Upcycling is a wonderful thing! It prevents your old stuff from getting thrown away and it gives me more craft projects to work on. Everybody wins.

As you can see from the title, this pencil case is upcycled. A week or so ago I bought a new makeup brush and it came in that plastic holder. I figured I’d be able to use it for something, so I kept it. Turns out, it makes a pretty sweet travel case for my drawing pens and pencils.

I’ve been drawing for a very long time and have accumulated quite a few tools. A few months ago I made an organizer for all of them (image below). I have a small obsession. Don’t judge.

It’s great and I love it… when I’m at home. But when I’m traveling (I always take my sketchbook with me) I need something more compact. I can’t drag this thing all over creation.

I decided to use the makeup brush holder as a pencil case. But it needed some flare. Some Duck Tape. It’s cute, durable and quick. Perfect.

Want to make one? Keep reading!

Pencil Case Materials

• Scissors
• Duck Tape
• Makeup brush holder

Step 1: cover the flap and strip with Duck Tape

I know it’s hard to see in the first picture because the material is clear, but I lifted the flap of the brush holder and stuck the Duck Tape to the back of it.

Then, fold it over the other side.

Cut off the excess tape.

Do the same thing with the strip across the case that the flap folds under to close the case.

Step 2: tape the remainder of the case

Pull out a nice long strip of Duck Tape and stick it to the back of the case. Try to get it as straight as you can. I have no secrets for success here. You really just have to eyeball it.

Then, fold it around the front and under the strip.

Look at that! A travel pen/pencil case with some flare. It fits about 4 regular sized pens (the ones pictured above are pretty skinny). That’s plenty for me. I love it and I will use it every time I travel.

Let me know what you think! Leave your thoughts in the comments. I look forward to hearing from you.

Happy 4th to my American followers!