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Coordinated “Metallic” Staples
By Kathie McGuire
Fast Track Tips Specialist 

With metal being all the rage in paper arts, here’s a little tip that will surely add some “metallic pizzazz” to your projects. Staples can be purchased in metallic colors, but why limit yourself when you can do this for pennies?

Here’s what you’ll need:

•Permanent Markers (Sharpie, Fabrico, Leafing Pen, etc) in color(s) of your choice
•Stapler
•Staples 

Begin by taking a desired size “chunk” (several staples stuck together) and apply the permanent marker to the top of the staple in any shape/design of your preference. Take care to apply color in a back-and-forth motion as well as a side-to-side motion, insuring that all the little crevices between the staples get a little bit of color. In the examples shown here, I used a stripe pattern in three colors to coordinate with my card. Allow a minute or two to dry; it doesn’t take long. Then, simply place the staples into the stapler and staple to your paper art project. 

Imagine the possibilities of coordinating little bits of metallic glitz to your artwork for theprice of a staple!! In any color of the rainbow!! You’re only limited to the colors of permanent markers available. Sharpie has just introduced a whole new line of colors, including a “fall” theme.  Don’t forget about the metallic colors they introduced a year or two ago.  Since most staples are silver anyway, you can dull the staple with the silver, gold, and bronze metallic markers for a more muted look. The colored staple concept is endless!!! 

As an added note, this same technique can be done with alcohol inks.

©Copyright 2005 Kathie McGuire