Need a cute gift idea for the teachers you know? How about a teacher appreciation gift idea like this DIY apple pencil holdermade using scrap wood? Jaime here today from That’s My Letter sharing how to make this apple shaped pencil holder that makes the cutest teacher gift!

Welcome back to the Teacher Appreciation Gift Idea Series! All this week, we’ll have simple and inexpensive last minute gift ideas for the teachers in your life.

Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas:

Decorated Chalkboard  | Thank You for Nurturing My Child Plant  | Apple Pencil Holder  | You Rock Gift 3D Card  | Simple Washi Tape Vases

This apple has tons of space for lots of pencils or any kind of supplies (pens, scissors, etc.) and would look great on the teacher’s desk ready and waiting.  You know kids are constantly losing their pencils, so hopefully this supply comes in handy for my kids’ teachers.

I attached a circular dowel in the center to mimic the apple stem but I think that’s optional and not necessary. Plus, if you want more space for pencils, you can leave it out.

And, of course, this apple has a bite taken out of it just for fun!  Below are step-by-step instructions to make this apple pencil holder.

Materials:

• 1/2″ mdf scraps
• 2 – 1×6 scrap wood @ 4″ long (see cut layout below)
• 1/4″ plywood scrap (4″ x 3 1/4″)
• 1″ circular dowel @ 8″ long (optional)
• Scissors
• Apple sketch printout: ( download here )
• Pencil
• Jigsaw
• Sandpaper
• Wood glue
• Nail gun & 1 1/4″ finish nails
• Drill & drill bits
• 1 1/2″ wood screw
• Acrylic paints & paintbrush
• Clear spray poly

Instructions:

Step 1: Print out the apple sketch  and cut out along the outer edge.

Step 2: Trace the apple shape onto MDF, twice.

Step 3: Cut out the apple shape using a jig saw and sand edges smooth.

Step 4: Prepare the pieces:

• 2 MDF apples
• 1 – 1/4″ plywood base @ 4″ x 3 1/4″
• 1 – 1×6 @ 4″
• 1 – 1×6 @ 5″
• 

Step 5: Attach larger 1×6 piece to side of apple without bite using wood glue and finish nails.  Attach smaller 1×6 piece to side of apple WITH bite.  Keep 3 1/4″ distance between boards at base and 1/4″ from bottom of apple.

Step 6: Attach other apple piece to side boards using wood glue and finish nails.

Step 7: Attach base to boards using wood glue and finish nails.

Step 8 (optional): Pre-drill countersink hole at center of plywood base and pre-drill dowel at center.  Attach dowel to center of plywood base using wood glue and 1 1/2″ countersunk screw.

Fill holes and sand smooth then paint as desired.  Once dry, seal with a clear poly spray.

Fill up the apple pencil holder with pencils and wrap up for that most deserving teacher!  Hope you enjoy this scrap wood teacher appreciation gift idea!

If you liked this tutorial, you’ll love this quick Driftwood Gift Crate tutorial :