How To Transform Pencil Shavings Into Amazing Artwork

Pencil shavings can be used to create a variety of artwork. After sharpening a pencil, the shavings can be collected and used to create shapes and figures. It is not only a fun way to utilize shavings, but also an important element of art.

Simply, gather shavings from pencils and arrange them in a desired pattern. It is important to make sure the shavings are secure and not going to move around. To do this, you can use glue or double-sided tape. Once the shavings are secure, you can add color to the artwork by using colored pencils. This step can be done before or after arranging the shavings.

How To Transform Pencil Shavings Into Amazing Artwork

Pencil shaving art is a fun activity for all ages. It allows for your imagination to flow as you explore various shapes and designs. So, why not give it a try and see what amazing artwork you can create?

Creating Art from Shavings

Pencil shaving art is a unique form of art created by people of all ages. The process of creating an art piece with shavings is quite simple and requires only a few materials. All that’s needed is a sharp pencil, a pair of scissors, a piece of cardboard or paper, and a bit of creativity. First, the pencil is sharpened until the shavings collect at the point. Then, the shavings are carefully cut away from the pencil with a pair of scissors. After that, the shavings are arranged on cardboard or paper to create a unique design.

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The best part of pencil shavings art is the transformation of something seemingly mundane into something beautiful. It is an incredibly fun and creative activity, from the initial brainstorming of ideas to the final product. It is a great way to express your creativity and bring to life something unique and special. The artistic process is entertaining and quite fulfilling. Once you have completed your masterpiece, it can be framed and hung in your home or gifted to a loved one.

Pencil Shavings Crafts

If you are a creative family, then crafts made from shavings can be fun to try. Keri Houchin from Backyard Summer Camp shares a variety of tips so that your artwork turns out great. First, make sure your pencil sharpener is clean and free from broken pencil debris. Know that all colored pencils are not created equally (some have a plastic coating, which can still be used in pencil shaving art, it just shaves differently). Crayola colored pencils tend to be nice and sturdy and shave quite nicely.

Read More: Simple 5-minute Crafts That Will Delight Parents and Kids

You and your children can combine a variety of shavings from colored pencils to create a collage or images of flowers or trees completely made by shavings. Or use the shavings as accent pieces to create hair, trim, outfits, leaves, etc… on drawings and paintings. You simply glue the shavings onto your paper, cardstock, or canvas with a glue stick. This mixed-media art form lets you take your creativity to the next level.

Pencil Shavings Greetings

If you love the idea and the look of pencil shaving art, but do not want to try your hand at it, check out Pencil Shavings Cards by Ruth Jackson. She offers a variety of handmade cards for every holiday from Christmas and Valentine’s Day to events like retirement, anniversaries, birthdays, and more.

Read More: Sensory Activities: Making Them Part of Your Play Routine

Jackson’s cards simple, yet elegant drawings, are enhanced by colorful pieces of shavings from pencils. The shavings become the hair on the “Bad Hair Day” card, the cape on the “Superdad” card, or the tail of an alligator on the “Snappy Birthday” card. Sending a greeting card is a great way to show someone that you care. It’s a personal gesture that can bring a smile to the recipient’s face, as it conveys more than just words.

A unique greeting card stands out from the crowd and shows the recipient that you took the time to find something special for them. Cards made from shavings add an extra element of creativity and beauty; the intricate details of the colorful shavings are what truly make these cards special. Not only will the recipient appreciate the thoughtfulness, but they will also appreciate the time and effort it took to craft such a beautiful card.

What are pencil shavings?

Shavings from pencils are small pieces of wood and graphite that are removed from a pencil as it is sharpened.

What are some uses for pencil shavings?

Pencil sharpener shavings can be transformed into a variety of creative and beautiful artworks. Artists often use the shavings to create intricate patterns, landscapes, and illustrations. Additionally, shavings have a variety of craft uses, from creating 3D art pieces to making decorative magnets. With a bit of creativity and imagination, these small pieces of wood and graphite can be used to create stunning artwork.

Can pencil shavings be composted?

They can be composted, but keep in mind, composting shavings from pencils is best done when they are added in small amounts over a long period of time. When it comes to recycling shavings, it would be best in combination with other recyclables that are easy to recycle.


Pencil shavings have a beauty all their own. The delicate pieces that most people scrape into the trash can be gathered in piles, to create beautiful, unique, one-of-a-kind works of art. They can be given new life through mixed media by combining the texture of the shavings with drawings and paintings. With a bit of patience and creativity, you can make some truly remarkable pieces of art with just a few pencil shavings.

Sources: Keri Houchin from Backyard Summer Camp, Ruth Jackson.

Photo Credits: Pexels, Unsplash.

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Carla J. Eskew
Carla J. Eskew
Carla J. Eskew is a freelance writer, wife, and mom of two children who are nine years apart. She is a Scout leader with 17 years of experience in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She serves as a volunteer at school, church, and with the homeless population. She loves road trips, sightseeing, camping, Pilates, and her black standard poodle, Midnight Shadow.

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