Hunger Games Pencil Toppers (and a heat embossed pencil tutorial)

As soon as I saw the Fascination with Feathers Challenge over at the Moxie Fab World blog where the challenge was to incorporate feathers or arrows into a craft, I immediately thought of The Hunger Games.

I wouldn't go so far as to say I am obsessed with The Hunger Games, but I enjoyed the trilogy immensely.  I even sneaked away to a matinee showing with hubby last week while the kids were at school. ;) 

I thought it might be fun to make alter some pencils into arrows.  I saw a paper feather tutorial on Pinterest a while ago and modified the idea to go onto a pencil.  I even made paper quivers out of toilet paper rolls serve as holders for the pencils/arrows.  :)  Not sure if it's wearable, but it is fun!

I made two sets of arrows and quivers.  The first is more rustic representing Katniss' life in District 12.  The second has a more industrial feel indicative of her life in the Capitol.  

This quiver is my favorite!  I stitched a piece of burlap to the TP roll with jute twine.  It looks so rustic and homey!   I also braided a handle out of the same jute twine and stitched it to the side of the quiver. 

This second quiver and arrows has a more sleek and industrial feel.  I stamped and embossed "May the odds be ever in your favor" on the front of the quiver using bits from about a gazillion different stamps.  It took me several tries to get it right without messing it up.  I didn't have silver pencils, and after a major craft fail with silver paint, I tried using heat embossing powder.   The end result turned out quite nicely.  Here is how I made the silver heat embossed pencils:

Supplies needed:
Silver metallic embossing powder
Embossing heat tool
Embossing ink
Round pencils
Fine grit sandpaper

1. Sand the pencil with fine sand paper.  If you do not, the ink/varnish will overheat and bubble.   Roll one half of the pencil on your embossing ink pad until it is all gooey.

2. Pour silver embossing powder on a scrap sheet of paper and roll the pencil around until it is covered with powder.  Gently tap off excess powder.  Next, heat emboss with your heat tool.  If the powder starts to bubble, briefly remove from the heat, and begin again. 

3. Apply embossing ink and powder to the second half of the pencil and heat emboss.

4. When you are done, you should have a nice, silver pencil!  NOTE: I have not tried (and will not try) putting this in my electric pencil sharpener.   I would recommend using a cheap handheld sharpener so it doesn't gunk up your electric pencil sharpener. 

May the odds be ever in your favor, 

-Amanda

Supplies:
Paper (GCD Studios, Lifestyle Crafts)
Ribbon (Offray)
Jute twine (May Arts)
Ink (Tim Holtz Distress ink in pumice stone)
Zing! Embossing Powder
Zap! Heat embossing tool
VersaMark watermark/embossing ink