Neat & Pretty: Simple Ways to Decorate Your Stationery Products

Remember last week’s Crafty Party post? Here’s a tutorial on how to make all the crafts we made with the girls of Cribs Foundation Inc. In this tutorial, you will learn how to make:

• Decorated pen and pencil - So it has a pattern you like.
• Paper clip bookmarks - An easy way to make as many bookmarks as you want.
• Envelope - To use as an organizer behind your notebook.

These crafts are very easy and fast to make. It’s suitable for kids 6-13 years old, but if you wish to make any of these crafts, you are always more than welcome to creatively and joyfully decorate beautiful stationery products. You will need:

1. Construction Paper - We suggest using thick wrapping or cardstock paper.
2. Pencil - Feel free to grab that old pencil on your desk.
3. Pen - It will be easier if it has a wider tube.
4. Paper Clips - Bigger clips are better, but small ones are okay too.
5. Washi Tapes - For decorating.
6. Wrapping / Patterned Paper - We will use this for the pen.
7. Envelope Template - You can download this as you scroll through this tutorial.

You will also need a notebook, scissors, and glue. Let’s start!



Decorated Pencil & Pen

Let’s begin with the decorated pencil. Choose a pattern of the washi tape that you want. Simply wrap your pencil with washi tape. You will want to start and finish at the pencil’s end by sticking the tape vertically, and not by twirling the tape around the pencil. This way, your pencil will still be easy to sharpen.

Next, the decorated pen. Grab your pen and wrapping paper. Cut the wrapping paper into a size that will fit your pen’s tube. It’s easier if you can choose a pen with a thicker tube. Now open your pen and wrap the ink tube with your paper and insert them together.

Paper Clip Bookmarks

We love this because you can make multiple bookmarks using clips and washi tape. Cut the washi tape that fits the width of your clip, insert it, and stick the tape together. You can also make a “V” cut at the end of the tape to make it look like a ribbon (or just tie a ribbon!)

Envelope

Download the template here. Simply follow the guide for cutting, scoring, and folding. Glue three flaps and leave one flap open. You can also decorate it with the same washi tape you used for your paper clip bookmarks so that it will have nice borders.

Stick the envelope at the back of your notebook. Now you have yourself an organizer to keep all your notes and knick-knacks.