Wake Up & Be Awesome Pen Holder

This post is sponsored by Mod Podge and Plaid.

I'll be honest: my office desk is a mess. Ever since I broke my leg, we've had to shift my computer/office equipment around and everything is just out of order. Papers are all over the place, stacks of unfinished projects, and I can never find a pen when I need it (and more than enough when I don't). I've had enough! So thanks to a little Mod Podge and some creativity, I think I've gotten off to a good start.

In my efforts to try and get things organized, I decided to start by making a pen holder that is both functional and something I'd love to look at every day. A pen holder might seem like such a small thing, but when it comes to organization, every little bit counts. Having a designated place for everything will help you stay organized in the future.

Supplies:
2x4 block, cut to about 6" long
Mod Podge Sheer Purple
Vinyl (any color)
Mod Podge Spouncers
White Acrylic Paint
Sandpaper
Drill & 3/8-1/2" drill bit

I love Mod Podge and am so impressed with the Mod Podge Sheer line. It comes in a variety of colors, and can be used to tint glass, wood, and even tin!! You can find the Mod Podge Sheer at both Michaels and on the Plaid website.

I decided to try the Mod Podge Sheer on wood to see how it worked. With every layer, the color gets a little brighter, but I love how the wood grain still shows through. It's glossy, but not tacky at all. I ended up painting on three layers of Sheer purple. Let dry 15-20 minutes between coats.

I let the block dry overnight, then cut out the phrase "Wake Up & Be Awesome" in white vinyl. I decided on this phrase because I usually try to start working in the morning, and I can use all the motivation I can get some days.

I marked the centers of the block and applied the vinyl. Make sure you press all the edges of the letters really well. You could leave the block as-is (I almost did), but I think the next few steps take it to the next level.

Next, I used a Mod Podge Spouncer and the lid of some white acrylic paint (it fits perfectly) and carefully added paint over the vinyl. Try not to add the paint on too heavily, or it could bleed through. These little spouncers are so easy to use and fit perfectly in your hand. I like using these A LOT more than the other kind that just have a straight wooden handle.

Once you have a layer of paint over the vinyl, use a regular sponge brush and paint the rest of the block with white acrylic paint. I painted about three layers to completely cover the block. Let dry completely between coats.

Carefully pull up the vinyl with your fingernail, vinyl hook tool, or Xacto knife blade. If any paint leaked through, gently scrape it off with an Xacto knife. It will be a mess if you peel up the vinyl when the paint is still wet, so be sure to wait as long as possible.

Sand all the edges of the block until some of the purple shows through. There's a few spots where I sanded too much and the wood is showing, but I love it!! Some of the dust stuck to the Mod Podge, but wiped away just fine with a lightly dampened cloth.

If you don't want to turn it into a pen holder, this would also make a great paperweight!

Decide how many pens you'd like to be able to store in the block. Mark out where you need to drill the holes for the pens and draw an "x" with a pencil. With a 3/8-1/2" drill bit, carefully drill a hole over each mark. Add your pens to the holes and place on your desk for some motivational organization!!

To learn more about the new Plaid products, watch these video tutorials:
How To Tint Glass with Mod Podge Sheer Colors • Learn How To Use Mod Podge Sheer Colors

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