A DIY tutorial to make a crayon holder. Build this simple yet functional crayon holder for anyone who loves to color. A super easy gift idea.
Ana made the most simple plans for this crayon holder.  It’s just 2 cuts and lots of holes.  I’m guessing you probably already have some 1×3 scraps lying around for this build.
I opted to add the word ‘crayons’ on front in rainbow paint colors. Â But of course you could personalize this crayon holder with the child’s name too. Â And let’s not forger all those adults who love coloring too! Â Heck this is a great gift for any age.
In place of the bottom board I simply glued the crayon holder onto a 3/4″ piece of plywood. Â My plywood is cut at 9 1/2″ x 15″ in order to accommodate a 9″ x 12″ pad of paper.
You could make this portable lap tray any size to fit your paper pad and I guarantee kids will love taking their portable lap tray in the car everywhere they go.
How to build a crayon holder:
Step 1:Â Follow Ana’s plans and cut your lumber.
Step 2: Glue and clamp 2 boards together. Â Be sure to wipe away any excess glue.
Next print out the crayon holder template which is a guide to make the holes. Â Click here for free printable template.
Step 1: Â Take the paper template and fold it in half then punch out the holes:
Step 2: Line up template on the wood piece and mark holes with a pencil:
Clamp the board to your workbench and be sure there is a scrap board underneath:
Use a 3/8″ drill bit – this fits crayons, pencils and skinny markers:
I added a piece of tape on the drill bit to mark the depth. Â Just deep enough to go through two board but not the scrap piece underneath.
Now glue on the last board (the one with no holes).
And clamp:
Sand smooth.
Print out the lettering, I used Verdana font at 130 point.
Line up the lettering over wood and using a ballpoint pen trace letters.
The pressure of the pen will leave an indent in the wood:
 Paint on and inside the indent.
Fill with crayons and you’re ready to wrap up and give.
Thanks Ana for working with me on this Handmade Holiday series. I now have a full arsenal of hand built gifts to give thanks to your free plans.
MUITO BOA ESSA IDÉIA JAME,EU ADORAR.UM FELIZ NATAL PARA VOCÊ E SUA FAMILIA.BEIJO.VALÉRIA.(BRASIL).
Well this is just fabulous! So glad I stopped by from the DIY Show Off party to check it out. Pinning now!
– Tasha @ Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's Body {www.designertrapped.com}
Wow, this is genius! I love to see colouring pens or pencils all lined up just asking to be used, they look so tempting! and the lap tray bit is just brilliant.
Did I miss something? The instructions say it will hold 32 crayons, but I only counted 29 crayon holes. Where do the other three crayons go?
I love this,, I wish I had seen this earlier. Im saving to make for birthday gifts and happies for Christmas this year. Thanks for sharing.
Has anyone made a printable template?
Great idea Steve, I will update the post with a template soon.
Did a printable template ever get added to the post? Thanks!
Hi Kerri, It is your lucky day. I had a few minutes to put together the template and I have added it to the tutorial above. The free printable crayon holder template is here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PvLlZvhT7w5BumMsGF65CxeoiuXws4D9/view?usp=sharing
Wow! What service! Thanks so much!! Excited to make this for my 2 nieces!