Packing pencil packs with The Pencil Granny & Friends - 2023

[@JaneEireann]

The Pencil Granny and Friends is new to me, thank you. I'm going to look into it. Your supplies are great! I can't imagine leaving school supplies out of the Christmas shoeboxes, even just basic ones. I love that you bought some when you saw they were missing from some boxes. They're so important, I always include plenty ❤

[@drogers]

Thanks for watching Jane! I agree! I can’t imagine not including basic school supplies in my boxes! But it happens A LOT! They are so important and the children love receiving them!

[@NikiChicote]

i love the pencil granny and friends, they really foster such an uplifting and positive group in facebook... we try to do a few mini packs, last year wasn't as much as the other but still thankful that we're able to add some. you make them so cute!!! i love the wow packs!!! 💖💖💖

[@drogers]

I love the pencil granny and friends group also! No rules....just lots of love and prayers for the same goal of making pencil packs. Gotta love that!

[@DandyLight]

Good video, Denise. I'm a Shoebox packer AND Pencil Granny and Friends packer, too! ✏

[@drogers]

That is awesome! God bless you for doing both! ❤

[@ששבריבוע]

Awesome pencil packs :)

[@kathydavis746]

I live in an old church in Iowa need to find people to come over and help me pack school supplies. I have an old Sunday school room I uses as my cart LOL

[@drogers]

Wish I lived close! I’d come right over!

[@BarretoFamily]

School supplies are SOOOOOO important. This year God blessed us with the ability to give our church kids some school supplies. Multiple families let us know that those supplies were the only reason their kids were able to start school on time.

[@drogers]

Wow! Well that confirms it even more for me! I get so sad when boxes come through the PC with none in there. Missed opportunity imo. That’s why packing filler pencil packs is a passion for me! So wonderful that you were able to get school supplies for your kiddos. It’s something we take for granted. What a blessing for those families! TFW! 💕

[@tammyjones3709]

Thank you for showing your pencil packing. I think I watched your video last year maybe 10 times. You always give out such great info. I did do pencil packs last year and I love it. I buy a lot of school supply anyway because my daughter is a teacher. I’m not on Facebook but I will check out the pencil granny and friends blog. ❤️

[@drogers]

My daughter is a teacher too! She teaches in a title 1 school which means many of the kids come from difficult situations and don't always have supplies or the correct supplies. I am ALWAYS looking for school supply sales! LOL. Thanks for watching that first video! That was only my 2nd video EVER on youtube! I thought it was time for a refresh of sort. Thanks for watching this one and for packing pencils!

[@tammyjones3709]

My daughter also at a title 1 school, she teaches 5th grade and I buy a lot of school supplies because I never believe children should have to go without pencils or basic supplies. I can tell by your pencil packs you show alot of love through them. Thanks again for sharing, I’m so inspired by you❤️

[@GraceMurdick]

Very good idea's. I love your idea's. You are so devoted. I am doing my pencil packs now so I will be ready. I love to watch you I get new idea's every time I watch your show's. You are great. These little kid's are so lucky to have you helping them. Keep up the good work.

[@drogers]

Awww… thank you Grace! You are too sweet! 💕

[@Sarah1212-h6j]

Thank you Denise for leading me to The Pencil Granny And Friends. I am in the process of creating packs for the UK. We don't get the mega clearence deals like you do but i'm doing what i can.

[@drogers]

Every little but helps so doing what you can is amazing!!!!! So glad you found The Pencil Granny & Friends! It’s a great group of people who love packing pencil packs!!

[@FillerFactory]

I love this video! You have such great ideas to learn from! I am also a new member to the Pencil Granny and Friends page and have signed up for their challenge to pack 400 packs...I've already packed over 100! My personal goal this year was 600, but I recently found out I'm expecting my 3rd child and funds may be more tight...I will just have to continue to pray! Thank you for all that you do! ❤

[@drogers]

Thank you Lauren and congrats on your exciting news! I have 3 children also! But they are all adults now! So great to hear that you are doing the 400 pack challenge! And you have 100 already done! So great! If your funds are low, ask to be a wish list receiver one month. Also school supplies are cheaper during back to school sales. Might be worth the wait. Then you can also stock up for the next year! Thanks so much for watching and thanks for packing pencil packs! You are blessing sooooo many! ❤

[@LazyStory]

If you can find it in your heart, I would recommend giving a whole pack of 24 colored pencils. It is a lovely size that gives everyone great joy by having ample opportunity to really color drawings. Having such a whole collection really gives inspiration to draw and color.

[@drogers]

Thank you for watching! I pack over 1000 pencil packs each year. Some are mini packs, some are a bit bigger and some are WOW packs that sometimes include a whole set of colored pencils! Thank you for packing pencil packs too! God bless you!

[@dawnepayne1314]

Denise, I love this video! I always pack pencil packs! I have a special place in my heart for school supplies! I will check out Granny and friends! Thanks for all the creative ideas you provide! 💜💜💜

[@drogers]

Thanks Dawne! I have a special place in my heart also for many reasons. It is a passion of mine AND I REALLY enjoy making them! Def check out the Pencil Granny and Friends facebook page for more ideas and just a nice group of people!

[@judyfrazier2462]

Great video Denise !!!!!

[@kimmclean9933]

Thanks for sharing! I plan on making more pencil packs this year. They are easy and fun to do!

[@drogers]

You are welcome Kim! Thanks for making pencil packs! I agree....easy and fun! That's a win-win for me and the children who receive them! TFW friend!

[@JB-xx9ml]

GREAT ideas, thanks for sharing ... 💕

[@debrabarr6097]

This was excellent, and so helpful! I just purchased a box of 1000 pencils 😲 & lots of pens, etc. I can't wait to get packing!!

[@drogers]

You will love packing pencil packs! It’s addicting and so needed! I’m so glad this was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@eastcoaststories]

Love this, Denise!! Thanks for giving the history and overhaul process of Pencil Granny and Friends! But I love that you shared how you started your journey with pencil packs. As a former school teacher, I know you know how important school supplies are. I'm so sad to hear about the story of the teacher that had to cut up pencils for all kids to use. I love the passion by these ladies and by you! Hope this video will have people pack more pencil packs then before! Your pencil packs are just as creative as your shoeboxes! I do love how we can do anything we want with pencil packs. Thank for sharing your plethora of themed pencil packs. So fun! Because of you, I knew which baggies to order. The Marshalls pencil case is so pretty! I remember when your pencil packs came through our processing table at the processing center. They were like gold! Thanks for sharing, Denise! ✏✏✏

[@drogers]

Thanks Sharon! You make awesome pencil pack fillers also! When I got them at my table I was absolutely thrilled! They were so full and perfect! I hope this video encourages and inspires others to pack them also. They are so fun to do! And we know first hand how badly they are needed, right? I am probably more passionate about pencil packs than anything else. TFW friend!

[@maritzacopping3309]

Such cute packs! Of course the WOW pack is my favorite. How you manage to do sooooo many is incredible. I hope you consider doing a wish list.

[@drogers]

Thanks Maritza! I currently don’t do wish lists because my goal is to help and encourage others to pack. But with retirement and dwindling funds I may consider it for pencil packing in the future. I remember calling your name out when I did my drawing. I thought it was such a pretty name. Still do! Thanks for watching! I loooovvveee the big packs too! You can pack sooo much in them!

[@dalehighnote6958]

I finally this week made pencil bags with the felt. Worked great. But I used buttons. Love the results.

[@drogers]

Great job! That’s wonderful to hear! Thanks for sharing Marlene! ❤️

[@ScotiaGirl902]

love these packs! great ideas. great idea using felt as a pouch! love it I also love the cart of organizing! I need to get one! I gotta get on making pencil packs!

[@drogers]

Thanks Tray! Yes, please join in and make some packs! They are fun to do and knowing how creative you are, I’m sure yours will be fantastic!

[@cathyfromcanada637]

Yes, we need more Canadians joining in. I don't believe the need for fillers has reached the Canadian ears or hearts to the same extent as in the USA. I also don't think as many corporate sponsors have donated gifts in kind to the same extent as the USA. So filler items are really needed here.🇨🇦

[@marieterry625]

Not sure how you managed to make pencil pouches, so very fun, creative and overall spectacular, but WOW...... Thanks for the inspiration!

[@drogers]

You are so welcome! I’m just hoping to get more pencil packers for the Pencil Granny & Friends! It’s fun to be creative with these! 💕

[@christinebarber8311]

I love your pencil cap container! I have that same one but with my fun erasers. 🙈 I want to see your ‘fun eraser’ storage. You have so many!!!! You’re the Queen! I absolutely love this video. I absolutely love making packs. I’m recovering from surgery rn and have been resting while Folding paper and making packs and this video was just on time!! Thank you for inspiring me to start making packs and encouraging me every step of the way! I will hit 400 this year!

[@drogers]

Oh my fun eraser storage is a whole bin unto itself! LOL. In addition they take up a few storage drawers. Too much to share! I am so so happy that you are hooked. I can only imagine that your pencil packs are packed with so much creativity and love! Just like your boxes! and your goal of 400 is amazing!!! You go girl! On another note, I am so sorry to hear you had surgery! What can I do for you? I wish I lived close by! I would bring you some homemade chocolate chip cookies and chicken soup! Get well soon!

[@batmansboxes4936]

Such an informative inspiring video Denise. You ALWAYS make the BEST pencil packs. Your patience to do them with such thoughtfulness is one of the many things I love about you! Thanks for the shout out! Glad the minis are coming in handy!❤❤

[@drogers]

Thanks Jeannie! Pencil packs are my favorite! LOL. When you see how many boxes come in with not ONE pencil in it, I feel it is such a lost opportunity. IMO of course! Love those mini erasers!

[@batmansboxes4936]

@@drogers I literally could not believe how fast all that filler went when you showed before and after in your video. One of these days I’ll get better at assembling them, for now I just turn in a giant box🤣

[@SharonLaBolle]

❤ Great ideas, thanks!

[@drogers]

You are welcome! 😊

[@sarahp3914]

Oh wow, I loved this video! So many great ideas. And, great minds think alike, I'm doing the exact same thing with the Christmas felt from Michaels!! I was really excited to get a ton of that on sale after Christmas. Except mine are made with a no-sew method, and velcro to close. I was actually thinking of doing a tutorial on them, although I don't normally make videos haha. Thank you for sharing so many tips and inspirations... I will definitely be holding onto future tennis ball containers for wow pencil packs, instead of throwing them away!

[@tracystoaks6573]

Please do the no sew tutorial video!!!

[@drogers]

Thanks Sarah! I would LOVE to see your no sew method! That will be helpful to many non-sewers out there!

[@mattboetig4969]

I love your pencil packs! Curious, how do volunteers fit the larger 9x12 ones into the boxes? Do they need to open the bags and put the notebooks in separate?

[@drogers]

No, they just slide them in down the back of the box and bend over. However if it’s easier for them to take the notebook out, I’m ok with that. As long as it blesses a box that needs it. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dalehighnote6958]

I enjoy your pencil pack videos and play them for inspiration. My husband has begun assembling pencil packs. He enjoys it as well.

[@drogers]

Oh yay for hubbies getting into the pencil packing!!! I love it! My husband knows how much I enjoy doing it! That’s so wonderful!

[@marilyn3152]

Thanks for the video. I always wanted to see the different sizes bags before purchasing.

[@drogers]

Glad it was helpful!❤

[@valswain]

Fantastic video! You are my inspiration for packing pencil packs and other kinds of filler packs! How many did you pack last year and do you have a goal for this year? It’s truly amazing to me that you pack soooooo many pencil packs. I love your storage cart! I have a big organizer case that I tote around from room to room when packing pencil packs, but I need wheels lol!

[@drogers]

Last year I packed over 1000. That’s my goal for this year also. My biggest year was 2021 where I packed over 2000. I had lots of time on my hands that year. Lol. I love doing it and coming up with different ideas and themes for the packs. It’s so needed. My cart keeps me organized. I have another set of shelves with supplies and try to keep replenishing when I can. I’ll have to probably drop my numbers a bit with retirement but I’ll keep encouraging. TFW friend!

[@occland8864]

Great info, Denise. I actually started on the project last year, but I wasn’t able to finish. 🙁 It is my goal this year to finish and multiple what I started. 😉 Love the tennis ball canister idea.❤ TFS.

[@drogers]

Thanks Carole! They are so much fun to pack if you have the time. I love the tennis ball canisters because you can fit so much in them! I just watched your pack a box online video! Loved it!

[@dawngarrison46]

Wonderful video! I am working on Christmas pencil packs right now. You are such an inspiration! God bless you Denise.

[@drogers]

Awww… thanks Dawn! Aren’t pencil packs fun to do? I just finished up my last Christmas batch. On to Valentine’s Day packs! Thank you for watching!

[@denise5457]

I hope the word keeps spreading thanks to you and others. A box without some basic school supplies feels a little sad to me. Prior to last year l just sent school supplies as they were for filler. Putting them into sets was so much more enjoyable. I'll try to double what I sent last year. I didn't even think about using empty tennis ball containers. 🤦🏼‍♀️ I will not waste those going forward. 😊

[@drogers]

I hope the word keeps spreading too! I’m doing my best to get it out there. It’s sometimes only a drop in the bucket because when we do get those packs at our processing table, they fly into the boxes!!!! But we have to start somewhere, right? Thanks for trying to double what you sent last year. That’s amazing!

[@vivianfulton3871]

I pack a 3x10 bag that I got from ULINE. I can get 8 pencils, 2 colored pencils, 2 ink pens, 6” ruler, 3” ruler, eraser wedge, eraser tops, pencil sharpeners, paper clips, scento markers or pens,stickers, stencils, stampers, balloons googlie eyes rings, foam stickers and little bit of paper for stencil drawing.

[@drogers]

I’ve never ordered from Uline but I’ve heard of them. I’ll have to check out their prices. Thanks! 3x10 is a great size! You can get a-lot in there! Thanks for packing pencils packs so generously! It sounds like your packs are full to the brim! Awesome!!!

[@cindyscrafts9018]

Love this Denise!

[@kathydavis746]

I always get a pen or two when I go to bank and always ask dentist for toothbrushes when I have my teeth cleaned for free extras

[@alicialocklear7607]

Y’all office depo has pencil pouches. Empty ones and ones filled with school supplies on sale, they also have 24 & 48 ct crayons on sale. Todays date 4/24/24

[@drogers]

Thanks Alicia! Yes, great deals! I got mine!!!

[@annecornine8469]

Denise..is it a good idea to sharpen the pencils before sending?? Or not?? Love your pencil packs. Giving me great ideas!

[@drogers]

Hi Anne! Sharpening pencils or not is a personal preference I believe. Some people firmly believe in doing it, some firmly believe in leaving the pencils as is to look new. I tend to do a little bit of both. I cannot sharpen all of the pencils because I pack so many. I do order some pre-sharpened pencils and at times will try to add at least one or two pre-sharpened if I can. When I do, I face them in the opposite direction or put a pencil cap slightly on top so the point doesn't puncture the baggie or get other items dirty with lead. Hope this helps! TFW friend!

[@sk8rmom222]

I seem to be gravitating towards doing the bigger filler packs. They kind of have a lot in them. While it is still January of 2024, can I get your honest opinion? Do you think the need is greater for chunky box fillers or medium-sized ones, smaller, or what?

[@drogers]

I think there is a need for all of them! Each size fits a purpose and finds the right box to help! There are some boxes that only need pencils/basics and some are so empty they need the whole kit and kaboodle! Pack as your heart leads you. It’s all good! Thank you for packing filler!

[@sk8rmom222]

I really appreciate your response. I have watched a ton of your videos multiple times, especially the filler ones. I am doing lots of boxes, but I feel especially excited about putting together some really good filler packs that could sort of somewhat be the box if needed. Just wanted to make sure that was wise. Thanks for all your awesome videos!!