Yes, you read that right.  You can make your own pencils out of paper!  When I saw this project the first thing I said was, “woah!”  Using pencil leads (look for the larger-diameter leads for mechanical or drafting pencils) and origami paper, Kimanh from Scissors Paper Wok made the coolest.pencils.ever.  You could also try paper-wrapping the refills for stick ink pens, or look for colored leads…  Or, if you were so inclined, you could even use this technique to fancy up your crayons!   [how to make paper pencils]

Project estimate:

  • Pencil leads, about $4
  • Paper, on hand or $1 and up
  • Mod Podge, on hand

Total:  about $4 and up