Pen cases

[MY63]

This next project is for three pens however they are 8 inches long so this is really a custom project.


IMG_9600 by my0771, on Flickr

IMG_9603 by my0771, on Flickr

I made three tubes from kydex heated and rolled around a 17 mm dowel they will be wrapped in leather or suede along with the rest of the interior,
The leather is 5 mm veg tanned which once soaked in water becomes pliable enough to follow the shape of the three tubes with a little gentle persuasion.

So far so good

Michael

[MY63]

Using such thick leather has made things a little difficult so I have resorted to pressure

IMG_9625_1 by my0771, on Flickr

If I am still unhappy when it dries then I have some thinner leather I will make another the pens will still be protected by the kydex tubes I just liked the look of the thick leather.

[MY63]

So now that we have an outside leather shell the next step is to sort the interior components this will be three individual tubes which will be wrapped in leather and then fixed together.

IMG_9643_1 by my0771, on Flickr

The tubes have been rolled and glued together after sanding to roughen them rather than smoothing for the glue

IMG_9645_1 by my0771, on Flickr

I cut a piece of yellow Nappa leather to the outside diameter of each tube as they are all slightly different

IMG_9649_1 by my0771, on Flickr

I have been trying different ways to wrap inside and outside tubes I have wasted many pieces of leather trying to get to a point where I am happy.
This is my best method yet which I found by accident I now glue the outside piece first then push the inside piece through and pull it over the outside at the bottom

IMG_9655_1 by my0771, on Flickr

I have quickly taken another picture the leather has been glued to the top outside of the tube in the past I have always glued the inside part but if the top and bottom are glued then the inside has no where to go.
I hope this makes sense.

I have been told in the past not to show how I make things as people may copy them rather than buying my work well if anyone wants to make there own version of any of my work please feel free
If you do want to have a go and have a question then I will be happy to answer it and help in any way that I can.

Thanks for looking

Michael

[Crazyorange]

You've got a great heart Michael.

[MY63]

I have dyed the outer pieces for the three pen case the closure method is going to be by a thong wrapped around I am not sure if it should be attached to the flap or to the base.

IMG_9659_1 by my0771, on Flickr

Thanks for looking

Michael

[MY63]

I am approaching the end of another project this is a three pen case for pens that are 8 inches long

IMG_9666_1 by my0771, on Flickrk

IMG_9668_1 by my0771, on Flickr

I have had an enquiry about a two pen case so that may be next.

[Crazyorange]

That's an amazing case. Love the colors and cord with fountain pen charm.

[Flounder]

Those colours are amazing!! It looks like the inside of a 50's rolls.

[MY63]

Thanks Crazyorange and Flounder not quite sure I am up to Rolls Royce standards but that is the sort of quality I am looking for.
Getting the stitching right is very difficult but if it was perfect then it would not be hand made.
Now the edges have been dyed I think it looks better, most edges tend to be black but I like them the colour of the body

IMG_9690_1 by my0771, on Flickr

I am thinking I may just use wax to seal the edges as edge kote will make them very shinny I don't mind shinny but it sometimes looks like plastic.

Hopefully the owner will pop in and show the special pens that will live in the case.

Thanks for looking

Michael

[earthdawn]

Ohhh yea... these will find the case very comfy.

A 3rd in Kuro will be added later this year so until then it will be just 2.

VERY excited to get my hands on this beautiful case. Thank you so much Michael for taking on this project and putting so much effort and care and craftsmanship into it.

[MY63]

If you have a lot of Japanese pens then one of these is essential.

IMG_9692_1 by my0771, on Flickr

It is nearly finished. (honest)

I thought the charm may have given your identity away it is 12mm long and hand made from brass

IMG_9685_1 by my0771, on Flickr

[MY63]

I really enjoy making cases however I like them to be as good as I can make them

Here is the Nakaya style case for earthdawn I did not like the lugs for the thong and some of the stitching was not as I would like it.

IMG_9694_1 by my0771, on Flickr

So here we have mk2

IMG_9708_1 by my0771, on Flickr

almost done

Thanks for looking

Michael

[Winnie]

Great job! I am loving the color and the stiching. The first one is my favorite so far.

[MY63]

Almost like twins

I am happier with mk2 it is a little neater, I am waiting for the thong to dry after dying it the same colour

IMG_9709_1 by my0771, on Flickr

I need to make another wooden toggle and it will be good to go.

[earthdawn]

WOW ...

That is just awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MY63]

Fortunately as one project ends there is another to take its place, Recently I have been buying and learning about bags and cases sometimes the leather is too far gone and needs to be replaced.
In these situations it is nice to be able to do something different reusing the old hardware.

Small gladstone bag by my0771, on Flickr

The idea here is to create a custom interior to hold a large number of pens and some other writing / painting stuff

IMG_9744_1 by my0771, on Flickr

I have only added one side of pen slots on the model there will be another two and the fourth section will be for brushes etc.

I am sure that the member who commissioned this case will be along soon

[MY63]

Rather than spend any more time on the model I have gone straight on with the book binders grey board there is an overlap to the left of centre while I decide where the joint will be.

IMG_9835_1 by my0771, on Flickr

IMG_9833_1 by my0771, on Flickr

Each fold will be reinforced with tape once I have found the correct tape to use. I may cut each joint and use the tape to hold the two pieces together which will give a better join.

Thanks for looking

Michael

[Crazyorange]

Woohoo! My zentangle pen bag is getting made
I'm using about 18 pens inked to draw with. My current pen wrap is a pain. Pens fall out and can only hold 12 pens. I need more space. So I immediately thought of Michael. He suggested a bag to hold the pens. I was sold. Michael you the best

[elaineb]

I just love this stuff! I have a few large pieces of leather and I like to use it for notebook covers, bags, cases, etc. Nothing this creative, though. It's inspiring. Thank you for the the continuing series of process photos. I know it can be a pain in the neck to stop work and drag out the camera constantly.

[MY63]

Thanks Elaine
I would love to see some of the things that you have made I am currently learning how to make bags and cases.