I don’t usually go for a lot of glitter and glitz in my stamped projects, but I have to admit I have a soft spot for American Crafts’ Ultimate Glitter Gel pens. Although you may not be able to tell very well by the pictures in this article, they really do sparkle!
I love using them for everything from coloring in images to adding details and accents. The simplest card will come alive with just a touch of glimmer from one of these pens, whether it’s used for highlight or a simple border. 
The smooth flow of the gel makes the Ultimate Glitter Gel Pens a joy to use for coloring open images. To make sure you get good coverage, let dry for a bit and go over the image once or twice again.
You can use the gel pens for the direct to rubber technique, as well. Color directly onto the rubber die and stamp on paper. You will have to add new color to the stamp for each impression. If you find that the impressions become too streaky, clean the stamp and color again.
But don’t stop at greeting cards! These pens are a lot of fun for making sparkly pins. Coating your artwork with EnviroTex Light Pour-on High Gloss Finish will make it virtually indestructible. I have even had one of my pins accidentally go through the washer! The backing came off, but the artwork itself remained intact.
What is really cool about combining the Glitter Gel Pens and EnviroTex Light is that the glitter will release from the colored image and float up into the finish, making the pin sparkle even more.
To keep the back of the pin neat and clean, cover it with a piece of Low Tack Frisket Film of the same size before pouring on the finish. You will remove the Frisket Film after the finish is completely dry.
Put the pin on top of a flat block of wood or acrylic. The block should be small enough for the edges of the pin to be free, but large enough to give good support. Consider placing the block on a paper plate or similar so that you can easily move it if you need to.
Mix EnviroTex Light and coat the pin according to the manufacturer’s instructions. As always when working with potentially toxic substances, do it in a well-ventilated area. Let the pin dry in a warm, dust-free place.
The Ultimate Glitter Gel Pens generally flow very well. On the occasional time when they don’t, give them a good shake and keep scribbling until the gel starts flowing again. The more you use them the better they will work. Store the pens horizontally and you will be able to enjoy their beautiful shimmer for a long time!
