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Hedgehog Pencil Holder with DIY Build Tutorial

Ready to get your tool groove on? Today, going to show you how to make use of a basic tool – the jigsaw. My project: a super-cute hedgehog pencil holder.

If you missed the last challenge using only a common drill, you’ll want to stop by to see how to build this rack (with endless possibilities for variation). No cutting needed, just a few simple materials and a DIY attitude.

One Power Tool Challenge Using a Drill to Build a Coat / Towel Rack by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Today, I have a back-to-school project that is fun and functional. Meet my sweet little hedgehog pencil holder…

DIY Wooden Hedgehog Pencil Holder by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

She’s a cutie patootie, but also versatile too. With this basic shape, you could create a rainbow, a bear face, a car, a bumble bee….endless possibilities for this shape!

Create a DIY Hedgehog Pencil Holder with Basic Tools by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Let’s get started making our own hedgehog pencil holder.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Jigsaw
  • 1″ x 6″ pine board – at least 25″ long (they can cut it for you at Home Depot)
  • Drill
  • sandpaper (with or without sander)
  • 5/16″ and 1/4″ drill bits with pilot points
  • pencil
  • tape measure
  • brown spray paint
  • craft paint in: white, beige, black, dark brown
  • artist’s paint brushes
  • colored chalk (sidewalk chalk will do)
  • ¼” wooden dowel
  • wood glue
  • safety glasses
  • 6.25″ diameter circle (make it out of cardboard, use a plastic lid, etc)
  • clamps

STEP 1

Start with your tape measure and measure up 3″ from the long edge of your board and draw a guide line. (I was backwards and figured out my circle first then copied it)

Measuring for Pencil Holder | prodigalpieces.com

Set your lid up against the guide line and trace.

Tracing Shape of Hedgehog Pencil Holder | prodigalpieces.com

Do that three times to get three half circles.

STEP 2

Ideally, you would use a thick board and cut with a bandsaw, but that’s when we get our big kid panties on. hee hee. This method will do just fine.

Grab your safety glasses and jigsaw and get ready to cut. (I prefer a scrolling jigsaw, which enables you to do rounded cuts much easier and is versatile too)

I used my saw horses and a scrap board to clamp down my stenciled board. You want to make sure you clamp down your board because the saw will make it jump. Start at the edge and work slowly letting the saw cut – no need to rush it through. This will help keep your cuts from becoming beveled and uneven.

Using Jigsaw to Create Hedgehog Pencil Holder | prodigalpieces.com

After you’re done cutting them all, you’ll have your three half circles.

STEP 3

Now, we want to connect these three together, and in order to do that, we’re going to cut four ¾” long pieces of ¼” wooden dowel to be used as pegs. You can use a utility knife or hacksaw to cut the pieces. (be careful!)

Wood Dowel Plugs | prodigalpieces.com

The pegs will give the hedgehog pencil holder stability and also keep the pieces from spinning. You will mark on one of your half circles, two marks at 1″ and 2″ from top center. Drill about 5/8″ deep. * Use electrical tape to mark 5/8″ on your bit so you don’t go through your half circle. If you do, that’s okay. That’s what wood filler is for.

Marking Spots on DIY Hedgehog Holder | prodigalpieces.com

STEP 4

Once you’re done drilling, you will add a small amount of wood glue into the hole and onto one end of the dowel peg. Insert pegs into holes, tapping lightly with a hammer.

Gluing in Wood Pegs for DIY Hedgehog Holder | prodigalpieces.com

We need to make matching holes on our next piece, and instead of measuring and marking, I like to use chalk to coat the ends and then press the two half circles together to make matching marks.

Lining Up Hedgehog Pencil Holder Parts | prodigalpieces.com

This is how it should look when you line them up.

Gluing Parts of Pencil Holder | prodigalpieces.com

On this second half circle, you’re going to drill holes completely through the board. In between each board, also be sure to add glue to the board surface as well.

STEP 5

Once you’ve glued in your second set of pegs, you are going to repeat the process of chalking the pegs, and pressing them onto the third half circle. This time, you will want to use your taped drill bit as a depth guide to not go completely through.

No worries if all is not perfect. To be honest, I was flying like a bat out of you-know-where to get this done, and my cuts are lacking. That’s what sandpaper is for. hee hee.

After they’re all glued together, you will want to clamp them tightly. I bought my clamps for a couple of dollars each and they are wonderful to have. (psst…I bought these for my hubby, but we all know who they were really for – tsk). If you don’t have any, you could also use weights or tons of books. I let my pieces dry overnight.

*note: if you need to add wood putty to any imperfections, do so before clamping so it can dry at the same time.

STEP 6

Now they’ve dried and it’s time to sand. I used my orbital sander with a 150 grit sandpaper, but you can sand it down by hand too.

Sanding Hedgehog Pencil Holder Base | prodigalpieces.com

Ready to drill the pencil holes? I went to use my 5/16″ bit with a pilot point and it was absolutely dull, so I was forced to use my other 5/16″ bit. See the difference?

Two Different Style Drill Bits | prodigalpieces.com

The problem with the regular bit is that your drill will jump around when trying to enter a curved surface. I did not get the hole placements exactly how I wanted, but they work nonetheless. So, I highly suggest the drill bits with pilot points. I place hole marks starting 1″ from the end and 1″ apart.

To smooth everything out, I used my Dremel with sanding attachment to go inside the holes. You don’t have to do this, but it gives it a finished touch.

STEP 7

When you’re done sanding, give it a good cleaning and then we’re ready for the fun part…paint!! I used up some  brown paint for my base coat. The spray paint works great to get into the pencil holes.

Spray Painting Pencil Holder | prodigalpieces.com

After that, I use my hand-drawn graphic as a guide to my design.

Sketch of Hedgehog Pencil Holder | prodigalpieces.com

Start with the beige characteristics, then layer on the others. See pics as example. Hint: I use a piece of chalk to draw on my “rough draft” and then paint over it. It’s easy to fix any mistakes so you get the end prouduct you want.

Painting Hedgehog Face | prodigalpieces.com

Adding Hedgehog Spines | prodigalpieces.com

I continue the quivers onto the back and add a little naked tail. ♥

Adding Face Details on DIY Hedgehog Pencil Holder | prodigalpieces.com

Then, white quivers on the face, brown inside beige ears, around nose, and for eyebrows, and then accents of white on eyes and nose create dimension.

Cute DIY Hedgehog Pencil Holder Tutorial | prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

I’m so pleased with my little woodland creation. Girl Drawing with Hedgehog Pencil Holder by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

You can add embellishments like I did for a girlie version, dress it up…whatever you want. Have fun with it!

Boy Drawing Hedgehog Picture | prodigalpieces.com

Yes, my holes are a bit wonky, but I don’t mind. It adds character, right?

Top View Pencil Holder | prodigalpieces.com

I know your kids will love having a friend looking on while they work…wouldn’t you?

Back of Hedgehog Pencil Holder | prodigalpieces.com

My hedgehog pencil holder can be found in my shop, (SOLD) if you’d rather skip the DIY and get down to fun.

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

Homeschool Hedgehog Pencil Holder | prodigalpieces.com

I hope you’ve enjoyed this project and will give it a try. Please feel free to contact me with questions.

Additionally, pin and share to inspire others to give DIY a try.

You can build this whimsical pencil holder for back-to-school, homeschool, or fun using this step-by-step tutorial. You can even take the shape and make your own character too! by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

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Also, more tutorials, like my hedgehog pencil holder:

Build A Farmhouse Bench for Less than $20 - DIY Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpiecesDIY: Repurposed & Painted Sign Tutorial by Prodigal Pieces prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Comments

  1. Wendi @ H2OBungalow says

    Wow! This is SO MUCH FUN! I could use one too..Super tutorial too. Thanks so much for joining in the Power Tool Challenge thsi round:) XO-Wendi

    • Larissa says

      Yay! Yes, you should have one for when the grandkids come over, eh? Love the challenge and look forward to the next one!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Christy! I had fun and so did they. My little guy was even trying to draw the hedgehog. 😉

  2. Paula@SweetPea says

    What an adorable pencil holder! I love the hedgehog and I know your kids will enjoy having this on their desk to hold their pencils. Cute! Cute!

    • Larissa says

      Happy to hear it, Jeanie! You can do so many different designs, but for me it had to be a headgehog, so roly-poly. 😀

  3. Marie@The Interior Frugalista says

    How creative and adorable! Like you said in your post the possibilities are endless for how to decorate it. I’m thinking one of these with black and white polka dots would be fabulous in my office! Love love love it Larissa!

    • Larissa says

      I like the polka dots!! Make one and show me, k? Thanks for stopping by!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Serena! Anything to keep things in place is a bonus with me. 😀

  4. Sherry Fram says

    That is the cutest thing ever!! Love it!

  5. Tami @ Curb Alert says

    What a cute project that will definitely make back to schoolwork more fun. My daughter would absolutely love it!
    Well done!
    ~Tami

  6. Kaycee says

    what a great and fun project Larissa!!

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