Hi crafters, it's Natalie from Doodlecraft sharing laser cut pen holders perfect for back-to-school organization.

It's back-to-school time! I've got a great stenciled sign ready for a classroom here.

Here's a glitter resin tumbler pen holder to check out.

And finally, here's some hand painted stickers you can make with the kids before heading back into the classroom full time.

This is the perfect time to organize fresh office supplies; markers, pencils and pens. 

Make a set of beautiful pen holders with a laser cutter and some laser cut pen holder templates.

My favorite part of back-to-school is the new school supplies. I love getting new markers and the latest gel pens.

I love having my office supplies organized and easy to access and pen holders are the best option for me.

If you are a teacher, these are great pen/marker/pencil holders for organizing table supplies for the classroom.

HOW TO MAKE LASER CUT PEN HOLDERS (DIY PENCIL HOLDER)

I'm showcasing three different pencil holders that are all different sizes based on the needs of your pen holding quantity.

I've got a large size holder that generously holds all my favorite markers, pens and brush pens.

I made a medium size pencil holder that holds all my favorite new gel pens--or a small box of colored pencils.

Of course, I wanted a little beach vibe with the Palm Tree single pen holder--which is great for an office counter for signing important notes...as long as the pen doesn't walk away.

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SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR LASER CUT PEN HOLDERS

• xTool S1 20W
• 3mm Basswood
• Acrylic Craft Paint
• Paint Pouncers or Sponges
• Paint Brush
• Paint Palette
• Paper Plate or Wax Paper
• Laser Cut Pen Holder Files
• Wood Glue
• Elastic Bands or Twine

I love getting laser cut files from Creative Fabrica, it's totally cost effective if you purchase for a month or a year. Searching for 'laser cut files' is the main reason I use them--tried and true template files.
If you don't want to subscribe, you can get 10 free laser or other files anyway. 

Here's the files I used:

• Palm Tree Single Pen Holder
• Small Patterned Pencil Holder
• Large Patterned Pencil Holder

Another place I love to get Laser cut files is Design Bundles. It has a free download section, including free dxf files and free vectors available.

A variety of file formats are accepted with xTool laser cutting projects, so the options are endless.

LASER CUTTING BASSWOOD

Begin by setting up the laser cutter and the basswood on the honeycomb riser. (check out this post for perfect alignment every time!)

Use the software and align the image on the work surface.
For xTool S1 20W, the basswood is set to cut at 100 power and 16 speed, with just one pass.

(For other laser machines, you will need to run some tests to ensure the right set up)

Then have the xTool cut out the basswood until you have the cute wooden box unfinished wood cutouts.

These are gorgeous and there's a variety of designs. They can be used as a decorative basket too!

I was able to cut out these 3 pen holder designs in about thirty minutes.

Take the unfinished wood shapes to a work surface that is ready to get messy with paint.

PAINT THE UNFINISHED WOOD CUTOUTS

Now it's time to paint the basswood.

Pick 5 colors that you like, this is the perfect combination of colors to make the pencil holders look almost holographic.

Dip the paint pouncers or sponges in the paint and dab them off on the paper plate or wax paper.

Then stamp the paint onto the laser cut wood pieces. This is the easiest way to paint laser cut wood without using spray paint.

Paint a section here and there with each color, overlapping the colors slightly as you paint.

Repeat the splotchy painting for all the sides of your pen holders. I love how the turquoise and the hot pink mix together to make purple!

Use the paintbrush to paint the fronds of the palm tree...or continue the same sponge painting technique for the palms to give it the same look.

Then set all the painted wood pieces to the side so they can dry completely.

GLUE THE WOOD PIECES TOGETHER

Use the wood glue to adhere the hinge pattern together. Place a small dot of glue on the indented part of the dove tail pattern.

Then assemble the laser cut boxes by gluing the sides on the wooden basket bottoms. Hold in place with the elastic bands or wrap them with twine and let them cure completely.

You've done it--you made a wooden desk organizer with a fantastic paint job!

Once the pencil holders are dry, they are ready to fill with pens, markers, colored pencils, wood pencils, mechanical pencils, scissors, rulers and all other kinds of school supplies.

You can make a wooden docking station, a business card holder, a wooden easel stand, a wooden clutch bag, a phone holder, a wooden bench or fun wooden learning toys to match.

There are single pen holders with a wooden animal head too, I love the owl one.

There's a variety of creative desk organizer files, so the options are endless.

Laser cut projects make great gifts, get things organized and are so fun to make!

Which of these pencil holders are you most likely to make?

Do you love the single pen holder palm tree the best?

Do you like the medium size pen holder?

I love the paint--it would make a great paint pattern for an Easter box or basket for the Easter bunny to fill with goodies too!

**Save this paint technique off for later**

Or is your favorite the large pen holder?

I love the decorative wall panels of this box, but there are a few other options so you can make one that is your style.

That's it!

Making laser cut decorative wood boxes for pen or pencil holders is the perfect back-to-school craft to get those new supplies organized. 

Laser cutting crafts are so much fun and make great handmade gifts. 

Learn how easy it is to make laser cut pen holders (or pencil holders) with the xTool S1 Laser cutting machine.

Paint them with vibrant acrylic paint that almost gives it a prismatic look. Perfect craft for back-to-school organization.

MORE LASER CUT CRAFTS

• Laser Cut Succulent Magnets
• Laser Cut Bookmarks
• Laser Engraved Candles

Don't forget to pin it!!