Making A Pen Case

[my63]

18 hours ago, kazoolaw said:

I appreciate not only your craft and workmanship, but your drive to overcome any obstacles to continue working.

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks I very much appreciate your kind comments.

There is a lot going on at the moment I have numerous case on the go currently.

These are the blue ones.

 

2021-05-05_09-42-26 by my0771, on Flickr

 

There are an equal number in black. along with a number of others.

[my63]

Test fitting the outer cover.

 

2021-05-05_09-42-39 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After test fitting I glued the pieces together and started stitching.

 

2021-05-09_10-40-00 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Fully stitched and trimming is in progress. 

 

2021-05-09_10-40-29 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I have shown two different coloured cases here as they are a pair.

[my63]

The two five pen cases for ASC fountain pens are coming along nicely, there is a third case to this set a two pen case for Namiki Emperor fountain pens.

I started with flat sheet Kydex which I formed into the desired shape, I wrapped the kydex in red suede as you can see.

 

2021-05-12_06-48-03 by my0771, on Flickr

 

I prepared the outer front panel to go into the mold by soaking it in water, Here you can see the formed leather after 24 hours in the mold.

 

2021-05-12_06-44-13 by my0771, on Flickr

 

While the front panel was in the mold I started putting the rear panel together. This picture shows the rear panel with the flat piece of Kydex in place, this forms the back of the case. When the front is stitched in place the edges of the front and rear Kydex are pulled tightly together making this case very strong.

 

2021-05-12_06-43-57 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Adding the dyed front panel to the complete rear section.

 

2021-05-12_06-42-13 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Once the glue was dry I punched the stitching holes and stitched the front and rear sections together.

 

2021-05-12_06-41-07 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Three custom cases almost ready to ship, Some of you may already know I dont really like making the same thing more than once (unless asked to). I dont make perminant paterns even though this would save time, I make each case individually and each has its own patern for the flap.

 

 

[Anne-Sophie]

Beautiful cases, as always, I wonder if people know that you can make matching journal covers with embossed names even, embossed cover with logos or designs.

 

They would be great gifts for Father's Day.

 

So, you had to make a brand new template for the 5 big pen case?

 

Are the cases that will be at the London pen show, for sale, or would they be showcased by someone who uses them to store their pens?

 

Sorry for the long post, needed to catch up.

[my63]

Hi Anne-Sophie I think that is my fault I dont advertise although my order book is full for the next 8 weeks. I am still learning about the hot foil machine I can do simple stuff with it but there is a lot to learn.

I made a whole new mold system for the 5 pen case, i usually make a new template for the front flap so no two are the same.

The cases for the London Pen show will be with John Foye of St Johns pens he is a good friend and will have a limited number of cases for sale. They are all in the ASC MB 149 size range.

If you would like a specific size or colour let me know and I will make sure he has it. Currently there is going to be a number of black and red cases one black and pink, some blue and red and at least one chocolate and emerald green.

Hopfully they will all be finished in time. 

[Anne-Sophie]

5 minutes ago, my63 said:

Hi Anne-Sophie I think that is my fault I dont advertise although my order book is full for the next 8 weeks. I am still learning about the hot foil machine I can do simple stuff with it but there is a lot to learn.

I made a whole new mold system for the 5 pen case, i usually make a new template for the front flap so no two are the same.

The cases for the London Pen show will be with John Foye of St Johns pens he is a good friend and will have a limited number of cases for sale. They are all in the ASC MB 149 size range.

If you would like a specific size or colour let me know and I will make sure he has it. Currently there is going to be a number of black and red cases one black and pink, some blue and red and at least one chocolate and emerald green.

Hopfully they will all be finished in time. 

 

I am sorry Michel, I am in the U.S and just wanted to promote your work.

 

I am unfortunately, stuck on the other side of the pond, for the foreseeable future, like most people, even ones with family in Europe.

 

 

 

[my63]

Thanks Anne-Sophie I appreciate your support and clearly need all of the help I can get.

I was sure that you were based in Europe, I blame the coronavirus

Anyway back to the pictures. This is one of the bigger sets I have made.

 

2021-05-15_07-16-40 by my0771, on Flickr

 

2021-05-15_07-17-25 by my0771, on Flickr

[Anne-Sophie]

The blue cases have a dreamy color, I do know that you take utmost care to dye them.

 

I was thinking about the wooden mold for the body of the case, not the flap, which come to think of it, is indeed, always different.

 

I did some research for you about threads made in France, it was a long time ago, it is lucky that, most manufacturers have a web presence, so I was able to access their website.

 

I am so, so happy that you are able to make all those beautiful things and that your overcame the coronavirus and the pulmonary infection.

I was very worried when you shared with us that you were fighting those ailments simultaneously and sent loads of good vibes across the pond.

 

While I am in the U.S, I was taught U.K English, in school, so I mix expressions from both countries.

 

I also mix up spelling from both the U.S, the U.K and French when the name has similar spelling in the 3 countries.

 

Don't feel obligated to answer right away, you are ultra busy with your orders and the show items.

 

Much cyberhugs to your avatar and your human family!

 

The people of the U.K did a fabulous job against, yet, another deadly enemy, just like you did in the 40's.

 

 

 

[my63]

Thanks for your kindness Anne-Sophie as ever I appreciate your support. I thought 2020 was a bad year for me but 2021 did not get off to a good start  I am still improving and am now fully vaccinated.

 

I usually try to hand dye all of my leather however occasionally I will use a precoloured leather especially light tan as it is really difficult to get it right, and I have some. It is much more expensive than dying it myself.

 

This Emperor case calls for cognac suede and tan exterior.

 

2021-05-17_06-43-26 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This one came together so quickly I did not take many pictures. This is the trial fit of all of the components.

 

2021-05-17_06-50-09 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Gluing and stitching are next.

 

 

[my63]

Two pen case for Namiki Emperor fountain pens, All of the components are now stitched together ready for trimming.

 

2021-05-23_03-42-34 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Here is its little brother.

 

2021-05-23_03-42-14 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Both ready for trimming and edging.

[Anne-Sophie]

The pointed flap is what happens before trimming,of course, I thought it was a new innovative design.

 

Well, it is just an idea, I don't know if it can ever be possible to sew a pointed flat.

 

Sorry for not checking up earlier, always stuff to do.

 

Followed your blog link and found this: " 

 

"Briefcase and document cas restorat" 

 

Something for your social media team to look into.

 

 

[my63]

Team  that made my daughter laugh she is my team. Although she does have a degree (1st) in business and computing. Anyway she will put it right asap. The website is totally out of date at the moment.

I have been commissioned to make some components in leather for a large project, Unfortunately I am not allowed to share pictures at this time.

My latest case is a small one for a Montblanc M series pen.

 

2021-06-08_06-45-50 by my0771, on Flickr

[Anne-Sophie]

Is that matching blue thread, it is beautiful.

 

Your daughter being in charge of your website is the best possible idea, in those times.

 

I hope you will be able to share the new project, one day, if not with pictures, with descriptions.

[my63]

Hi Anne-Sophie

Difficult lighting the inside is grey as is the thread. The link to the picture no longer seems to work.

 

2021-06-08_06-48-46 by my0771, on Flickr

 

You may remember I started making a group of cases for my friend John at St Johns Pens for the London pen show on the 25th July 2021.

Here is an update on these cases.

 

First up chocolate with emerald green suede and black with pink suede.

 

2021-06-19_09-05-07 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This is how I line up the inside with the rear panel, this method ensures that the kydex pen tube sits on the edge of the kydex rear panel. the stitching pulls them tightly together making the case incredibly strong.

 

2021-06-23_09-47-42 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After the inner components are glued together I add the outer front cover. 

 

2021-06-23_09-48-02 by my0771, on Flickr

 

After marking and punching the stitching holes I can stitch the cases together by hand.

 

2021-06-23_09-48-21 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Then all that is required is to trim them to size. Which I have to say does not always go well.

[Anne-Sophie]

4 hours ago, my63 said:

This is how I line up the inside with the rear panel, this method ensures that the kydex pen tube sits on the edge of the kydex rear panel. the stitching pulls them tightly together making the case incredibly strong.

 

 

I did not know there were two parts of kydex, I thought it was just one,  that explains a lot about the flat cases.

 

So ingenious!

 

Michael, I am running out of English words to express my admiration for your craftsmanship and your incredible strength in the face of that awful covid and the loss associated with it.

 

Beautiful cases for John at St Johns Pens at the London Pen Show on the 25th July 2021!

 

[my63]

I dont know if I mentioned here I was having further hand surgery yesterday, well anyway all went well. I am recovering at home.

As well as trimming the London pen show cases to size and starting to sand the edges, I also made a two pen Emperor size case.

 

These are the outer covers the outer leather is purple the suede inside is red as is the stitching.

 

2021-07-02_04-21-35 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Dry fitting the outer covers.

 

2021-07-02_04-23-09 by my0771, on Flickr

 

Stitched and trimmed ready for sanding.

 

2021-07-02_04-22-26 by my0771, on Flickr

[Anne-Sophie]

Make sure to rest and take it easy for a while.

 

Everything you make is gorgeous and unique!

[my63]

Thanks Anne -Sophie Nothing is happening here and it is day three post op, I have almost normal movement in my ring finger, My surgeon is great he showed me the movement of the tendon in my hand along with the cause of the issue. I was awake during the procedure.

I started this box before surgery and hope to finish it in time. Along with all of the other cases I need to finish. 

 

[my63]

My recovery from hand surgery is coming along well I have a few disoving sutures and some glue hoding everything together, I cant do any real work yet but have been able to cut some card and add a little suede.

 

2021-07-07_05-58-04 by my0771, on Flickr

 

This is for the inside lid of a trinket box the outside will be light grey leather. The suede is turquoise if you cant tell.

[ParramattaPaul]

Lovely work Sir.