Elegant Sierra with Galaxy Blue Oxidation & Nebula Blank

Another pen I've reworked. I am not sure I am done with it...the blank, called "Nebula" IIRC, just...doesn't quite do it for me. It fits the hardware ok, with the blue and purple oxidation, but since I first made this, I've picked up blanks that I think would pair much better with the hardware. I also no longer make pes with the bulb-shaped body, and this one was a bit exaggerated there.

The lighting on the first photo is ok, but I need to find a lamp that can use a cooler bulb and cast cooler light. This particular pen, I think, would work better with cooler light...










One of my key props for pen photos now, is the notebook. I'm finding I'm accumulating a large number of them. I should probably stop, but, there always seems to be a perfect notebook for every pen. In any case, paired properly, a notebook of some kind is a great prop for pens. I keep thinking I need to write in them, but, my handwriting is still not great. I am a software engineer, and have programmed, and thus typed, since the age of 7, in fact I think Iearned how to type around the age of 6. My fingers have grown to type about as fast as humanly possible, but they are not tuned for writing. One of the things I like about pen crafting, is its made me try to train my hands to write. Its a slow process, it seems, but I am improving. My handwriting is not really picturesque yet, though.........

It looks good. The colors do match up well. I agree with you on the exaggerated shape, though. What looks slightly curved on the lathe, tends to look much more so on a pen.

jrista said:

One of my key props for pen photos now, is the notebook. I'm finding I'm accumulating a large number of them.

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Same here but, to be fair, I do cycle through them because I use them for journaling. I always keep a plain black/gray and a brown/tan for pictures.

good match up, luv the colors. just a little large body, but each to there own

I have a bias for wood vs acrylics, but the blank and kit are a great match IMO. I agree with the body, but hey - I need to lose some weight also...

johncrane said:

good match up, luv the colors. just a little large body, but each to there own

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Thanks. Agree about the body. I may turn another blank for it, not sure yet. This was a very early pen, before I really had a better sense of good style.

mark james said:

I have a bias for wood vs acrylics, but the blank and kit are a great match IMO. I agree with the body, but hey - I need to lose some weight also...

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Thanks! I need to lose some weight, too! I'm actually doing good this past year...started out at 250, I have whittled that down to 220 now. I haven't been that "light" since I was about 21, which is what now, 2001?!?! Still a long way to go though...my healthiest weight was around 185, so I have at least 35lb to lose here. Hopefully the holidays won't bust me back up to 230!!

sorcerertd said:

It looks good. The colors do match up well. I agree with you on the exaggerated shape, though. What looks slightly curved on the lathe, tends to look much more so on a pen.

Same here but, to be fair, I do cycle through them because I use them for journaling. I always keep a plain black/gray and a brown/tan for pictures.

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I should really start journaling. I have a real problem, due to sleep issues, where I will have these GREAT ideas for pens (or other wood items), but I have a hard time getting to them. I always think I can turn a lot more than I really can, largely because I basically never sleep, so just don't have the energy.

I wonder though, if I just started making a habit of writing down and even drawing out my ideas in a journal, if it would help me remember them down the road when I get to the point of being able to make them... Might help my handwriting quality too!

jrista said:

Thanks! I need to lose some weight, too! I'm actually doing good this past year...started out at 250, I have whittled that down to 220 now. I haven't been that "light" since I was about 21, which is what now, 2001?!?! Still a long way to go though...my healthiest weight was around 185, so I have at least 35lb to lose here. Hopefully the holidays won't bust me back up to 230!!

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Celebrate your success! It's a chore! Good for you.

I think that looks fantastic! But wait, did you oxidize the pen or do they come like that now? Yeah, I've been gone for many years.

Tanner said:

I think that looks fantastic! But wait, did you oxidize the pen or do they come like that now? Yeah, I've been gone for many years.

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The kit came that way. I think it was a "wall street II" branded one, and I think I picked it up at woodcraft, but I don't think they have carried them in some time.

Looks like Exotic Blanks still has similar kits: