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Bloom Pencil Bouquet Tutorial

So, here’s my teacher appreciation gift for this year.  If you follow Whipperberry, you might think I totally copied their version here.  And, really who could blame me if I had, right?  They always make great stuff!  But, no, this one I had done and finished before I even saw theirs- so how’s that for great minds thinking alike, right?
The kids’ teachers are always asking for classroom donations for things like pencils and glue, so this was a way to give them something they use/need and making it cute to boot!
Want to make your own pencil bouquet?  Look no further. 🙂

Pencil Bouquet Tutorial featured by top US sewing blog, Ameroonie Designs

First, the supplies.  You will need a container to hold the bouquet.  I used these metal buckets, but you could use a clay flower pot or other container.  Floral foam, paper, pencils, flower punches and thumb tacks.

Punch your flower shapes out of various pattern and colors of paper.  I used three different flower shapes, but you can do what you like. 🙂

Pencil Bouquet Tutorial featured by top US sewing blog, Ameroonie Designs

Put the floral foam in the bottom of the container.
Layer the flowers in a pleasing layout and poke a thumbtack through the center.
Push the thumb tack through the eraser of one pencil.
Repeat with the remaining flowers/ pencils.
Push the pencils into the floral foam to create your arrangement.  I did not sharpen my pencils first.

Pencil Bouquet Tutorial featured by top US sewing blog, Ameroonie Designs

Next I made a tag using my word processor.  The font is stinkerella/stinkzilla from www.kevinandamanda.com.  They have fantastic free fonts!
I used a plastic template I have to get the tag shape, but it would be fairly simple to just free hand one.  I used small flower punch outs for the ‘o’s in bloom. (just stating the obvious)

Pencil Bouquet Tutorial featured by top US sewing blog, Ameroonie Designs

I filled the bottom of the bucket with leftover Easter candy. (shhh…don’t tell)  You could use whatever you want, but I didn’t cover the foam with anything so using wrapped candy was a must for me.  If you want to use jellybeans or m&m’s or some other unwrapped candy, put some plastic wrap over the foam before you push in the pencils. (you’ll probably want to use sharp pencils if you do this.)

Pencil Bouquet Tutorial featured by top US sewing blog, Ameroonie Designs

You’re almost there!  They’re cute, but not quite finished.

Pencil Bouquet Tutorial featured by top US sewing blog, Ameroonie Designs

Tie a ribbon around the bucket, add your tag, and NOW you’re done with your pencil bouquet!!  See, doesn’t that make all the difference in the world?

Now go say thank you to a teacher- it’s the nice thing to do. 🙂
xoxo,
Amy

p.s. I LOVE how the girls at Whipperberry used ribbon on each pencil, so I’d probably add that to my pencil bouquet next time. 😉

Linked up to Whipperberry’s Friday Flair party.Party Button

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  • Gwen @ Gwenny Penny
    May 4, 2011 at 12:03 pm

    This is a great idea, Amy. When I taught, I went through 5-10 pencils a day. Kids always forget to bring something to write with… and these were eighth graders! I love how colorful they are, and I love that little pinwheel poking up in the back. Very cute!

  • Leanne
    May 4, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    Those are so cute. Your kids are going to love giving them to their teachers and I know the teachers will appreciate them. What a fun gift.

  • Lu
    May 4, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    These are SO cute! And great minds really DO think alike 🙂

  • Toqua's Crafts
    May 5, 2011 at 7:31 am

    GREAT idea!
    I have given you an award! Congratulations!
    http://toquascrafts.blogspot.com/2011/05/one-lovely-blog-award.html

  • Maria Matter
    May 6, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    this is a great idea…so colorful, bright & happy! love it!

  • heather {WhipperBerry}
    May 8, 2011 at 3:16 am

    oh my goodness, you're totally right. Twinners!! Well what can I say, great minds think alike!

    kisses
    heather

  • Squirrel
    October 10, 2011 at 1:48 am

    Thanks for the cute and affordable idea! Here is a link to my finished version:
    http://squirrellearnstoteach.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html

    Thanks again!