DIY salvaged wood pencil & pen caddy
![hero-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest Pencil caddy made from salvaged wood, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/hero-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C1600&ssl=1)
I had a scrap 4×4 piece of wood sitting around and decided to put it to use. Drilling the holes in this desk caddy was a bit harder than it looks. This was my third try. It made me wish for a drill press. But, if you have a steady hand and a good eye, a standard drill will work.
I love that it echoes the shapes of the keys on the keyboard. I went with a sleek look, but you can paint or decoupage the caddy any way you want. Bonus: It makes a great bookend too.
How to make a salvaged wood pencil & pen caddy
SUPPLIES
TOOLS
INSTRUCTIONS
![DSCF4741-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest 4x4 piece of wood cut in four pieces, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSCF4741-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
1. First cut the 4×4 in 4-inch pieces. (You might need more than one in case you mess up). Thanks Rick for cutting the wood for me!
![DSCF4746-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest Measure and draw your pattern, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSCF4746-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
2. Use a ruler and pencil to draw a grid to guide you when drilling the holes. My holes are about ½ inch from the edge and ½ inch from each other.
![DSCF4744-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest Drill the holes, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSCF4744-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
3. Measure three inches on the drill bit, and mark it with a flag of painter’s tape. This will ensure that all your holes are the same depth. Drill each of the holes, making sure that the drill is exactly straight up. I used a ½-inch drill bit, but if your pencils and pens are fatter, use a larger drill bit.
![DSCF4751-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest Sand & fill knicks, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSCF4751-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
4. Sand all the sides smooth. Fill any nicks with wood filler, let dry, then sand smooth again. Remove dust with a tack cloth.
![DSCF4752-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest Apply primer, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSCF4752-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
5. Apply one coat of spray primer. (I used regular primer because it’s what I had on hand.) Let dry, then lightly sand. Remove dust with a tack cloth, and apply another coat of primer. Let dry.
![DSCF4754-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest Spray on the paint, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSCF4754-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
6. Apply three coats of spray paint, letting dry 15-20 minutes after each coat.
![DSCF4755-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest Stick on felt feet in the corners, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/DSCF4755-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
7. Stick felt feet on the bottom.
![feature-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest Pencil caddy made from salvaged wood, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/feature-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
8. Load it up with your favorite pens and pencils. Enjoy!
![pinterest-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest Crafty Nest salvaged wood pencil and pen caddy Pinterest image](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pinterest-salvaged-wood-pencil-pen-caddy-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1)
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Made this project? Email your photo(s) to monica (at) craftynest (dot) com, and I’ll share your version here!
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