Writin' In Style Pens
By Erin Fiataruolo
I recently made these as teacher gifts. They were a huge hit. The friends I showed them to had to have one. It's quick, easy and kid friendly.
You'll need:
» Pentel RSVP pens
» Art Accentz Terrifically Tacky Tape
» Clear Micro Beads (also called "Tiny Glass Marbles")
» A colorful piece of paper
» A ruler and scissors/paper cutter
Detailed list:
» Pentel R.S.V.P. pens - You'll find these in office supplies. I picked mine up during the school supply sales and actually ended up with them being free. I've included the photo link though just in case.
» Art Accentz Terrifically Tacky Tape - You'll find this in the adhesive section, probably near scrapbooking or stamping. I highly recommend this brand. I tried another and it didn't work (even though the salesperson said it worked the same). It comes in different widths. I have both the 1/2 in and 1/4 in as this product is useful in many other projects I do. You would do fine with just the 1/2 (the first time I did this project, I used 1/4 just fine).
» Clear Micro Beads - I found these on the stamping isle at Michael's. It came as a 2 pack of tubes. Check the stamping aisle for "Tiny Glass Marbles" if you don't see micro beads.
» A colorful piece of paper - You may already have this around you house. Otherwise, visit the scrapbook paper aisle and pick something you like. I'd personally stay away from the cardstock, it's a little more difficult to work with on this one.
» A ruler and scissors/paper cutter - You'll need to measure the paper that goes on the pen.
Gather all your materials plus a tray/plate/bowl/pan long enough for the pen to fit in.
Start by cutting the paper into rectangles that are 3.25 inches by 1.5 inches. 1.5 is a bit generous and will give some over lap. Next, apply adhesive to the paper. (If you're using the tacky tape, it might be easier to apply it directly to the pen body. I personally like my sticker maker or mono-adhesive).
Then, place it on the pen and roll into place.
You're now half way there.
Carefully pour beads into whatever you're using for a tray.
Now comes the tricky, err, sticky part. You can either precut strips of tacky tape or cut as you put them on the pen. Just cover the paper with tacky tape. Using the 1/2 in width, I needed 3 strips. I applied the first two, pulled off the backing and then overlapped the third onto the first two. If you miss a spot, just cut more tape.
Last step. Roll the pen in the beads gently pressing as you go until the adhesive has been covered with beads.
Now, you'll need to set it aside for about 24 hours to let the adhesive cure. Once it's had time to sit, gently brush off the excess beads. It may shed a bit at first, but that will stop.
Enjoy! Or give as gifts and let someone else enjoy them!
Do you have and idea for another Project of the Month? We'd love to hear from you. Email Caryl & Miche with your ideas!
Visit our Crafts for Kids area of StorkNet or visit our Heart
of the Home message board for more terrific ideas!
