Many people believe a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, and some dispute this. Regardless having equipment easily identifiable and accessible saves time and avoids clutter.  

Design and make a decorative artefact for a desk to hold at least 5 pencils. The artefact should address some of the issues outlined above and should reflect a theme based on it's use.

This section explores some of the main elements of the design process involved in solving a brief, and producing an arefact. The chart across outlines the design process sequence followed (some additional elements are required).

You can view the design process for this project by clicking on either the powerpoint or PDF version below.

Project outline:

This project develops the pupils experience on the hand plane and pillar drill.  A number of holes drill into the top of a rectangular piece of timber to hold the pencils. Then this piece is planed along its edges into a hexagonal prism.  The end of the piece is tapered to a point to resemble a pencil tip. The project is then painted acordingly.

This project gives the students good scope to practice planing. Getting the tip of the pencil correct is difficult and should be left until afer the sides are planed and the pupils are confident with this tool.

Duration:

This project should take approximately  3 double lessons depending on the ability level of the group, situation and the resouces availible.