3D Pencil Boxes – SVG & PDF Templates
Craft these 3D pencil boxes using your Cricut or by hand using the easy templates! These are incredibly cool and detailed – just like our school bus box templates. This post contains affiliate links.
A while ago, I created this free printable Pencil Box Template and they were really enjoyed by many people. I’ve since been wanting to create an SVG/layered version of it and finally managed to do it in time for the new school year!
I’m going to launch into some details as well as a tutorial for these but before I do, I wanted to share with you the link – you can get them right here! Or keep reading if you want more info – I’ll be linking them again later on.
A few ways to craft your 3D pencil boxes
I created a few versions of the 3D pencil box template
Machine Cut – SVG
For those who are Cricut or other cutting machine crafters, the SVG will allow you to cut the design in multiple layers easily. It also includes a score layer that you can use to create neat fold marks.
I crafted the samples pictured using my Cricut Maker with the scoring wheel and fine point blade.
Hand Cutting – PDF
I also included an outline template PDF – that is, where you cut out the template, trace it onto paper, and then cut your parts. You’ll then use the dashed markings to score using a scoring tool before assembling your 3D pencil box.
There are parts – such as the ridges – that are a bit complex for hand cutting. You can decide how much you want to do and ditch levels that aren’t purely functional – and yes, you can even draw parts on to save you some cutting.
If using foil poster board like me, you can also deboss a design (such as ridges) on the silver part, using any scoring tool.
Printable Template – PDF & PNG
Much like the original, I also created a full-color version that you can simply print out, cut, and assemble. However, unlike the original, this is a “clean” version. My original was illustrated and painted digitally to have more texture. This is made up of blocks of color. You may prefer to go with the free original instead of this.
The score markings are laid over the printable PDF version – they’ll show on your final project – but they should blend right in and look nice still.
I also included this version as a PNG that you can use to “print then cut” on your Cricut – the perfect in-between option if you want professional cutting but less assembly. This also has score marks overlaid to avoid having to do too much crafting.
If you want a clean version without score lines to Print then Cut, you’re better off just stacking the SVG in Design Space, and flattening it – just because then you have the score lines handy in the same file too.
What these 3D pencil boxes are great for
I had a few things in mind with these pencil boxes.
They can be used as teacher gifts for any time of year – fill them with cash, gift cards, chocolates, and some variations may be able to fit some school supplies too!
Teachers can also use them to box student gifts such as snacks, art supplies, etc. Parents can use them as treat boxes for anything art or school themed – whether it’s a back-to-school snack or an art party favor.
And it doesn’t even need to be used as a box! Attach the lid – or not – and use it as a prop. You can add a teacher’s name as a desktop name plate – or do this for each student. Or just use it to decorate a shelf in the classroom.
Some unique details on the template itself
After I had this on my to do list for years, I logged onto Design Space to see that they do have a variation of this type of thing available for Cricut Access subscribers. Oh well! This happens all the time to creators: we have a fun idea only to see that it has been done in some form.
But this 3D pencil box template is unique as it was created from my artsy original.
First of all, the hexagon shape is not that much more complicated to assemble and it’s truer to the shape of an actual pencil.
You also have an organic shape going at the spot where the sharpener shaves off the paint to reveal wood. It’s intentionally uneven to be more realistic. Regardless, your purchase does support my small business – so I hope you love what I am sharing!
Download the 3D Pencil Box Template
Your purchase will allow you to use it multiple times for personal and small handcrafted business purposes (no mass production).
How to assemble the 3D Pencil Box Template
You get a printable copy of the instructions with your purchase.
Supplies needed
Cricut Cutting
- Cricut cutting machine
- Fine point blade
- Scoring Wheel (Maker) or stylus
- LightGrip Mat
- Brayer
- Scraper (to clean mat between cuts)
Hand Cutting
- Craft knife and Ruler
- Or scissors
- Hand scoring tool
- Self healing mat
All Versions
- Colored cardstock – tip: avoid using anything too thick. On my first assembly I used Kraft board and poster board and it was too thick. Go for medium weight cardstock
- Optional: foil poster board – again, limit this to only the top layer of the metal part
- OR White Cardstock if printing
- Glue – I used a hot glue gun for the most reliable assembly. Glue lines work too for the basics but may not be as secure. You can use paper glue, just make sure to hold each portion firmly to dry.
- The template or SVG download here.
Instructions
Note: the tutorial was photographed on an earlier prototype version. The newer version has some minor corrections.
Tutorial showcases Cricut crafting – hand cutting should be self-explanatory.
1. Setting up your file: Open it up in Design Space. Set your score lines to score. Resize as needed, making sure to size everything proportionally. Attach each score layer with the corresponding cut layer. Send to cut.
2. Your Cricut will first tell you to load the scoring wheel and score. When it completes scoring, don’t unload.
3. Leaving it in place, swap for your fine point blade and send it to cut.
4. Do this with each of your parts. Carefully remove them from the mats.
5. Pre-fold on the score lines.
6. Layer the pencil parts. The black point sits in the inner part of the brown circle. The brown zigzag aligns with the bottom of the yellow base. The silver goes at the top. The small silver slivers stack (the one with cutouts on top of the one without) and they go on the wider silver portion. Make sure to place it lower down so that the cover will fit.
7. When your glue has dried, start assembling your 3D pencil box. Align the edge of the tip with the edge of the main pencil. Glue all the pencil tabs to the corresponding tip side.
8. Glue the tab of the tip to the other side. Then glue the long side of the pencil’s tab to the other side.
9. Finally, assemble your eraser cover. First, glue each side’s tab to the corresponding side on the hexagon lid.
10. Then glue the final tab shut.
Your 3D pencil box is complete and ready to use!
Missed it? You can grab your 3D pencil boxes templates here!
