Summary:
In this blog post, I will tell you how to make your very own beaded pens using Disney Doorables. If you love crafts and Disney characters, this fun DIY project will bring out your creativity. If you're making a pen topper with Doorables or turning beads into a charming pen decoration, this guide will show you how to do it. We will walk through the entire process, from gathering the materials to finishing your own unique beaded pen. You’ll find useful tips based on both my good and bad experiences to help you along the way. Let’s get started!
Introduction:
Pens are a great way to personalize your stationery and add some fun to your writing tools. Doorables, which are small Disney character figurines, can be transformed into creative pen toppers or decorations with a few simple materials. This DIY project can be done by beginners, and it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys arts and crafts. Whether you're an avid Disney fan or just love making unique pens, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to make beaded pens with Doorables.
Materials You Will Need:
Before we begin, let’s take a look at the materials you’ll need for this project:
- Disney Doorables Figures – These small characters will serve as your pen toppers.
- Pens – You can use any pen, but gel pens or ballpoint pens work best.
- Beads – You’ll need small, colorful beads to decorate your pen.
- Needle and Thread – This will help you string the beads.
- Glue Gun – For attaching the Doorables figures to the pens.
- Scissors – To cut the thread and any excess materials.
- Pen Decoration Tools (Optional) – Things like washi tape, stickers, or other embellishments.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
First, gather all your materials in one place. It’s important to have everything ready before you start. In experience, not having the materials handy can make the process a little frustrating. You can find Disney Doorables and beads at beadablebliss.com, or you can order them online. The first time I started this craft, I made sure everything was laid out neatly. This made the process easier and more enjoyable.
The second time, I forgot to get the beads beforehand and had to pause the project to go buy them. That was a little annoying!
Step 2: Prepare Your Pen
Start by choosing the pen you want to decorate. You can use any basic pen, but one with a removable cap or a smooth body works best. Make sure the pen is clean and free from any labels or stickers. If you have a pen with a cap, remove it because you’ll be working on the body of the pen. I used colorful gel pens for my first try, and I loved how smooth the writing was once the pen was decorated!
When I used a cheap pen the second time, the decoration felt a little too heavy, and it didn’t write as smoothly.
Step 3: String the Beads
Now, it’s time to add some beads to the pen. Take your needle and thread, and carefully string the beads onto the thread. Choose beads that match the theme you want for your pen bright colors, pastel tones, or even matching your favorite Doorables character. You can also decide whether you want to add the beads all over the pen or just in a specific section. I carefully chose beads that matched the Doorables character I was using, and the result was vibrant and fun!
In my second try, I overestimated the number of beads and added too many, which made the pen bulky and hard to use.
Step 4: Attach the Beads to the Pen
Once you have strung enough beads, it’s time to attach them to the pen. This is where the glue gun comes in handy. Apply a small dot of glue along the part of the pen where you want to place the beads. Then, press the beads gently onto the glue. Hold them in place for a few seconds to make sure they stick properly. Be sure to leave some space near the top of the pen for the Doorables figure. The glue dried fast and held the beads in place securely. The beads didn’t slip off at all.
When I didn’t wait long enough for the glue to heat up, some beads came loose after a while. Make sure the glue is hot enough!
Step 5: Attach the Doorables Figure
Now it’s time to add the star of the show to your disney doorables pen toppers figure. Take your glue gun and place a generous amount of glue on the top of the pen. Gently press the Doorables figure onto the glue, and hold it there for a few seconds until it’s firmly attached. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it can spill over and make the pen look messy. When I used the right amount of glue, the Doorables figure stayed in place without any issues, making the pen look really cute.
The first time I added the glue, I used too much, and the glue spilled out from under the figure. This made the pen look messy, so be careful!
Step 6: Customize and Add Final Touches
Once the beads and the Doorables figure are securely attached, you can customize your pen even further. Add some washi tape to the body of the pen or stick on some cute stickers around the beads for an extra flair. You can even create a beaded flower charm or keychain to hang from the pen if you like. I added some matching washi tape along the sides, and it made the pen look so much more polished.
I tried adding glitter to one pen, and it ended up being too messy. It was fun, but not as neat as I had hoped.
Step 7: Let the Pen Dry
Before you start using your pen, let it dry completely. This ensures that everything stays in place and doesn’t come loose when you write. It usually takes about 30 minutes for everything to set, but it’s a good idea to leave it for an hour just to be safe. Once the glue is dry, your Disney beads for pens will stay securely attached, and your pen will look amazing! After waiting for the glue to dry properly, my pen was ready to use, and it looked perfect!
I once got too excited and started using my pen before it was fully dry. Some of the beads shifted around, and I had to redo part of the decoration. It’s always best to be patient and let it dry completely!
Step 8: Enjoy Your DIY Beaded Pen!
Once your pen is dry and ready, you can enjoy using your custom designed beaded pen with a Doorables topper! It’s a fun way to show off your creativity, and the best part is that you can make many different designs with your favorite Doorables characters.
When I used the pens I made, I got so many compliments from my friends. They thought they looked professional!
After making a few, I started getting a little too creative, and some of my designs became too complicated. Keep it simple for the best result!
Conclusion
Making diy beaded pens with Disney Doorables is a fun and creative DIY project that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re decorating pens for yourself or as gifts for friends and family, this easy craft project will help you make personalized pens that stand out. Just remember to take your time and follow the steps carefully, and you’ll end up with beautiful, functional beaded pens that are sure to impress!
FAQs:
Q: How to make a beaded pen?
Thread beads onto a needle, wrap them around the pen, secure the ends, and trim any excess thread.
Q: What size beads are used for beadable pens?
Beads around 6mm to 8mm are commonly used for beadable pens.
Q: What needle do you use for beads?
Use a beading needle (size 10 or 12) for threading small beads.
Q: What is the best string for beading seed beads?
Nymo thread or FireLine are the best for seed beads.
Q: What cord is best for glass beads?
Nylon beading cord or Soft Flex beading wire works well for glass beads.