DIY $1 Pen Storage / Pencil Storage

Written instructions to create a DIY Pen or Pencil Storage Unit.

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DIY $1 pen storage or pencil storage. Create storage for as many pens or pencils as you want. This tutorial will demonstrate how I created my pen storage with a $1 SVG box template, scrap cardboard from cereal boxes (frozen pizza boxes, mac and cheese boxes, any cardboard box that will accept adhesive), glue and paper.

I love craft supplies! I think I love collecting craft supplies more than I use them. It’s just so hard to pass up a good deal. 😉 I also love to organize! The two combined create a lot of “projects” for me to organize all my craft supplies. I am going to start a new series of blog posts showing different ways to create cheap storage with scrap cardboard. I hope you will find these useful and enjoy creating an organized craft room.

What to consider:

Collect cardboard boxes from anything you can. Try not to use cardboard that is excessively shiny, as glue tends to become unstuck.
Figure out what height “box” you need for your pen or pencil size.

1/2x1/2 SVG Box Set or SVG .5x.5 Box Set - SVG 1/2x1/2x3 Box Base, 1/2x1/2x4 SVG Box Base, SVG 1/2x1/2x5 Box Base, and 1/2x1/2x6 SVG Box Base pictured.

Decide if you want to create a custom size storage system or place the pen storage boxes inside of a larger box.

DIY - Pen / Pencil storage inside 7x3x6 SVG Box.

Assemble SVG Boxes

Purchase your desired template height.
I used the SVG 1/2×1/2×4 Box Base for this pen and pencil storage.
The 3/4×3/4 SVG Boxes were used in the DIY Marker Storage Set.

Cut out your template using your favorite cutting machine.

OPTIONAL: Cut off the bottom of the template.
I have now included an option for a BOTTOMLESS box on the product pages to help save you time and skip this step.
Keeping the bottom is a good idea if you are making pen / pencil storage without placing the little boxes inside of a larger box. Otherwise, making the smaller SVG box without the bottom will save you time, adhesive and cardboard.

Place glue or two sided tape along the side tab.
If you are keeping the bottom of the SVG Box follow the instructions included with the download for the bottom.
Optional: placing clips or a weight on the box while it dries will give you a tighter seal. Especially if you do not have time to do this all in one day.

Assemble as many pencil storage boxes as you think you will need.
Glue the boxes side by side to start creating rows.
Optional: Clipping the boxes together while they dry will help to reduce the gaps if you do not have the time to assemble everything inside of another box all at once.
If you do not have clips, you can sandwich them between the wall and something heavy. If they start to bow upward, place a weight on top.

Option 1: Assemble the Pencil / Pen Storage System Inside An Existing Box

Create as many rows as you think you will need.
Line up the rows inside of your larger box to see if you will need to add extra “padding.”
Decide if you would like to add padding just around the sides or in between the rows.
(This will depend on your preference for looks and the sturdiness of your cardboard for the paint boxes.)
Then cut the “filler” pieces and glue everything in place.

You can also add other SVG box templates if you would like to combine pens, pencils and markers.
For the Pen Storage I used 1/2×1/2 SVG boxes.
For Marker Storage I use 3/4×3/4 SVG boxes.

Option 2: Create a Custom Size Pen / Pencil Storage Unit

Glue together as many rows as you need.
Optional: Clip or weight down the rows, so the edges are tighter.

Measure the sides and glue on support panels

Measure the back
Place glue on the entire support piece to allow more surface to stick.
Place a weight on the support panel until it dries.

Make sure to cover the top, bottom, sides and back with support panels. This will also give you a smooth surface to cover with decorative paper.
Optional: Paint the front edges to match your decorative paper.
You can paint the edges prior to adding your decorative paper or after adding the paper and then creating a “smudge look” like it did in the picture below.