Here are our top 5 different types of pens and markers you need in your craft room to make all of your craft project dreams come true!
When you think pens, do you immediately think of ball point pens? That’s what comes to mind, right? In fact, I rarely think about pens as a crafting supply but in reality there are at least 5 different tupes of pens that you really need in your craft room.
And trust me, people who work in architecture are notoriously picky about their pens and writing/drawing utensils.
Before we get started, let me preface this discussion of pens with that I consider a pen.
What is a pen?
A pen is an instrument for writing or drawing with ink.
what is a marker?
A marker is a broad felt tip pen.
What’s the difference between a pen and a marker?
Now while technically there is a distinction between a pen and a marker. What that distinction is, appears to be kind of nebulous. This question is the type of topic up for discussion on Reddit. Some say the difference is the use of ink versus anything else. Others say the difference lies in the scale of use, pens are for small scale, markers for larger.
For our purposes today, I’m including anything that uses ink or paint to draw linear designs on any surface. So, a regular sharpie? Yes, I’ll count it. A dabber dot marker? Nope. Hopefully my entirely personal classification system makes sense.
So, should we get going?
The 5 Different Types of Pens & Markers You NEED in Your Craft Room
- A Sharpie
Ah yes, the Sharpie, the permanent marking pen we all love to hate. Should you use a permanent marking pen on mugs that go through the dishwasher like you see on Pinterest? No. Should you use it for pretty much anything else? Sure! Sharpies are super handy for writing or drawing or outlining on pretty much any surface. The best part about them is that they work on pretty much anything. The potentially worst thing about them (besides the stinky fumes) is that they’re permanent. Don’t get Sharpie on your clothes!
But really, a permanent marking pen like a Sharpie the workhorse of the craft room. I like the Sharpie brand fine or ultra fine tip. I would not use a knockoff brand for this. You can use it to add outlines or details to crafts. Or you can use it to label organizing bins in your craft closet. It’s truly the one must-have item on this list. - Paint Pens
I use paint pens ALL the time. I recommend having paint pens in both black and white to start. My favorite happens to be DecoColor oil based paint pens. But there are lots to try. For craft projects they are incredibly handy for adding details that would be difficult to add with a paintbrush. The advantage of paint pens over a Sharpie is that the paint comes out opaque and has a thickness just like real paint. - Disappearing Ink Fabric Pens
If you ever craft with fabric or sew or anything, a disappearing ink fabric pen is a must. They make more than one kind. Some disappear over time. Other disappear with a spritz of water. And another kind disappears with the application of heat. I personally prefer the water soluble ones, but they’re all great for marking designs, or cut lines or pretty much anything on fabric, felt, ribbon etc. and not leaving any permanent markings behind.
Just don’t accidentally use one to write down a phone message…ask me how I know… - Metallic Paint Pens
I consider metallic paint pens to be in their own category. White and black paint pens are the workhorses. Metallic paint pens are the flair. Again, they are awesome to add details or outlines that would be tricky to add to a craft project with a paintbrush. The difference though, is that all metallics are not created equal. Just like metallic craft paint, you may prefer the gold tone of one brand to another, so you may need to try some out. - Erasable Ink Pens
If you’re about my age, you may remember the “erasable” pens that were not really actually erasable. They were so frustrating. But there are new erasable pens that really DO erase with the heat caused by friction and they are awesome. I primarily use them for sketching and planning rather than crafting. But I love them because they allow me to plan in color and they are more erasable than colored pencils!
BONUS Must-Have Pens and Markers
Those are my top 5 faves, but here are some other types of pens and markers to add to your craft room stash!
- Calligraphy Pens
Obviously, these are specially for calligraphy but they are amazing if that’s your craft! - Brush pens
Brush pens are like the slightly more accessible cousin of calligraphy pens. They’re great for typography projects but you can use them for other crafts and art projects as well. - Watercolor brush pens
You can load these with watercolors and use them just like a pen, how neat is that?! - Drawing pens
Micron pens are the artsy-fartsy pretentious black ink drawing pens of your dreams. There’s a reason architects love ’em! - Copic Markers
These alcohol based ink markers can blend like a dream. These are the markers “serious” artists use and they are amazing.
If you liked this, you may also like some of my other posts…
- Gingerbread House and Gingerbread Man Knitting Patterns - December 13, 2024
- Peppermint Candy Cane Wreath Knitting Pattern - December 9, 2024
- Gingerbread Wreath Knitting Pattern - December 9, 2024
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