Shabby Chic signs - writing pen?

[Littlecrafter]

Hi All,

This is my first post.
I am trying to create some shabby chic style signs for christmas presents but I don't know what type of pen to use.

I'd really like to ask anyone who makes these signs the brand of pen that they use. I have been to my local (a good drive away) two craft stores today and was so disappointed that the assistants just said they didnt know.

I'm after something permanent, that wont smudge or bleed. ( i have two monkeys - age 1 & 2) so ideally waterproof too. I need a black and a white.

I have painted hardwood.

I'd really appreciate some advice, I have lots of personalised ideas drawn out, and I'm itching to get started.

Thanks

Helen

[AnnieAnna]

I can't help you with the white - I'd reach for my white acrylic paint and Chinese brushes or tippex that has a little ball like a biro .....
but for the black my local corner shop (one time Spar now something else very common - so common - it's fallen out of my brain) sells Sharpie pens. They are like felt pens, some come with two ends, one fine, one fatter, the one in my hand is just fine. They are tried and tested, waterproof (notices in a downpour) and permanent (faces on much cuddled wooden dolls).
For very, very fine work I use Staedtler pigment liner pens (they look grey and posh). They are expensive and can be found in proper art shops.
AnnieAnna

[Decor4Kids]

I haven't tried them but have been told that Letraset Pro Markers are great for this. They are avaialble in a range of colours and fairly cheap and have a fine tip one end and a stubby end.

Hope this helps.

[razorbladekisses]

Sakura glaze pen or a sharpie permanant marker. I've tried using both but couldn't get on with the Sakura pen.

[Littlecrafter]

Hi all,

I just wanted to thank everyone for their quick replies.
I have now ordered a sakura pen, and will get some white acrylic paint next time I go to the craft shop.
My hands ok but not brilliantly steady for fine line painting so keep your fingers crossed for me.

I tried the sharpie (but they are only the mini ones) and they seemed to lose colour instantly turning grey, so I was quite surprised people suggested these - perhaps I tried the wrong ones.

Hopefully this weekend, I'll get cracking, two days at work to get on with first.

Last year I made vegetable signs for hubbys, veg patch, lovely blue signs and pale grey paint lettering. My dad made the wooden signs from an old pallet and I painted them up. Now I have described them they dont sound very nice but they do look just right in the garden. There was 12 of them it took ages

Many thanks for your replies, I do appreciate your efforts especially for a newbee.

Helen

[AnnieAnna]

The grey thing is weird. All my sharpies have been black, black, black and old notices that have been out in sun and rain are still black.
I like then so much I have one in each off my mobile 'office' boxes (Annie and Anna's) and two for writing on parcels. (I need two because I'm always misplacing one. )
Oh and I used one on fabric to make a pennant/flag thing that has been out in all weathers and is still going strong.
AnnieAnna

[ENIGMAG9]

Hi Helen one of the best markers I've used is Edding, I've had no problem with them bleeding before and I've used them many times on both wood and glass.. you can even buy the pigment ink when they stat to run low. :)http://www.edding.co.uk/