@geraldinebennett2322 Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video and found the updated info helpful.😊 To attach the charms, I usually screw a small Screw Eye Pin into the end of the pen. If there’s already a little hole, you can fill it with UV resin while attaching the pin. If not, you can often screw the pin in without drilling if the resin is freshly cured. Alternatively, you can drill a small hole and secure the pin with a drop of UV resin. Once the pin is in place, you can easily attach any charms or dangles. Once you start doing it, you’ll see that it’s not too difficult. If you have any questions while working on it, feel free to reach out- I’m happy to help! Unfortunately, I don’t have a video showing this process yet, but I plan to make more pens and videos in the future (just waiting for warmer weather!) and will do my best to film and share the process. Keep an eye out for a new video! Thanks again, and have an amazing day!🌷

Thank you for your interest! 😊 I make all the boxes you see in my videos using my Cricut and Silhouette cutting machines. I use my own templates, which I designed specifically for these machines. I also share the templates in my Etsy shop for others to use. Some of the designs can be cut by hand as well, but it does take more time compared to using a machine. Let me know if you have any other questions.😊 My Etsy shop link: procraftive.etsy.com

No, it doesn’t necessarily have to be BIC refills. There are alternative refills available that look identical in shape and size. Just make sure the refill matches the straw's diameter size you're using. The straws in the link fit BIC refills exactly. It’s always a good idea to measure or compare dimensions before purchasing. Wishing you good luck in finding the perfect fit! 😊

Thank you for your question! 😊 I used Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA), also known as vinyl glue. In this case, I believe the bottle was filled with Pritt vinyl glue (Pritt VINIL). When choosing a glue, I look for PVA/vinyl glues that are milky white and not too watery-this usually indicates a higher percentage of vinyl and less water, which helps them dry quickly. I avoid the watery, see-through types. Hope this helps! 👍 Let me know if you have more questions! 😊

Thank you for your question! The largest size of my box templates will fit a 3.94" disc ornament. However, since the boxes are primarily designed for bauble-style ornaments, please note that there will be some extra space around the disc ornament inside the box. Here is the link to the templates, compatible with Cricut and Silhouette cutting machines: procraftive.etsy.com/listing/1574840390 You can find more detailed information in the item description and listing photos to help determine if these templates are a good fit for your needs. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! 😊

Thank you for your comment!❤ I create my templates using professional design software, such as Adobe Illustrator. The process involves designing the shapes, testing the template by cutting it by hand, and making adjustments until I’m completely happy with the result. Once the design is finalized, I format it for use with cutting machines like Silhouette and Cricut, which makes cutting the templates quick and efficient. These files are also available in my Etsy shop for others to use with their machines. procraftive.etsy.com

Thank you very much! Happy creating!😊

Hi! Thanks for watching! 😊 The cardstock I use is just a basic, standard type that I pick up from Amazon or any local craft shop-it’s nothing fancy! The weight of the cardstock is 180gsm (or 65 lbs), which works well for most projects. Let me know if you have any more questions! 😊

Hey, Here are a few possible solutions you can try: 1. Check for Airflow: Vent Hole: Some pens require a small vent hole near the top of the barrel or cap to allow air to enter as ink is used. If your pen doesn't have this, you might consider adding a small hole. Test with a Different Refill: If you can, try using a different ink refill that you know works well in other pens. If the new refill works, the issue might be with the original refill's design or air venting. 2. Unclog the Nib: Warm Water: If the pen nib is clogged, try dipping it in warm (not hot) water for a few minutes. Dry it thoroughly before testing it again. Shake the Pen: Sometimes gently shaking the pen or tapping it on a soft surface can help get the ink flowing again. 3. Examine the Refill Quality: Ink Quality: If you’re using a refill with low-quality ink or if the ink has dried out, replacing the refill with a new one could solve the problem. 4. Consider the Environment: Temperature: Cold temperatures can cause ink to thicken, making it harder to write. Try warming the pen in your hands for a few minutes. If you suspect the issue is due to a lack of airflow, adding a small vent hole could indeed help, but be careful when doing this to avoid damaging the pen or the refill. Hope you find a solution that works for you. ❤

Yes, they are.😊 You can read more about it here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_blossom#:~:text=Cherry%20blossoms%20and%20leaves%20are,filled%20with%20red%20bean%20paste.

Thank you so much for the helpful suggestion. Appreciate the advice!

Hi, the ink refills are from assorted BIC pens. There are alternative pens that are unbranded, but their ink refills are similar to the BIC refills and function in the same way.

@stacynation1268 Thank you so much for your kind words and for joining our community! I'm delighted to hear that my videos have been helpful to you.🌷😊 I purchased the colored straws a long time ago from various supermarkets. I'm not sure if they still sell this type of straws due to environmental laws, but it's worth checking your local supermarket. As for the nail polish, I'm glad you like it! I believe the color is called Bubble Trouble (04), by the brand Essence. I must say, I have a lot of their nail polishes, and they are quite good. They are also some reviews about their products on KZbin as well. I appreciate your support and I'm thrilled to have you as a new subscriber. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy crafting!❤

Thanks for responding so fast. I will look for some in our stores. I will most likely order from the link you posted and save me a headache. Lol! ☺️ Enjoy the rest of your week.

Hi, not at all! In my case, using a bendy straw was crucial due to the larger diameter of the straws compared to my pen refills. The ribbed/bendy part of my straws provided grips and a smaller diameter, which helped keep the refills securely in place in the pen. However, if you purchase straws with the correct diameter for your refills, you won't necessarily need the bendy part. It was a practical solution for the specific situation I encountered. Thanks for your question!

It's not necessary to cover the other end of the straw. While some people may apply a small bit of Tack-It and remove it after curing, I've found for me that this is not required and haven't encountered any issues without it. The straw end (the invisible end) naturally touches the silicone inside the mold, and since the straw doesn't fill out with resin, there's no need for additional covering. To secure the other end of the straw (the visible end), I insert the little silicone bit into the straw. This ensures that it remains in place throughout the pouring and curing stages. You might notice that the straw feels quite bouncy when touched after insertion. This means your straw is the correct length. This positioning allows the length of the straw to be situated in the middle of the pen, ensuring proper placement. If you follow these steps, you should achieve great results in your resin pen-making process!

@@procraftive WOW! All this explanations for me?🥺. Thank you very much 🤭. I just thought there'll be a hole by the other end of the straw and I wanted to know how to cover it up 🤭. I'll try it out tomorrow and give you feedback on here🥺. Thank you very much for the quick response 🤭

@@ayibatonyekipaminikurobo1685 No worries, definitely let me know how it goes! Have fun!😊

Thank you so much!💟

@samhill8337 Thank you so much!💟 This is Spirit of Fire by Jesse Gallagher from the KZbin Audio Library. The author also has a KZbin channel @JesseGallagher. Enjoy!

@bbsaid218 Thank you for your tip!👌

Thank you so much! I hope it brings you joy! Enjoy and happy creating! ☺🌷

That sounds like a clever solution! Have a fantastic craft night filled with creativity and fun! 🎨✨

@lindamcpherson1134 Hi there! I don't think you're doing anything wrong. It's possible that the straws you're using have a slightly larger diameter/bendy bit, which could be causing the ink refills to fall out. These bendy straws come in various sizes and variations from different manufacturers, and even a small difference like 0.5mm/ 0.02 inches can impact the fit. Visually, the straws may seem identical, but the slight variation in size can affect how well they hold the refills. If you have various packs of these straws try another batch. You might want to consider purchasing the specific type of straws I've shared a link in the pinned post, and you may also find them on Amazon. These straws have proven to be a good fit for the ink refills, with many people on AliExpress leaving reviews confirming their suitability. I personally tested them, and the Bic refills fit perfectly with these straws.

Thank you. My straws are supposed to measure the same as yours, but who knows, right? I bought another pen refill that a reader suggested. I''ll try those. I teach a craft group on Monday so I don't have time to order new straws.

@@lindamcpherson1134 Thank you for the update! It's indeed puzzling how slight variations can affect the fit. I hope the pen refills suggested work better for you. Best of luck with your craft group on Monday, and I hope everything goes smoothly for you! I shared this with another reader: Alternatively, you can experiment with what you have. One effective technique is to slit your straw lengthwise and then reduce its diameter by overlapping the sides to match the diameter of your ink refill. In this case you don't need to use the bendy bit. Then simply secure the straw back together with some nice washi tape or clear tape. I've personally tried and tested, and used this method, and while it may take a bit more time, it's a reliable solution. If you have any questions feel free to reach out. Happy crafting!

Thanks!@@procraftive

I had that problem with some straws I had (not the bendy ones) and rectified it by putting a small bit of UV resin around the inside rim of the straw with a toothpick, just a tiny bit at a time

You are welcome! Enjoy!💗

Hi there! While I haven't personally tried using alphabet beads in these pen silicone molds, it sounds like a creative idea! I suggest you give it a try and see how it turns out. Experimenting with different materials is part of the fun in crafting. If you decide to use alphabet beads to write a name, please feel free to share your results with us. Your experience could be helpful for others who are considering a similar project. Happy crafting!

Once the resin is cured, the straw becomes an integral part of the pen and cannot be removed. It's an essential part of the pen's design and functionality. The inclusion of the straw is what makes the pen refillable, allowing for easy and convenient ink changes. Hope this helps.🌼

@@procraftive thank you! And can I ask which ink refills do u use for these and what size straws?

@@311danthony No worries. I sourced the straws for this project from my craft stash, which I purchased from a supermarket a while back. Although the package didn't specify the size, I measured the diameter, and they appeared to be around 5mm, with the bendy bit slightly smaller to prevent the ink refills from falling. However, after creating this video, I found straws that perfectly match my ink refills, see my pinned comment. I believe the straws I purchased from the link are around 4mm to 4.5mm. You can find the link in my pinned comment. Additionally, you may also find similar straws on Amazon. As for the pens I use, they are from the BIC brand, and I also have some unbranded pens with the same appearance: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBLXnz3

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. The paper I used is KOZO PAPER, specifically the 25gsm variant. It's a beautiful and thin mulberry paper, also known as UNRYU. I purchased it a few years ago, and unfortunately, I don't remember the exact place. However, you can easily find this type of paper by doing a Google search with the provided description. Many small businesses sell KOZO UNRYU paper, so you should be able to discover some wonderful options for your own creative projects. Happy creating!✏✂🌼

thank you so much, you are so kind! :)@@procraftive

I sourced the straws for this project from my craft stash, purchased from a supermarket a while back. Unfortunately, the package did not specify the size, but I measured the diameter, and they appeared to be around 5mm. After creating this video, I found straws that perfectly match my ink refills, as mentioned in my pinned comment. I believe the straws I purchased from the link are around 4mm- 4.5mm. If you're interested, you can find the link in my pinned comment. You may also find similar straws on Amazon.

Thank you so much!💗 I typically use cardstock with a weight of around 200gsm (approximately 70lb cover) for my projects. However, for the particular boxes featured in the video, I used Epson archival matte paper with a weight of 189gsm.This media is also highly suitable for printing intricate designs, delivering super high-quality prints. Its smooth matte texture and weight contribute to excellent printing results. If you're looking to achieve vibrant and detailed prints, this media is a great choice.😊

You're welcome! I'm glad to hear I could prove you wrong in a positive way.😊If you ever need that missing info to start making those pens, don't hesitate to reach out. Happy crafting! 🖊

Look for the Bic Cristal, Bic pens, or similar alternatives. Available in most stationery shops or online.🖊

That's fantastic to hear! 🌟 I'm thrilled that you tried the project and it turned out so well for you. Using heavy weight cardstock and chipboard for extra support sounds like a brilliant idea! I'm so glad you enjoyed making it! If you have any pictures or want to share more details, I'd love to see them. Keep up the fantastic work! 😊✨Happy Holidays!💌

@@procraftive sure!

Thank you so much!💗💌💗

@zuhanaweti4121 Hello. The templates can be used successfully with any model Cricut or Silhouette cutting machines, except for the Joy.💟

@@procraftive I purchased them but I am not able to understand it

@@zuhanaweti4121 You are welcome to contact me via Etsy messages, if you have any questions, regarding your purchase. I'm always happy to assist. Alternatively watch the Cricut DS video tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmmQh5dnjJqArs0 . There is a PDF document included with the purchase, containing additional helpful information for beginners and links to the video tutorials.🌷

Thank you so much! Happy crafting!✂😊

Thank you so much!❤

The measurements are in inches.

You are most welcome!☺ Have fun creating your very own size TN! I'm sure it will be very special and beautiful!❤

Approximately 3 hours (give or take). Beeswax generally burns the longest compared to soy and paraffin wax.

Happy creating!✂✏🙂

Hello dear Debbie, you definitely need smaller diameter straws. The 5mm bendy straws should work. Since I made this video I purchased some basic straws from Aliexpress and they work great with the BIC pens I have in my stash. Using the blu tack method sounds a great idea!😊❤ Let me know how it goes, I'm happy to assist with everything I can! 😊 Here is the link to the straws: www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001998222699.html?spm=a2g0o.order_detail.order_detail_item.3.7d1df19c4FyOLL

You are very welcome!❤😊

You are welcome! Happy crafting!❤