pen or pencil becomes a direct reflection of your environmental commitment and creativity, demonstrating that sustainability and style can indeed go hand in hand. Do your bit for the planet while carrying a piece of personal art; it’s a win-win!
This DIY is a perfect weekend activity for both children and adults. Involve your kids – under supervision – to create these eco-friendly pencils or pens. It’s an exceptional method to instill in them a love for the environment and sustainability, besides experimenting with their creativity. Begin making your eco-friendly pens and pencils today and make your writing even more personal and green!
