think likely: DIY modern rustic pencil holder

A bit of modern rustic for the office-- and it was easy to make!

Supplies:

--a small branch or two

--popsicle sticks

--acrylic paint

--wood glue

--wood stain

--polyurethane

I started by making a simple box from 1/8" hardboard, but any square or rectangular box from wood or hardboard would work fine.

I used a bandsaw to cut the branch and popsicle sticks, but a coping saw (an inexpensive hand saw) would work just fine.

Next came the stain for the popsicle sticks, followed by a quick, light sand to the branch slices. While sticks were drying, I painted the dividers and the box a slightly grayish blue. Then I just started gluing!

I cut the dividers from the hardboard, but they can easily be constructed with popsicle sticks and glue. Because I wanted the dividers angled, I added small strips of wood for strength to keep them in place.

Once I was happy with the look and the glue was dry, I gave the entire box inside and out a coat of polyurethane. I finished by giving the inside a couple more coats for added durability.