Making A Pen Case

[my63]

This notebook cover and pen case set have a third part a three pen case for high value smaller pens so the case was also required to hold a tracking device.

 

2019-07-28_08-23-26 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I started off by forming the kydex inserts over a wooden mould

 

2019-08-05_09-27-21 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After trimming the inserts I wrapped them in suede.

 

2019-08-05_09-27-55 by my0771, on Flickr

 

While the inserts were drying I started forming the outer cover I made a blank to the size of the Tile tracking device.

 

2019-08-05_09-28-09 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This is the dry fit of the pen slots with the Tile blank along with the outer cover I have also made a thin leather panel to protect the suede from the Tile.

 

2019-08-05_07-28-12 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Time to apply some chocolate dye

 

2019-08-05_07-28-33 by my0771, on Flickr

 

All of the pieces dyed and ready for gluing together you can see the kydex rear panel already glued in place under the suede.

 

2019-08-05_07-29-25 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Almost all of the components are now glued together there are two straps as I had not decided which one to use.

 

2019-08-05_07-29-44 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Stitching in progress.

 

 

[my63]

The last three items I have made are all going to the same home so I finished all three today.

 

First up the three pen case with the Tile tracking device pocket.

 

2019-08-07_09-56-26 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Then the two pen cigar style case for Emperor pens.

 

2019-08-07_09-54-46 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2019-08-07_09-54-29 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Finally the Seven seas writer notebook cover.

 

2019-08-07_09-53-49 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2019-08-07_09-54-05 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I guess that is Julys work finished I am taking things a little easier in August

[Anne-Sophie]

The purple and brown notebook cover with the stud closure is truly one of a kind! It looks like it was made at the same time as one of your restored antique cases.

 

The red and black notebook cover/pen case set is stunning!

 

What is the suede color in the tile and small pens case? It looks like Poussiere de Lune, the Herbin ink.

 

It is wonderful that you were able to find thread that matches the purple and Poussiere de Lune color so perfectly!

 

 

Your workshop is also very nice looking and impressive from the outside to the electrical setup.

 

The paint makes it brighter! Such an tiring task with gave you so much trouble.

 

Besides the torsion box, how many workbenches are you going to make?

 

Thanks for adding the canine Crew to the blog pictures.

[my63]

Thanks for the compliments Anne-Sophie

 

The wrap around style notebook cover was an idea I have had for a few years I think all of my designs are influenced by items I have restored.

 

The suede colour is called Aubergine it is a nice rich colour. The lighting for that picture was quite bad as the thread is chocolate brown. it matches quite well.

 

The workshop progress has been a lot slower than I would like but we almost have electrics as in the sockets are wired and the cable is in place from the house my brothers SIL is comming to sign off the job as he is qualified he will then make the final connection to the breaker inside the house.

 

2019-08-08_08-00-19 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Lighting is LED panels which are held up with metal plates however I am not happy with them so I am going to make a wooden structure for them.

 

2019-08-08_08-01-04 by my0771, on Flickr

[wpeterson]

Very nice work. I've hand stitched and carved many knife sheaths so I understand how much work you are putting into the details. The contrasting colors are a nice aesthetic.

[Anne-Sophie]

Thanks for the compliments Anne-Sophie

 

The wrap around style notebook cover was an idea I have had for a few years I think all of my designs are influenced by items I have restored.

 

The suede colour is called Aubergine it is a nice rich colour. The lighting for that picture was quite bad as the thread is chocolate brown. it matches quite well.

 

The workshop progress has been a lot slower than I would like but we almost have electrics as in the sockets are wired and the cable is in place from the house my brothers SIL is comming to sign off the job as he is qualified he will then make the final connection to the breaker inside the house.

 

2019-08-08_08-00-19 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Lighting is LED panels which are held up with metal plates however I am not happy with them so I am going to make a wooden structure for them.

 

2019-08-08_08-01-04 by my0771, on Flickr

 

It is always good to have a professional taking care of electric or plumbing.

 

I think, your bespoke designs, have a unique blend of antique flair and, adaptability to cutting edge technology,

 

Very much like people right now, carrying their fountain pens and journals as well as their portable electronic devices.

 

I knew, when Apple decided to discontinue the Newton, their first handheld device with a stylus, created in the 90's, that journals where here to stay because, hunt and peck tiny keyboards are not a viable way to write meaningful sentences.

 

 

Aubergine, which means eggplant, in French, I think regular eggplants are a bit bluer, but

I just discovered a smaller variety of eggplant whose color is just like Poussiere de Lune.

[my63]

Thank you wpeterson and Anne-Sophie for taking the time to comment I do put a lot of work into my cases I strive to improve my work all of the time.

 

I forgot to answer the question about work benches the torsion box is only for the multi function top with the holes in it. The plan is for both sides and the back to have benches. The back wall will have a wide bench top for assembly and cutting out . One corner will be used for photography using some sort of portable light box. These benches will be of a standard design of legs and rails.

 

I will be posting pictures when I actually get around to building them

[AndyLogan]

Very nice work Michael!

[EJLorie]

I’m very lucky to be the owner of the 3 splendid pieces above. If you haven’t ordered from Michael before, I can say that you’re truly missing out! The items are much more stunning in person than what can be captured in picture. The work is truly bespoke and there’s no mistaking it.

 

Michael, thanks for another fantastic addition to my collection! I may need another case, soon. 🤔

 

Cheers!

Eric

[my63]

Thanks for posting Andy

 

Eric you kind words are very much appreciated.

 

Here is the latest workshop picture I plan to make wooden frames for the lights as the metal clips are not my thing. The wiring is now complete and tested so I don't need an extension from the house to use power now.

 

2019-08-14_12-05-19 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I dont have much to share with you at this time my rescue spaniel Diesel who you can see in my avitar has been unwell resulting in him have surgery yesterday to have a tumor removed from inside his ear. He is an older dog being around 6 when we got him at least 6 years ago we recently lost his sister Keela so it was a difficult time. Diesel is home and doing really well and the whole tumor has been removed and the prognosis is good.

 

I hope to resume leather work over the weekend.

[Anne-Sophie]

So sorry about Keela, my thoughts are with your family both human and canine.

 

Diesel is very handsome, I am very glad he was given excellent care and that the prognostic is good.

[my63]

Thanks Anne-Sophie.

 

I am starting a new project I have been asked by an FPNer to make a case for some special pens.

As always I started with some flat stock Kydex which I have formed in to tubes to hold the pens.

 

2019-08-22_10-49-21 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The next step is to wrap the tubes in red suede.

 

2019-08-22_12-45-14 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I would normally start the outer covers next however I don't have a mould for a four pen case so I may need to make one first.

[AndyLogan]

Thanks Anne-Sophie.

 

I am starting a new project I have been asked by an FPNer to make a case for some special pens.

As always I started with some flat stock Kydex which I have formed in to tubes to hold the pens.

 

2019-08-22_10-49-21 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The next step is to wrap the tubes in red suede.

 

2019-08-22_12-45-14 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I would normally start the outer covers next however I don't have a mould for a four pen case so I may need to make one first.

 

 

Excited to see how this goes...

 

Don't forget to keep Diesel company as recovering from surgery whether Man or canine would definitely be a struggle.

 

Best regards to you and Diesel.

[my63]

Thanks Andy Diesel is my constant companion and is at my side as I type he is recovering well although the steroids are making a hungry dog even more hungry so he is getting extra fruit he loves bananas and apples as well as carrots. The inside of the ear is healing well and we return to the vets early next week. Thanks for your wishes.

 

Here are the four tubes fully dry now and ready for the outer cover which I think I am going to form by hand although the addition of the integrated pen rest will make this a little more chalenging but I like a challenge

 

2019-08-23_08-06-28 by my0771, on Flickr

 

It is a holiday weekend here in the UK and also my sons birthday but I hope to get some work done

[my63]

I have started forming the outer leather cover without a mould it will take a little longer but I don't make many four pen cases.

 

2019-08-25_12-47-30 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The wet leather shows all working marks especially finger nail marks so these need to be removed after the required shape has been achieved.

[my63]

The extreemly hot weather is causing the leather to dry out really quickly at the moment so progress is a little slower than I had planned.

 

But I am almost ready for colour.

 

2019-08-26_06-26-28 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I don't like to rush the process as that is when I make mistakes as this is the first four pen case in this style there is even more reason to take my time.

[my63]

Once I had all of the pieces I applied some dye.

 

2019-08-28_09-08-45 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I have also made the pen rest which fits in the slot.

 

2019-08-28_09-09-09 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The light in the above picture is odd as the wood is Sapele which has a red tone and I have applied a dark wax and yet it looks quite light.

[my63]

Time for some assembly the pen slot insert needs to be glued to the outer front cover.

 

2019-09-01_09-08-23 by my0771, on Flickr

 

The next step is to glue the rear kydex panel to the back and then add the suede lining.

 

2019-09-01_09-08-58 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I am going to make the strap next adding the owners name I will also be gluing the front and back together ready for stitching.

[my63]

I have started the stitching on this Montblanc writers edition case.

 

2019-09-01_08-43-16 by my0771, on Flickr

Edited September 1, 2019 by my63

[my63]

Once I had stitched the lower half of the case I made the strap and stamped it with the owners name,

 

Having fitted the strap I turned my attention to the front flap I make a template for each case I make as they are all slightly different. The template is for the stitching line rather than the outer edge.

 

2019-09-02_04-09-17 by my0771, on Flickr

 

When the template was cut I could work out how long the flap was going to be.

 

2019-09-02_07-15-21 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After marking I could punch the stitching holes and stitch the rest of the case after trimming the edges I can dye and polish them

 

2019-09-02_07-15-35 by my0771, on Flickr.

 

After that it is ready to ship.

Edited September 2, 2019 by my63