Make a Pen Stand - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Make a Pen Stand

Make a sturdy, decorated pen stand from recycled cardboard or a plastic cup; measure, cut, glue, and personalize to organize pencils and pens.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a pen stand

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DIY pen stand|How to make pen stand with paper|DIY school supplies|Easy school craft

What you need

Recycled cardboard tube or plastic cup, ruler, pencil, scissors, glue or tape, scrap cardboard or bottle cap for a base, colouring materials markers paints or stickers, adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather all the materials listed and bring them to a clean flat workspace.

Step 2

Pick whether you will make your pen stand from the plastic cup or the recycled cardboard tube.

Step 3

Use the ruler and pencil to mark the height you want your pen stand on the cup or tube by drawing a straight line around it.

Step 4

Carefully cut along the pencil line to trim the cup or tube to the height you marked.

Step 5

If your chosen container has no bottom place the open end on the scrap cardboard and trace around it to draw a circle the same size as the bottom.

Step 6

Cut out the cardboard circle carefully following the pencil line.

Step 7

Glue or tape the cardboard circle to the bottom of the tube or cup so it makes a closed base and press until it feels secure.

Step 8

Reinforce the join where the base meets the sides with extra glue or tape for extra strength.

Step 9

Decorate the outside of your pen stand with markers paints stickers or any decorating materials you chose.

Step 10

Let any glue or paint dry completely before using the pen stand.

Step 11

Put your pencils pens and markers into the pen stand and check that it stands steady on a table.

Step 12

Take a photo and share your finished pen stand on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a plastic cup, recycled cardboard tube, or scrap cardboard?

Use a clean yogurt cup or small tin can in place of the plastic cup or cardboard tube and cut a bottom circle from a cereal box or cardboard packaging instead of scrap cardboard when you 'trace around it' and 'cut out the cardboard circle'.

My pen stand wobbles or the bottom keeps coming off—how do I fix it?

Follow the instructions to 'press until it feels secure' and 'reinforce the join' by holding the glued or taped cardboard circle firmly while it dries and adding extra glue, tape, or a ring of hot glue around the seam so the pen stand stands steady on a table.

How should we change the steps for different ages of kids?

For toddlers (3–5) have an adult pre-cut the cup/tube and attach the base while the child decorates with markers and stickers, for ages 6–9 let them measure with the ruler and cut with safety scissors with supervision, and for 10+ let them use a craft knife with adult help and add precise painted decorations or multiple compartments.

What are simple ways to make the pen stand more useful or special after decorating?

After you 'decorate the outside' and let glue or paint dry, add cardboard dividers for compartments, line the bottom with felt for steadiness, and seal painted areas with clear tape or varnish before putting in pencils and taking a photo to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make a pen stand

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Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

DIY strong pen stand|How to make pen stand with paper|No glue paper craft|Sturdy paper pen holder

4 Videos

Facts about recycled crafts for kids

♻️ Cardboard fibers can be recycled about 5–7 times before they get too short to be reused.

📦 Corrugated cardboard gets most of its strength from the wavy "fluting" layer sandwiched between flat liners.

🥤 Many disposable plastic cups can take hundreds of years to break down in landfill, so reusing them helps cut waste.

✂️ A standard pencil is about 19 cm (7.5 in) long—use that as a quick measuring guide when planning pen stand height.

🧰 White school glue (PVA) dries clear and is ideal for cardboard; hot glue bonds plastic cups faster for sturdy builds.

How do I make a sturdy pen stand from recycled cardboard or a plastic cup?

To make a sturdy pen stand, start by choosing a recycled cardboard tube, small cardboard box, or a cleaned plastic cup. Measure the height and diameter you want, mark cutting lines, and cut carefully with scissors or a craft knife (adult help for sharp tools). Reinforce seams with tape or glue, add a flat cardboard base glued inside, and decorate with paint, paper, stickers, or ribbons. Let glue and paint dry completely before use.

What materials do I need to make a recycled pen stand?

You'll need recycled cardboard or a rinsed plastic cup, ruler, pencil, scissors or craft knife, strong glue (PVA or hot glue), clear tape, a piece of stiff cardboard for a base, and basic decorating supplies like paint, markers, patterned paper, stickers, and ribbons. Optional items: sandpaper, hole punch, elastic bands, washi tape, and a cutting mat. Replace sharp tools with child-safe scissors for younger kids.

What ages is this pen stand activity suitable for?

This project suits toddlers through teens with supervision scaled to age. Ages 3–5 enjoy choosing colors and stick-on decorations with close adult help for cutting and gluing. Ages 6–9 can measure, cut (with guidance), and assemble more independently. Ages 10+ can plan custom shapes, use sharper tools safely, and add compartments or upcycled details. Always supervise any cutting, hot glue, or small decorations to prevent injuries or choking.

What are the benefits of making a recycled pen stand?

Making a recycled pen stand builds creativity, fine motor skills, and basic measuring and cutting abilities. It teaches problem-solving, planning, and resourcefulness by reusing materials. Kids gain pride organizing their workspace and learn routines that support good study habits. The project also introduces safe tool use and teamwork when adults help. For added learning, discuss measurements, shapes, and decorating choices to practice math vocabulary and design thinking.

Ready to create?

All Activities

Make a Pen Stand

Make a sturdy, decorated pen stand from recycled cardboard or a plastic cup; measure, cut, glue, and personalize to organize pencils and pens.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a pen stand

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

DIY pen stand|How to make pen stand with paper|DIY school supplies|Easy school craft

What you need

Recycled cardboard tube or plastic cup, ruler, pencil, scissors, glue or tape, scrap cardboard or bottle cap for a base, colouring materials markers paints or stickers, adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather all the materials listed and bring them to a clean flat workspace.

Step 2

Pick whether you will make your pen stand from the plastic cup or the recycled cardboard tube.

Step 3

Use the ruler and pencil to mark the height you want your pen stand on the cup or tube by drawing a straight line around it.

Step 4

Carefully cut along the pencil line to trim the cup or tube to the height you marked.

Step 5

If your chosen container has no bottom place the open end on the scrap cardboard and trace around it to draw a circle the same size as the bottom.

Step 6

Cut out the cardboard circle carefully following the pencil line.

Step 7

Glue or tape the cardboard circle to the bottom of the tube or cup so it makes a closed base and press until it feels secure.

Step 8

Reinforce the join where the base meets the sides with extra glue or tape for extra strength.

Step 9

Decorate the outside of your pen stand with markers paints stickers or any decorating materials you chose.

Step 10

Let any glue or paint dry completely before using the pen stand.

Step 11

Put your pencils pens and markers into the pen stand and check that it stands steady on a table.

Step 12

Take a photo and share your finished pen stand on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a plastic cup, recycled cardboard tube, or scrap cardboard?

My pen stand wobbles or the bottom keeps coming off—how do I fix it?

How should we change the steps for different ages of kids?

What are simple ways to make the pen stand more useful or special after decorating?

Watch videos on how to make a pen stand

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

DIY strong pen stand|How to make pen stand with paper|No glue paper craft|Sturdy paper pen holder

4 Videos

Facts about recycled crafts for kids

♻️ Cardboard fibers can be recycled about 5–7 times before they get too short to be reused.

📦 Corrugated cardboard gets most of its strength from the wavy "fluting" layer sandwiched between flat liners.

🥤 Many disposable plastic cups can take hundreds of years to break down in landfill, so reusing them helps cut waste.

✂️ A standard pencil is about 19 cm (7.5 in) long—use that as a quick measuring guide when planning pen stand height.

🧰 White school glue (PVA) dries clear and is ideal for cardboard; hot glue bonds plastic cups faster for sturdy builds.