Let’s make it.

1. 1

   Choose your paper

   Take one sheet of patterned paper. Thin paper, about 80–120 g/m² (about 20–32 lb bond), folds best. The pattern side will be on the outside of the case.

   

2. 2

   Mark three equal parts

   Measure the width of the paper with a ruler. Make small pencil marks to split it into three equal strips.

   

3. 3

   Fold into thirds

   Lay the ruler along the marks and fold the paper over its edge. Press the fold flat. Do the same at the other marks, then open the paper. Now it has two straight creases.

   

4. 4

   Fold the edges to the creases

   Fold the left edge in to the nearest crease and press it flat. Do the same on the right side. These folds make more creases for the next step.

   

5. 5

   Fold a narrow strip

   Keep folding along the creases until the paper is a narrow strip. Press it well.

   

   Then open the paper again. All the creases stay in it and help the paper fold neatly later.

   

6. 6

   Fold the sides to the middle

   Fold the left and the right side in so that they meet in the middle.

   

7. 7

   Fold it in half

   Fold the paper in half along its length and press the fold flat. Now it is one long, narrow strip.

   

8. 8

   Fold the top corners

   At the top end, fold the two corners down into small triangles. Press them flat.

   

9. 9

   Fold the bottom corners

   Turn the strip around and fold the two corners at the bottom end the same way.

   

10. 10

    Repeat on the other side

    Turn the strip over and open the top layer on this side.

    

    Fold the corners at both ends into triangles, just like before. Now both ends of the strip are pointed.

    

11. 11

    Open the case

    Hold the strip in both hands and gently pull the middle apart. The paper opens into a long case with pointed ends. Push the bottom flat from the inside.

    

12. 12

    Decorate it

    Now the fun part. Add stickers to the sides. We used white clouds and little pink flower gems.

    

13. 13

    Fill it up

    Open the case and put your pens and markers inside.

    

    Press the top edges together to close it, and open it again whenever you need a pen.

    

    Your cloudy pencil case is ready.

Make it easier.

• Sharp creases make a strong case. Press every fold with your nail. The case keeps its shape better when the creases are clear.
• Thin paper folds best. Card is too stiff for the corners. Patterned paper of about 80–120 g/m² (about 20–32 lb bond) works well.
• Decorate with stickers. Stickers keep it a no-glue make. Try stars, hearts or your name.