Fright Pencils

The faster you roll the pencil back and forth the crazier
the hair will get

I have very fond memories of my church growing up.  My mother was very involved, and I mean VERY involved.   She was Sunday School Superintendent, President of the UMW, and she held a seat on the Administrative Board.  So, by default my brother and I were also very involved in church. 

I worked countless church dinners, from scrubbing celery when I was about four years old to serving and cooking as I became older.   I was also involved in making small things for the church bazaar, and that is what brought back the memory of Fright Pencils!

So what is a Fright Pencil?  It's a pencil with a little personality. It can either be very calm with every "hair" in place, or it can become frightened and its hair goes a little haywire.  I remember buying these when I was younger, taking them school, and showing all my friends. 

While unpacking my craft things, I discovered I had all the materials to make these for my boys.  They would be great for a party favor, or pass them out at school for a party.  With so many food allergies at schools, it can become very difficult to share edible treats.  Little items like Fright Pencils, make a nice alternative.

Here's what you need:

• Pencils
• Faux fur trim (about 1 1/2" to 2" in width)
• yarn or ribbon to decorate
• glue gun
• white glue
• scissors
• wiggly eyes

First gather your supplies and start by cutting the fur trim in to 2 1/4" lengths.  The fur will shed a bit when cutting, so gently remove loose fur.

OK the now look at the fur square, it will look like the fur is growing in one direction.  With the "fur growth" pointing upward, apply a small amount of hot glue on the pencil right below the metal band under the eraser.  Wrap the fur around the pencil and apply another dab of hot glue to secure.  Add a yarn bow with hot glue at the bottom of the fur, to look like a bow tie.

 

 

Smooth the fur in an upward direction.  Now with the white glue apply the wiggly eyes; allow to dry overnight.

 

 



Your Fright Pencils are complete.  To make their hair go crazy simply, roll the pencil quickly back and forth between the palms of your hands.  The fur with stick out, then simply smooth it upward again to return to it's calm state :)

I also thought without the eyes, they look like the trees from the Lorax, especially if you can find different color fur trims.  Enjoy!