Hey there, craft enthusiasts and creative souls! Are you ready to add a touch of whimsy and functionality to your workspace with a delightful DIY project that combines the charm of pencils with the practicality of a stapler?
Today, Mayra of Crafting by Mayra is diving into the art of making a Pencil Resin Stapler using alcohol inks, glitter, and UV resin. And she's showing all of us how it's done!
This is a craft that not only brightens up your desk but also makes for a perfect teacher gift. Whether it's back to school season, the holidays, or any time you want to show appreciation, this pencil stapler is sure to please!
Let's infuse your stapler game with creativity and pencil-themed cuteness.
How to Make a Pencil Stapler with Resin
Get ready to feel the warmth and joy these adorable pencil staplers exude—a thoughtful gift that celebrates the dedication and hard work of teachers.
Whether it's for back to school season, Teacher Appreciation Week, or just a random act of kindness, this pencil-themed stapler serves as a token of gratitude and admiration for the educators who make a difference every day. Gift it with a heartfelt note and watch as it brightens their day and workspace!
Design Variations
There are many ways that you can make these adorable erasers. Mayra has made hundreds of them and she is sharing the method that she has found works best for her. But you can make swaps based on what you have on hand!
Base Coat
For your base coat you could use acrylic paint, Pop of Color Paint, Dispersion Colors, etc.
Mayra has found that the alcohol inks dry the quickest. Since she makes so many staplers, she needs to be able to produce them as quickly as possible. Alcohol inks let her keep her assembly line going so they are the best choice for her. But you can use any base color product that you love!
Resin Layers
Same thing goes for the resin you use. Mayra uses the UV resin because it cures in minutes and speeds the process up tremendously.
But you could absolutely use traditional Artist Resins for this project. You would just need to wait for the epoxy to cure between steps.
Glitter Application
UV resin is awesome because it can be used to apply your glitter AND cures in minutes for your first epoxy layer. But we all know that UV resin isn't cheap.
Using Mod Podge to apply your glitter is a less expensive option that works just as well. It just takes longer.
Mayra has made many staplers using Mod Podge for her glitter. She explains that you would just need to let your glue dry for about 30 minutes between colors. This keeps your glitters and colors from smearing.
In the video below, Mayra explains all of this and more. So grab your alcohol inks and glitter, a tasty beverage, and let's get crafting!
Watch the Video Tutorial Here!
How to Make a Pencil Stapler Supply List
- Protective gloves
- Filter mask
- UV Resin
- UV Lamp
- Medicine cups
- Pink Ladies Glitter
- Silver Sand Glitter
- Funky Banana Glitter
- Show Time Glitter
- Obsidian Glitter
- Brea Reese Alcohol Ink Pink
- Brea Reese Alcohol Ink Yellow
- Brea Reese Alcohol Ink Silver
- Brea Reese Alcohol Ink Gold
- Brea Reese Alcohol Ink Black
- Paint brush
- Amazon Basics stapler
- Pure White Pop of Color Paint
- Paint brush
- Painter's tape
- Quick Coat (or Rustoleum sealer)
Step By Step Instructions
- Start by disassembling your stapler. Mayra shows us exactly how to do this in the video above. Set all but the top of your stapler aside, making sure to keep track of all your pieces.
- Give your stapler top a base coat of the Pure White Pop of Color Paint. You could also white spray paint for the base coat if you would rather.
- Once the paint is dry, use the painter's tape to mark off your pink area. Press the tape down well to keep bleeding to a minimum. Mayra makes this part about an inch or so.
- Then use a paint brush to paint the pink alcohol ink onto the stapler top. Remove the tape.
- Next mark of the section right under the pink for the silver section. Paint that with the silver alcohol ink.
- Now mark off the gold section and paint that. Then fill in the main area of the stapler with the yellow.
- Finally, paint the last area of the stapler black.
Applying your Glitter
- Use a paint brush or gloved finger to apply a thin layer of UV resin to the pink area of the stapler. Then sprinkle the Pink Ladies evenly over the resin.
- Tap the stapler with the bottom of a large paint brush to remove any excess glitter. Then place the stapler under the UV lamp to let it cure.
- Repeat the same process with each corresponding glitter color until your pencil is completely glittered.
- Now it's time to seal your glitter so your lines don't smear when you apply your top coat of resin. You can use Quick Coat or Rust-Oleum for this step. Let the sealer dry completely.
- Next apply your top coat of UV resin to the glittered portion of your stapler. Place it under the UV lamp and allow it to cure.
- Reassemble your stapler and it's ready to ship, gift, or use!
The Finishing Touches
Crafting a Pencil Resin Stapler using alcohol inks, glitter, and UV resin is more than just a DIY project—it's a gesture of appreciation, a celebration of creativity, and a way to show gratitude to the teachers who inspire and educate with passion and dedication.
A big thanks to Mayra for teaching us how to make these fabulous staplers. If you loved learning from Mayra and want to see what else she is up to, you can check out her Crafting by Mayra website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page.
Pop of Color Shock Paints are sold exclusively at Counter Culture DIY. So now you have even more reasons to stop by!
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