Making A Pen Case

[Anne-Sophie]

Michael, this new case is stupendously gorgeous!

 

The square slots are very innovative and modern looking, the case color and all the finishes make it perfect, the stamped strap closure is elegant.

 

If there are a couple of stitches a bit skewed it shows that the case was handmade, craftsmanship of your caliber is without comparison in the commercial leather cases.

 

Thank you for sharing those beauties!

Edited May 9, 2018 by Anne-Sophie

[my63]

Thanks Ann-Sophie your comments are always appreciated.

 

As you all know I love to see my cases in use this case was designed to protect three Danitrio Genkai fountain pens.

I was thrilled this morning to receive a full set of high quality images of the case in use.

 

IMG_2734 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_2726 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_2729 by my0771, on Flickr

 

It is really funny seeing something I have made doing the job that I designed it for and looking quite good.

[my63]

I am not quite sure how to follow the Danitrio Genkai case but as ever I just go with the orders and the next one on the list is a case for a pair of Kingsize Conid fountain pens.

 

This case is what I call a cigar style case two pen tubes wrapped in suede with both an inner and outer leather cover.

The starting point as always is flat sheet Kydex this is 1mm thick.

 

20180509_071629 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The Kydex is heated and rolled into cylinders using an appropriate size dowel.

 

20180509_073223 by my0771, on Flickr

 

One end of each cylinder is heated and rounded over to form the tube there is a small window of temperature between rounding over and melting all over your hand if you try this please take care.

 

20180509_083932 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Time to add a little suede wrapped inside and out.

 

20180509_124448 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_20180509_132558_381 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Time to add the first leather outer cover to bind the tubes together

 

20180510_125303 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Stitched up.

 

20180512_132413 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Forming the outer cover.

 

20180512_161710 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Clamped up

 

20180512_171436 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Clamps of to apply the dye and then back into the clamps for a few days to dry out.

 

20180512_191353 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Cutting the outer covers.

 

20180513_194553 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Test fit

 

IMG_20180514_191244_557 by my0771, on Flickr

 

More stitching

 

IMG_20180515_224716_068 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Fitting the centre band

 

IMG_20180517_215643_089 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I made a wooden toggle / pen rest from oak which I ebonised and polished just waiting for a thong initial disc and end caps and this one will be ready for shipping.

 

2018-05-20_07-46-19 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This is a much shortened version of the making of this case more details can be found on my blog MY63leather

 

Thanks

 

Michael

[zaddick]

Another case that looks familiar!

 

Keep up the great work.

[Anne-Sophie]

 

Yet, another pen case with a wonderful new style!

[Anne-Sophie]

 

Any new design since the Conid pen case?

 

 

[my63]

Sorry I have been busy with family things recently.

 

I do have a new design to share when I find the time to post.

I am very busy making pen cases I have made more cases so far this year than in any year since I started believe it or not in 2013.

 

I have just finished the new design.

 

20180603_191331 by my0771, on Flickr

 

There is also a briefcase restoration that I have just finished.

 

IMG_20180603_213033_300 by my0771, on Flickr

 

 

I am currently making a super size version of the Danitrio case in mahogany and red suede.

 

20180606_200855 by my0771, on Flickr

 

A sneak peak at some of the projects I have not posted yet.

[Anne-Sophie]

So happy that you are so busy!

 

Thank you for sharing your new designs and completed projects.

 

 

I went to your blog to see the case restoration.

Edited June 16, 2018 by Anne-Sophie

[my63]

So was I until I opened my mouth I have not had an order since I posted that message although I am pleased to say there is one in discussion.

 

Zaddick they will all look firmiliar to you as you have almost the full set including at least one 1of 1 that no one else has

The blue twin was another 1 of 1 which is the only case which is not a standard case it has an extension top and bottom to allow custom six inch business cards to be carried in the rear pocket.

 

I have had some computer issues recently which has resulted in an iPad upgrade I am working out how to post images from that just in time for my desk top to expire this afternoon. As it lives under my work desk it was covered in boxes and spare packing when removed it was full of dust oops. Ten minutes with a mini air compressor got rid of the dust hopefully all will be well now.

[Anne-Sophie]

In between pen cases building and briefcases restoring, there may be unique antique bags and portable desks waiting to be spruced up for a new generation of buyers.

 

Every one and their cousins, have succumbed to the paper journals craze. One of those days, someone is going to think that a new couple, new parent journal needs some dressing up and your covers are just the ticket.

 

Following your work for so many years, I have come to the conclusion that there is pretty much nothing you can't do in leather.

Edited July 4, 2018 by Anne-Sophie

[my63]

Hi Anne-Sophie thanks for your kind words they are very much appreciated.

 

It is funny you should mention notebooks I am currently working with Pen Opulence a Canadian pen supplier on some note book covers embossing or de bossing their logo.

 

I have made something similar before but I don't think I shared them here.

 

IMG_0482_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_0485_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_0502_1 by my0771, on Flickr

 

That is the basic idea of an embossed cover the other idea is to actually carve the design into the leather. Like this

 

DSC_2062%5B1%5D by my0771, on Flickr.

 

I hope that there will be more interesting ideas in the future.

[Anne-Sophie]

Sorry for the late reply, in the U.S, we are in the middle of Primary elections.

 

I am not surprised that you were solicited by a company do make notebook covers, your work is beautiful.

 

Yes, I remember those notebook covers, the raised rose, especially. I don't think you shared the carved blue bird.

 

You also shared one with a NASA logo for which you made multiple versions, if I am not mistaken. There was also one with a monogram, I think.

 

The demand for pen cases is cyclical, right now parents are in the mist of back to school preparations and empty nesters are planning their autumn getaways.

 

I think the peak demands for the U.S might be graduation, anniversaries, the holidays or milestones ceremonies: turning 18, 16, religious confirmation, etc...

 

Anyone who wants a high quality custom case for a loved one special writing instrument(s), is very likely to look for your work.

Edited August 3, 2018 by Anne-Sophie

[my63]

Thanks Anne- Sophie your memory is better than mine.

 

Here are some of my latest projects I have had some issues lately and my only updates have been on Instagram.

 

I was surfing fpn one day and came across a thread where a member was looking for a horizontal pen stand they had found one for $100. I thought that was mad so I designed and made it for much less.

 

My first attempt needed pins to hold it together and as it had to be shipped I had to re think the design

 

2018-07-20_04-37-12 by my0771, on Flickr

 

My second attempt started off as a grey board template

 

2018-07-21_07-07-49 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2018-07-21_06-35-50 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The second picture shows the slots which allow the stand to be assembled without glue or any other fastener. It also made it easy to ship.

 

2018-07-22_11-33-57 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The next project is similar to others you have seen before.

 

2018-08-03_06-19-46 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After making the inside I wet moulded the outer cover.

 

2018-08-03_06-20-12 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Apply some black dye

 

2018-08-03_06-20-50 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The last job was to stitch it all together by hand

 

2018-08-03_06-22-30 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Over the years I have been making these cases I have made a number of alterations to the design most recently I have increased the thickness of the kydex from 0.7 mm to 1 mm this has made these cases even stronger.

[Anne-Sophie]

The stand design is soooo clever!

 

Is it possible to assemble and dis-assemble the stand multiple times?

 

If so, you could design a pen case with slots to house it.

 

The Blue Suede Shoe, err... pen case lining and classy black case is your classic design.

 

I would not have noticed the wider thickness of the Kydex, if you had not mentioned it. It blends with the design beautifully and is even more secure, what's not to love?

 

Thanks for sharing the pictures of your creative process!

Edited August 7, 2018 by Anne-Sophie

[my63]

Hi Anne-Sophie yes the pen stand can be assembled and disassembled as often as you wish. I found it funny sending a flat packed pen stand to Sweden.

 

I think it might add a lot of bulk to a pen case but if I ever make another I could offer a leather travel case for it.

 

 

I don't think anyone would ever notice the difference in the thickness of the kydex as it is never seen on the finished cases. I think it makes the cases stronger.

[Anne-Sophie]

Hi Anne-Sophie yes the pen stand can be assembled and disassembled as often as you wish. I found it funny sending a flat packed pen stand to Sweden.

 

I think it might add a lot of bulk to a pen case but if I ever make another I could offer a leather travel case for it.

 

 

I don't think anyone would ever notice the difference in the thickness of the kydex as it is never seen on the finished cases. I think it makes the cases stronger.

 

A travel case for the pen stand would upgrade its value as a gift.

 

It also looks like that you can match the pen stand color to its leather case or/and pen case(s).

 

People could have matching pen case(s), notebook cover(s) and pen stand(s) cover(s).

[my63]

Thanks Anne-Sophie your ideas are appreciated as usual.

I am sorry I have not been here much lately I thought I would share some of my recent projects.

 

This case is for a Namiki Emperor It is a flat backed case

 

2018-09-06_09-36-14 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Recently my focus has been on making the case as small as possible but still hold the largest pens.

 

2018-09-06_09-36-38 by my0771, on Flickr

 

As you can see my model fits well it is slightly larger than an Emperor

 

This is the case that started the recent focus on slimline cases for the largest pens.

 

2018-09-06_09-55-44 by my0771, on Flickr

 

As you can see in this picture the pen will only fit on one axis the clip needs to be in the horizontal position rather than the vertical.

 

2018-09-06_09-55-24 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This case is the second for this customer in the brogue series

 

2018-09-06_09-57-04 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The colour of the dye is an attempt to match a briefcase I restored earlier this year.

 

2018-09-06_09-58-32 by my0771, on Flickr

 

IMG_20180603_213033_300 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2018-09-06_09-59-37 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I started making these cases in 2013 and I am still refining the design my most recent version is more rounded and in the slimline format I am really happy with it.

 

2018-09-12_10-34-09 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Although I am referring to this as a slimline case it still holds the largest fountain pens and as each one is custom made the size can be adjusted as required.

Thanks to everyone for putting up with me for so long.

Michael

[my63]

I showed this chocolate and emerald green pen case in my last post so I thought it only fair to show the rest of the process.

 

This is the trial fit of the components the final stage is to add glue and apply some pressure.

 

2018-09-21_07-31-54 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After the glue was dry it is time to mark out and make the holes for stitching I use a stitching chisel to make the holes through the leather.

 

2018-09-21_07-31-27 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I wait until I have stitched the strap in place to give me the exact size that the flap can be to pass through it. Then I trim the sides and shape the flap.

 

2018-09-21_07-32-35 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The final steps are to shape and dye the edges before sealing them with bees wax.

 

2018-09-21_07-27-42 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After a final polish it is time to ship the case to its new home.

 

2018-09-21_07-27-21 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2018-09-21_07-28-24 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I am sorry I don't post here as often as I would like but I do read the forum as often as I can.

[Penoholic]

How could I obtain one from you?

Sent you a PM my63, kindly check

Edited September 24, 2018 by Penoholic

[my63]

Thanks Penholic you are on the list.