Writing implements shaped like paintbrushes and squeezable tubes of paint feature in a collection of pencils designed by students from the Holon Institute of Technology.

Led by designers Luka Or and Keren Tomer, the third-year industrial design students at the Israeli institution created 18 new interpretations of the traditional pencil.

The tutors encouraged them to explore unconventional shapes, as well as discover possible new uses.

"It's a very specific and classic object but has a big historical and cultural value," Or told Dezeen. "Every student has an intimate knowledge of the object and affection towards it, and it has room for interpretation from the materials to the function and forms."

Yam Amir created a writing implement shaped like a tube of paint, that requires the end to be rolled down to push the lead out further.

Other students reimagined the typical shape of pencil nibs. Ofra Oberman designed a set of four paintbrush-shaped implements with broad leads that allow users to create wide strokes.

Noy Meiri's pencils have serrated roller nibs, created to be used by fashion designers and pattern makers.

Evgeny Barkov referred back to hand-carved prehistoric tools, creating a set of double-ended colour pencils, and Gal Yacobi turned the writing implement into a hybrid object. With a pencil lead at one end and a stamp at the other, users can write letters and seal them with wax using the same implement.

The "fairy" design by Eitan Bercovich is a set of eight miniature pencils, shaped like teeth and held in a rectangular mouth-shaped case – apparently created for children writing letters to the tooth fairy.

Italian designer Giulio Iacchetti has also reimagined the traditional writing implement, designing mechanical pencils that are operated using brass dials.

Earlier this year, French retailer Orée designed a version of a ballpoint pen that can digitally record handwritten notes.

Although traditional writing implements show no signs of declining in popularity, Apple has placed its bets on its recently launched digital pencil, which is reportedly being adopted by its own design team.