Customize Your Own Glitter Pens with DIY Supplies and Kits

The Rising Trend of Customized Glitter Pens

Glitter pens have become an increasingly popular item over the past few years. What started out as a novelty product has now turned into a customizable craft that people of all ages enjoy personalizing. The ability to design your own glitter pens with custom messages, colors, and decorations has fueled a creative DIY trend.

What Are Glitter Pens?

Glitter pens are writing instruments that contain glitter suspended in liquid ink. When used to write, draw, or doodle, the pens deposit both colored ink and tiny specks of glitter onto the paper. Glitter pens first became popular in the 1980s and 90s as a fun stationary product. They delivered a shimmery, sparkly effect when writing notes and signing autographs. Over the years, manufacturers expanded the color and glitter options available. Now there is a whole rainbow of glitter pen choices out there.

The Rise of Customization

While pre-made glitter pens are still widely available, many crafters and DIYers have started making their own customized versions. The pens can be filled with the exact color of ink and types of glitter that fit someone's style or planned use. Sparkly pens with personal flair or themed messages have become a popular handmade item at craft fairs and online shops.

The custom glitter pen trend took off in 2020, likely fueled by people searching for fun craft ideas and small business opportunities during the pandemic. As the trend grew on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, more sellers emerged offering accessories and kits to DIY your own pens.

DIY Your Own Glitter Pens

The basic supplies needed to make custom glitter pens are easy to find. Here is an overview of the main components:

• Empty pen tubes - Transparent tubes work best so the glitter inside is visible. You can find packs of empty pens online or recycle old glitter pens.
• Glitter - Pick fine glitter for pens so it flows easily. Get creative with color mixes and specialty glitters like holographic and chunky.
• Liquid glycerin - This clear, thick liquid suspends the glitter and delivers consistent flow.
• Color pigment - Add a few drops of liquid color pigment to tint the glycerin.
• Funnel - For cleanly pouring the glitter mixture into the pens.

The basic DIY steps are:

1. Choose pens and mix glycerin, color, and glitter in a small bowl.
2. Use a funnel to fill each pen tube 2/3 full with the glitter mixture.
3. Top off pens with extra glycerin to help flow.
4. Insert pen tips securely to seal.
5. Let pens rest upright overnight before using to allow bubbles to settle.

Customizing Your Pens

Once you master the glitter pen filling process, the possibilities for customization really open up. Here are some ways to make your pens unique:

• Colorthemes - Make each pen a different color for rainbow sets or coordinated colors for themed packs.
• Glitter types - Combine fine, chunky, matte, and specialty glitters. Use different shapes like stars and hearts.
• Messages - Add strips of paper with quotes or greetings to the inside of pens before filling.
• Decorations - Glue on rhinestones, bows, washi tape, and more to personalize the outside of pens.
• Occasions - Gear sets towards holidays, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and other events.

Where to Buy Custom Pens

Looking for some beautifully customized glitter pens? Here are places to find handmade sets and supplies to make your own:

• Etsy - This handmade marketplace has thousands of customizable glitter pen listings. Search for specific themes and color schemes.
• Amazon - Find beginner pen filling kits and bulk supplies like empty pens and glycerin here. Prime shipping available.
• Craft fairs - Makers often sell completed pens and DIY kits at local craft shows and markets.
• Craft stores - Stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby have basic pen supplies as well as fun decorations.
• Small businesses - Many independent stationery and craft businesses sell pens online and ship nationwide.

Uses and Benefits of Custom Glitter Pens

Glitter pens aren't just a superficial trend. The versatile pens have many great uses, and making your own allows for affordable customization. Here are some top benefits of homemade glitter pens:

Creativity and Self-Expression

Designing your own pens sparks creativity and allows you to express your personal style. You can incorporate favorite colors and themes that show off what you love. Friends and family will appreciate the unique, heartfelt gifts too.

Affordability

Bulk pen supplies cost just a few dollars. Making DIY glitter pens is very affordable compared to buying customized sets. You can make dozens of pens on a small budget.

Profit Potential

Several entrepreneurs have grown successful small businesses selling handmade glitter pens online and locally. The lightweight pens are appealing to buyers and fun to make in bulk.

Gift-Giving

One-of-a-kind glitter pens make excellent gifts for all ages. Make themed sets for birthdays, holidays, teachers, bridesmaids, graduations, and more. They add a personal touch.

Planning Uses

Use glitter pens to add sparkle to journals, calendars, notebooks, letters, arts and crafts, and any other stationery. They make planning and writing more motivating.

Dressing Up Possessions

Personalize plain items around your home, office, or dorm with some glitter doodles. Decorate mugs, mirrors, notebooks, phones, water bottles, and more.

Tips for Best Results with Glitter Pens

Achieving a smooth glitter flow in your pens takes some trial and error. Here are some top troubleshooting tips:

Glitter Ratio

The ideal mix is around 1/4 teaspoon glitter per 1 teaspoon glycerin. Too much glitter can clog, while too little won't show enough sparkle.

Glitter Size

Use fine or extra-fine glitter for best flow. Medium and chunky glitters tend to clump or clog.

Funneling

A funnel ensures tidy filling without spills. Tap pens while filling to release any air bubbles.

Tube Size

Choose pen barrels with an inner diameter of at least 2-3 mm so glitter can pass through easily.

Settling Time

Filled pens need to sit upright at least 12 hours so glitter settles evenly. Gently swirl before use if needed.

A little trial and error will help you master the glitter ratio and pouring process. Clogged pens can be cleared by adding more glycerin. Soon you'll be sparkling away!

FAQs

What are glitter pens made of?

Glitter pens contain liquid glycerin ink suspended with glitter. The ink flows out when writing while the glitter adds a sparkly effect.

How do you make custom glitter pens?

Fill empty pen tubes 2/3 full with a mix of glycerin, glitter, and color. Top off with more glycerin. Let pens rest upright so glitter settles before using.

What can I decorate pens with?

Personalize pens by adding ribbons, gems, paint, tape, stickers, paper, and more. Use strong glue when decorating so embellishments stay secured.

Do glitter pens smear or smudge?

High quality glitter pens deliver smudge-free sparkle. The glycerin ink dries fast so the glitter stays shimmery but stuck in place.

Where can I sell custom glitter pens?

You can sell handmade glitter pens through online marketplaces like Etsy, at local craft fairs and markets, or through your own website.