Genetically Modified Woodcarver

If anyone ever designs a Genetically Modified Woodcarver, a very useful quality would be the type of ears that can grip a pencil. Sadly, although my ears work quite well in most respects, my parents didn't hand down this trait to me and pencils won't stay behind my ears. Individual pencils 'disappear' in my workshop. I suspect it's the urge to procreate that draws these single pencils away to the pencil mating grounds. My only solution is to leave LOTS of pencils ALL OVER the workshop, in the hope that there will always be one within reach.
I'd welcome any better suggestions.