Who remembers using computer diskettes? It doesn’t seem that long ago that these diskettes were the newest thing in technology. Now they’re a historical artifact. Recently I found two boxes of diskettes on Freecycle and immediately I knew wanted to make a DIY computer diskette pencil cup for my son. 
I craft for my daughters all the time, but don’t seem to make as many crafts for my son. I’m always looking for craft ideas that he might enjoy. I was also getting together with my crafting buddy, J., who has two boys, so I thought a computer diskette craft would be fun for us to make. If you watch Freecycle or thrift stores, you can find boxes of computer diskettes once in a while. You’ll only need four diskettes, so you don’t even need a full box of diskettes. (Anybody else hear that dial up sound in the background as you look at the box of diskettes?)
J. and I originally thought we’d just hot glue the diskettes together in a square and bam! – cool computer diskette pencil cup done. But, no. It didn’t work out that easily. After much tinkering, we figured out that gluing the diskettes to the box the diskettes came in worked best. 
Since there was only one box and we wanted to make two pencil holders, we made a second box out of a piece of cardboard. I simply used one of the diskettes as a template for the dimensions of each side of the box. I cut out the corners and scored the cardboard so that I could fold the sides of the box up. 
We used hot glue to attach the computer diskettes to the boxes. Once the diskettes were glued to the box, we used rubber bands to hold everything in place until the glue was cooled and secure.
These pencil holders made from computer diskettes are so very easy to make. Once we figured out the trick of gluing the diskettes to the boxes, making these computer diskette pencil holders took about four minutes each plus drying time. If you can find diskettes on Freecycle like I did, then these pencil holders will cost you nothing to make.
How fun are these DIY computer diskette pencil cups? Not only are they fun, but they’re an earth-friendly repurposed project. Oh, and look pretty cool on my son’s desk. 
A computer diskette pencil holder would make a great gift. Who do you know who would appreciate a diskette pencil holder?
More craft projects:
I’m a mom of 3, a veteran and military spouse. I’ve moved into 20+ homes all around the world. My passion is helping busy people make the space and time for what’s really important to them.
Seana Turner says
I remember them! We had bunches of them… mostly tan. What a cute use of a relic:)
susan says
Thanks, Seana. It was fun explaining what they were for to my kids.
Darlene says
Hi Susan. I remember computer disks and the dial up tone. That makes me feel ancient. Don’t tell anyone but I remember when we got our first color tv.
I’ll bet my daughter would love one of there and it would cool on her desk too.
Great tip – using elastics to hold them into place. You could just leave the elastic there and add more for a convenient way to store them.
Thanks for sharing your project. Pinning
Best wishes, Darlene
susan says
Thank, Darlene. It was funny explaining what they were for to my kids.
Monica says
Wow – that is a blast from the past. What a clever way to use these relics. I still have them packed away, just in case….This would be a great activity for our Grandchildren.
susan says
Have fun crafting with the grandskids, Monica, and trying to explain what these diskettes were. 🙂
Stacey says
This is perfect for the pencil holder sitting next to a computer. It is so retro!
susan says
Enjoy the retro vibe, Stacey.
Navy Wifey Peters @ USS Crafty says
Oh my…. I haven’t seen one of those diskettes in forever! Great project!
susan says
Isn’t it funny to think how we never see these diskettes any more when we used to have piles of them in our desk drawers?