Upcycled Rainbow Handbag With Colored-Pencil

I enjoy upcycling everyday materials into something more interesting and useful. Last summer I worked with colored pencils (https://www.instructables.com/Upcycled-Colored-Pencil-Decorative-Basket/), and recently I came across a bamboo handbag that inspired me. I thought it would be a fun experiment to recreate it using colored pencils. Here’s my working journal—feel free to create your own variations and make it even more fun!

Material

1. colored pencils
2. jewelry cord/craft string
3. 1/2 wooden rod (for handle)
4. masking tape
5. sandpaper

Tools

1. chainsaw & workbench for cutting wood
2. hand saw
3. drill
4. sand paper

I started by sorting the colored pencils into two rainbow sets—one set for the front of the bag and one set for the back. The white, gray, and black pencils were saved for the bottom.

To build each side, we needed an arch shape made from pencils cut into three lengths: short, medium, and long. Each arch has 7 sections arranged medium–short–long–short–medium–short.

After some trial and error, we found that 10 cm for the short pieces, 12.7 cm for the medium, and 15 cm for the long gave us a nice arch, with each section covering just over 25 degrees.

Label the pencils by cut length using different colors, then assign group numbers 1–7 for the front side and 8–14 for the back side.

Cut pencils into different lengths as designed.

For each of the short pencils, we drill two holes near each end.

For each of the medium pencils, we drill three holes, two near each end and one align with the hole on the short ones as shown.

For each of the long pencils, we also drill three holes, one near one end, and the other two holes align to the end hold on short and medium ones.

It’s critical that all holes align properly, so we built a simple drilling jig. To make it, we secured one long wooden stick along one side of the pencil to be drilled, and several shorter sticks along the opposite side for stability and access. Reference marks on the sticks ensure that both end holes are drilled at the same positions. The two side sticks also prevent the round pencil from slipping, and the markings guide us to drill in the exact location.

Another challenge is that pencils can rotate while drilling, causing the holes to face different directions. To solve this, we made a small metal half-hoop from a nail. After drilling one end of the first pencil near the edge of baseboard, we turn the pencil so the un-drilled end sits at the edge of the baseboard. We then drill a deeper pilot hole through the existing end hole into the baseboard, which leaves an anchor point. Next, we secure the pencil by inserting the half-hoop nail through the pencil hole into this anchor. This prevents the pencil from rolling so the second hole can be drilled in perfect alignment with the first.

Sand as needed.

Thread six jewelry cords through the pencils as shown, but do not tighten them until all cords are in place.

Tip: Attach a bead to the end of each cord during this step to prevent slipping.

Once all six cords are threaded, carefully lift and secure the ends so the front and back sides form arches as shown.

Add additional pencils along the top of the arch if desired (and if you have extras).

Cut two wooden rods to match the length of the top edge. Mark the positions for six holes on each rod and drill accordingly.

(Optional) Stain the rods to finish the handles.

Thread the cords through the holes, tighten securely, and trim any excess.

Now that the handbag is complete, we're left with a collection of pencil tips—perfect for a small decorative accessory.

3D-print the attached files to create the outer shell.

Form a small ball using air-dry clay and thread it together with the printed shell. Secure the assembly.

Attach and glue the pencil tips around the surface—and you’ll have a pencil charm!