Holiday Crafter - craft ideas, projects, and tips for every holiday!

Whether Dad is an architect, a carpenter, a house builder, or just likes house plans or blue prints, this is a super easy project that he will really like. Surprisingly elegant and cool looking, this simple pencil holder can be made in less than five minutes and costs less than 50 cents to make, including supplies. We found the blueprint patterned paper in the scrapbooking section of our local craft store. Make sure the can is very clean and has no sharp edges.

Place the can sideways on the patterned paper and roll the paper around it. Mark the paper where the can top ends and where the paper edges overlap on the sides of the can. Using the ruler, add an inch to each mark. Draw two straight lines along the marks to form a long rectangle using the ruler. Cut the rectangle out along the lines and discard the remaining paper to use in another project. Place the can back on the paper rectangle, lining up the bottom of the can with the bottom of the paper. There should be an inch overhang on the open side of the can. Glue the paper to the can, making sure it is smooth and even. Firmly glue down the inch overhang on the side of the can to the papered part of the can. Place the can upright on your work surface. Using the scissors, make a short cut in the one inch length of paper on top of the can from the top of the rectangle to where the paper is glued to the can. Repeat, making a bunch of short tabs on top of the can. Fold over and glue each tab to the inside of the can to make a smooth top edge. Let the dry glue thoroughly before wrapping or giving to Dad.