Bling pens are the perfect beginner project for anyone who want to learn how to do rhinestone crafts. They are a quick and easy project that will help you learn the skills necessary to create larger and more complicated items, like a rhinestone tumbler. Watch my in-depth video tutorial below, or keep scrolling for written instructions!
Materials Needed:
- Pen (preferably refillable)
- Rhinestone adhesive
- Rhinestones
- Sandpaper
- Rubbing alcohol
- Wax pencil or other rhinestone picker
- Tray or container
- Precision tip bottle
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Step 1: Prepare the Pen
It’s best to use a refillable pen – I use these Papermate pens. However, even if your pen is not refillable, you can still follow this same process with any pen you’d like to use. If your pen has a clip on it that you don’t want to keep, carefully break it off and use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

Step 2: Sand the Pen
To provide a better surface for the rhinestones to adhere to, sand the pen’s surface lightly. To prevent visible scratches, avoid sanding areas that won’t get covered by the rhinestones. If your pen is refillable, take note of how it unscrews, so you don’t sand or rhinestone on top of those mechanics.
Step 3: Wipe Down with Rubbing Alcohol
To prepare a clean surface before applying the glue, wipe the pen down with rubbing alcohol. This step removes the dust from sanding, as well as any dirt or oil, leaving a nice, clean surface.
Step 4: Gather Your Rhinestones and Glue
Choose your desired rhinestones. You can find affordable options on platforms like AliExpress. For this project, I recommend using rhinestones that are all the same size. I used size SS10 (2.8mm). Additionally, select a suitable rhinestone adhesive. GemTac is my favourite option due to its strong grip and slower drying time, which gives you a chance to make any adjustments if needed.

Step 5: Start Applying the Rhinestones
Begin by applying a thin line of glue around the writing side of the pen. Ensure that you don’t cover any parts that need to unscrew on refillable pens. This initial row is crucial, as it will set the guide for the honeycomb pattern.
Place your rhinestones around the pen, maintaining an even amount of space between each stone. If necessary, adjust the spacing between stones to make them even. The first row should be straight and aligned perfectly.

Step 6: Creating the Honeycomb Pattern
Apply another thin line of glue just above the first row. Place each stone in the gaps between the stones in the row below it. This will create the ‘honeycomb’ pattern. Repeat this process for the third and fourth rows, ensuring alignment with the previous rows.
Continue repeating this pattern until you have covered the entire pen. If your first row’s spacing was accurate, the remaining rows should fall into place effortlessly.


Step 7: Final Touches and Drying
Inspect the pen for any excess glue spilling between the rhinestones. While some white spots may be visible during the gluing process, they will dry clear and become unnoticeable. It’s important to find a balance between using enough glue to secure the stones while avoiding excessive messiness.
Once you’ve completed the rhinestone application, allow the pen to dry. I recommend letting it sit for 7 days before use to ensure it’s super secure. You may want to stand the pen up against a stable object to prevent any accidental smudging or displacement.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your very own rhinestone pen. These pens make excellent gifts and provide a great opportunity to practice your crafting skills or use up your leftover rhinestones. There are endless possibilities to get creative and experiment with different rhinestone sizes and colors. Happy crafting!
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