This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #EraseStress #CollectiveBias

Easy DIY Pen Holder: Elevate Your Desk Organization with FriXion Erasable Pens

Transforming Clutter into Creativity and Calm

In today’s fast-paced world, the demands on our children seem to grow exponentially. As my boys get older, their schedules become a complex tapestry of after-school activities, sports practices, social engagements, and for the older ones, even part-time jobs. I often find myself marveling at their ability to juggle so much, reflecting on my own childhood and wondering if I was ever that busy. One thing I know for sure is that they’ve internalized a crucial life lesson I always tried to impart: when life gets hectic, the power of a well-made list is indispensable. Despite their digital native status and affinity for all things tech, it warms my heart to consistently discover their handwritten to-do lists, a testament to their budding organizational skills.

The Power of Planning: Erasing Stress with FriXion Erasable Pens

To proactively combat the stress that often accompanies a packed schedule, my boys dedicate time each week to meticulously map out their upcoming activities. This proactive planning not only fosters a sense of control but also significantly reduces the mental load of trying to remember every single detail. When unexpected changes arise or things inevitably get hectic, our family relies heavily on a robust planner complemented by a set of revolutionary writing tools: FriXion Erasable Pens. We initially discovered these game-changers at Target, and they’ve since become an absolute staple in our household.

The three-pack of erasable gel pens, featuring vibrant red, classic black, and deep blue, offers more than just color variety; it provides an intuitive system for enhanced organization. My children have quickly adopted a color-coding strategy for their lists: red for the most urgent and critical tasks, black for everyday responsibilities, and blue for recreational activities or personal interests. This simple yet effective method makes navigating their weekly schedules a breeze, helping them prioritize and visualize their commitments. The sheer convenience and reliability of FriXion erasable pens have elevated them beyond just planner tools; they’ve become the preferred choice for all their schoolwork as well. Robert, my younger son, was particularly thrilled. Still at an age where mistakes are frequent and erasers are a necessity, he had previously been limited to pencils. The freedom to write in pen without the fear of permanent errors has transformed homework time, making it noticeably less stressful for both him and me.

Why FriXion Erasable Pens Are a Household Essential

Beyond their practical utility in academic and organizational tasks, FriXion Erasable Pens have cemented their status as a household favorite for several compelling reasons. One significant factor is Pilot’s admirable commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated through their partnership with the STOMP Out Bullying initiative. This collaboration with a national bullying and cyberbullying prevention organization aims to raise crucial awareness and provide vital funding for educational programs. These programs are specifically designed to reduce and prevent bullying in schools across the country, fostering safer and more inclusive environments for students. Supporting a brand that actively champions such an important cause truly makes purchasing these pens a major win-win in my book – we get excellent products, and we contribute to a better community.

These pens aren’t just about functionality; they embody a thoughtful approach to learning and living. The ability to correct mistakes seamlessly encourages a growth mindset, reducing anxiety around perfectionism and fostering a more relaxed atmosphere for creative expression and problem-solving. Whether it’s drafting an essay, solving complex math problems, or simply jotting down notes, the smooth ink flow combined with effortless erasability makes them ideal for students of all ages. This innovative technology truly aligns with the “Erase Stress” ethos, offering a simple solution to common writing woes and promoting a more fluid, less intimidating learning experience.

DIY Desk Organization: Crafting an Easy Pen Holder for Kids

With an increasing number of FriXion Erasable Pens now populating our home, ensuring they stay organized and readily accessible became a new priority. To further empower my children in their quest for an organized study space and to keep their beloved pens within reach, I embarked on a fun and incredibly simple DIY project: a stylish and functional catch-all pen holder for their desks, crafted from repurposed cans. The best part? This easy craft not only helps in decluttering their workspace but also comes with an invaluable bonus – no more incessant requests to help them “find a pen!” This project is perfect for encouraging kids to take ownership of their space and can even be a fun family activity. Below, you’ll find the step-by-step instructions to create your own DIY pen holder, designed to keep those essential FriXion pens right where they belong.

Materials You’ll Need for Your DIY Pen Holder:

Gathering your supplies is the first step to any successful DIY project. For this easy and budget-friendly pen holder, you’ll need just a few common items:

• 2 empty cans: Repurpose food cans (e.g., soup, vegetable cans) that have been thoroughly cleaned and dried. Ensure there are no sharp edges.
• Matte Black Spray Paint: This provides a sleek, modern finish. Feel free to choose any color that matches your room’s decor or your child’s preference.
• Strong Adhesive Glue: A craft glue or hot glue gun (with adult supervision) that bonds well to metal and foam board.
• 1 foam board: A standard size foam board, typically found at craft or office supply stores. This will form the sturdy base of your organizer.
• Box cutter: For precise cutting of the foam board. Always use with adult supervision and extreme caution.
• Ruler: Essential for accurate measurements and drawing straight lines.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Personalized Pen Organizer

Follow these simple steps to transform ordinary cans and foam board into a chic and functional desk accessory. This project is a fantastic way to teach kids about recycling and upcycling while creating something useful.

Step 1: Prepare Your Cans

Begin by removing all labels from your empty cans. Soak them in warm, soapy water if necessary to loosen stubborn labels and adhesive residue. Once clean, dry them completely to ensure the paint adheres properly.

Step 2: Measure and Mark the Foam Board Base

Place one of your cans on the edge of the foam board. Using your ruler, draw a straight line around the can, leaving approximately one inch of space between the can and the ruler. This will create a slightly wider base than the cans themselves, providing stability and a visually appealing border. Repeat for the second can, ensuring enough space to cut a single, cohesive base.

Step 3: Carefully Cut the Foam Board

With the lines drawn, it’s time to cut your foam board. Using a box cutter and with extreme caution (adult supervision is highly recommended), carefully cut along the lines you’ve drawn. Ensure your cuts are clean and straight for a professional finish. You should end up with a rectangular or oval piece of foam board that will serve as the base for your two cans.

Step 4: Paint Cans and Foam Board

Take your cleaned cans and cut foam board outdoors or to a well-ventilated area. Lay them on a protected surface (like old newspaper or cardboard). Apply an even coat of matte black spray paint to both the cans and the foam board. Use smooth, even strokes. For best results and full coverage, you might need two thin coats. Allow everything to dry completely for at least one hour, or as per the spray paint manufacturer’s instructions, before proceeding to the next step. Ensure the paint is not tacky to the touch.

Step 5: Attach Cans to the Foam Board Base

Once both the cans and the foam board are thoroughly dry, it’s time to assemble your pen holder. Apply a generous amount of strong adhesive glue to the bottom rim of each can. Carefully position the cans onto the painted foam board base, ensuring they are evenly spaced and aligned as desired. Press firmly to secure them in place.

Step 6: Allow to Dry and Finalize

Once the cans are glued in place, allow the adhesive to dry completely. This might take a few hours or even overnight, depending on the type of glue used. Refer to your glue’s instructions for optimal drying times. Once fully cured, your custom DIY pen holder is ready to be put to use! Fill it with your favorite FriXion Erasable Pens and other desk essentials, marveling at your newfound organization.

Embracing Organization for a Stress-Free Environment

Creating an organized space, especially for children, is more than just tidying up; it’s about fostering an environment that promotes focus, reduces anxiety, and encourages productivity. This simple DIY pen holder, coupled with the innovative functionality of FriXion Erasable Pens, offers a practical and stylish solution to common desk clutter. It empowers kids to take charge of their belongings, making it easier for them to locate their writing tools and dedicate more time to their studies and creative pursuits, rather than searching for a misplaced pen.

The “Erase Stress” theme resonates deeply within our family, and finding effective tools and strategies to achieve this, from structured schedules to reliable pens and organized spaces, is always a priority. How do you help your kids manage their busy lives, erase stress, and stay wonderfully organized? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below – we’d love to hear them!