Ready to start the new term in style? This guide shows you how to bedazzle pens with Serinity non-hotfix flatback crystals, wrapping each one in a different bright Electric Ignite shade for a set that stands out in any pencil case.
It is an intermediate make that takes a few hours across the set, working row by row up each pen. Our own Austrian made Serinity crystals in Electric Ignite bring a vivid, high shine neon finish, so the set really pops. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Time: 3 hours for a set of four, plus 12 hours to dry
- Crystals used: Serinity flatbacks in Electric Yellow, Pink, Orange and Green Ignite, SS16
- Best crystal type: Non-hotfix flatbacks, glue-set to the pens
Watch the tutorial
See this project come together. Watch the full make below, then scroll down for the kit list and step-by-step instructions.
What you'll need
Quantities cover four pens, one in each shade, so scale them to how many you make. A retail pack holds 50 crystals, and the counts below are the approximate number of stones each pen needs, around 1,400 in total. Add the crystals, glue and tools to your cart from the cards below. The picker and trays are reusable across every project, so browse the full range of tools and accessories to build your kit.
- Four pens (your own), clean and dryYour bases, see step one on the logos4
- Serinity Flatbacks SS16, Electric Yellow IgniteYellow pen, full coverage350 (7 retail packs)
- Serinity Flatbacks SS16, Electric Pink IgnitePink pen, full coverage350 (7 retail packs)
- Serinity Flatbacks SS16, Electric Orange IgniteOrange pen, full coverage350 (7 retail packs)
- Serinity Flatbacks SS16, Electric Green IgniteGreen pen, full coverage350 (7 retail packs)
- E6000 Plus Glue KitAdhesive with syringe and tips1
- Wax Crystal Picker PenPlacing crystals1
- Magic Sorting TrayOrganising crystals, one colour at a time1
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
From £2.12 ex VAT
From £2.12 ex VAT
From £2.12 ex VAT
From £2.12 ex VAT
£9.53 ex VAT
£1.95 ex VAT
£5.12 ex VAT
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to bedazzle pens
Step 1: Sort your crystals and prep the pens
To begin, prepare your glue and pour your flatbacks into a magic sorting tray. As you will work one pen at a time, you only need the one tray. It is optional, but we painted over the black logos and writing on the pens first, so they do not show through the crystals.
Step 2: Glue and lay the first row
Choose the pen to start with and apply a thin layer of glue around the base. Let it get tacky, then place your first row of flatbacks around the pen. Make sure this first row is dry enough that it will not shift once you add more, as each new row leans against it. This saves waiting for the glue to turn tacky every time.
Step 3: Work up the pen
Once the first row is dry, add the next row. As you work up the pen it widens, so add in extra flatbacks to keep the coverage even and follow the shape.
Step 4: Repeat for each pen
Once the first pen is finished, move on to the next and repeat these steps, one colour and one pen at a time, until the whole set is done.
Step 5: Leave to dry
When all your pens are embellished, leave them for around twelve hours so the glue is fully dry before you start using them. Congratulations, you are ready to start the new school year in sparkling style.
Frequently asked questions
How do you bedazzle a pen?
Apply a thin layer of glue around the base of the pen, let it turn tacky, then press a first row of flatback crystals around it. Once that row is dry, build upwards row by row, adding stones as the pen widens, so the coverage stays even. Leave to dry fully before use.
How many crystals do you need to cover a pen?
A standard pen takes roughly 350 SS16 flatbacks for full coverage, so a set of four uses around 1,400. It depends on the pen's length and width, so use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by area before you buy, and keep a few spare per colour.
What glue works best for crystals on a pen?
A strong, flexible adhesive such as E6000. It grips the smooth plastic or metal barrel and flexes as the pen is handled, so stones do not pop off. Work in thin layers around the base, let each turn tacky, and build up in rows for a neat finish.
Should I paint the pen before adding crystals?
It is optional but worth it. Pens often have printed logos or text that can show through clear or lighter crystals, so a coat of paint in a matching colour first gives a cleaner, more even background for your design to sit against.
Will the crystals stay on a pen with daily use?
Yes, once the glue has fully cured over twelve hours. A pen is handled constantly, so press each stone in firmly and let it set properly. Keep a few spare crystals of each colour to replace any that work loose with heavy everyday use.
Can I change the colours?
Absolutely. We used four bright Electric Ignite shades for a neon set, but any colours work, from pastels to a single shade per pen. We used our own Austrian made Serinity crystals here; you can also use premium Swarovski, Czech made Preciosa or budget Estella.
Make it your own
Match the pens to your folders, spell out initials in a contrast shade, or ombre the colours up each barrel. For more back to school makes, see our crystal phone case and water bottle projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
