Bravo for Beaded Pens!

Here is a project that is easy, quick, inexpensive, practical and pretty! I found it fun and fascinating as well.

From Maggie Johnston of Craftware in Four Oaks, N.C. came the idea and the materials.

Materials:

BIC or any straight-sided ball point pen
pkg. 1.5 mm crystal beads
Red Liner double-sided tape*
piece of colored foil or colorful gift wrapping paper
paper
pen or pencil
scissors

*The Red Liner tape goes by several names including Wonder Tape and Star Line. It is a double-sided tape that comes in rolls but is also sold by the sheet. It's distinctive quality is its industrial strength adhesive which is required for this project. It's distinctive rosy color makes it easily recognizable. Other double-sided adhesive products can also be used but it recommended that you first experiment to see if they will hold the beads through use.

Steps:

1. Remove top from pen and discard. Cut a paper pattern by wrapping a piece of paper around the pen and cutting it to fit. The side edges should meet exactly and the ends should go from the top of the pen down to where it begins to angle inward toward the point.
2. Cut two pieces of tape the same size as the paper pattern. Cut one piece of foil or gift wrap paper the same size.
3. Peel one side of the tape and wrap it around the pen. Peel the second side of the tape and wrap it with the foil or gift wrap paper piece.
4. Peel one side of the second piece of tape and wrap it around the pen on top of the foil or paper. It is important that there is no space at all between the edges of the tape. It is all right if they overlap slightly. Peel the second side of the tape.
5. Place the beads in a low-sided pan or dish and roll the pen in the beads completely covering the tape with the beads. If you do not have enough beads to roll the pen in them hold the pen over a dish and pour beads over it until it is completely covered.
6. Roll pen back and forth in your hands a few times to further secure the beads and to drop any loose beads. Done! Use and enjoy. Give as small gifts. Use as party favors.