Leonardo
Member
Here are some of my favorite pours so far! Critiques welcome!
Last edited:
Starting casting resin pen blanks a couple months ago
- Thread starter Leonardo
- Start date
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jschoolcraft
Member
The color patterns you're getting our amazing. Care to share your technique?
woodwzrd
Member
I like your color combinations. I love the effect of vertical pour blanks as compared to horizontal block mold style pours
dschem
Member
These are awesome. Would also love to learn your technique!
Leonardo
Member
Thank you! It's not so much a singular technique but I will share a bit about my process.
- Research. Before I started pouring I watched a ton of videos on resin casting, read every forum post I could find, blog post, comments on videos etc.
- Cast a lot of resin. In my first month I poured about 5 gallons worth of resin, with lots of experimenting any many fail forwards.
- I wanted to come up with my own style, so while I tried methods that people shared in videos, I also tried a bunch of random, and sometimes crazy/dumb ideas. Most of these ended up with mud or weird results. Almost every pour I learned at least one thing that I could apply to the process of discovery or certain patterns. In other words, I would have an idea to achieve A, and the would get B result, but then I knew how to get result B if it was good, or how to avoid if bad.
- I also had a some general guidance and Q & A support from some other makers I am friends with. They didn't tell me their exact process either, but did answer my many many questions and provided guidance for initial setup, tool selections, and so on. I never asked any of them exactly how they made their blank patterns, and we all have different styles.
- Have fun! I think craftsmanship is an art to be sure, and I came into pen making and casting through calligraphy. I genuinely enjoy making things and experimenting with color and design, and tend to get obsessive about it. For weeks I was casting 4-5 sets of blanks per day, taking notes and having a blast the whole time. There were definitely some frustrating moments, but each one was a lesson.
Leonardo
Member
Thank you!
Leonardo
Member
Thank you! I have both PVC and silicone molds. This is alumilite urethane resin. I am curing with a California Air Tools pressure pot. If I am successful at selling these then I definitely plan to add more pots. Most of my patterns are done in small batches of 3-5 blanks or I won't be able to get them in the pot in time.
Leonardo
Member
Thanks Ken!
dschem
Member
Did you mix colors in a cup before pouring?
Leonardo
Member
Sometimes if what I am doing calls for it!
Todd in PA
Member
These are very nice. Well done!
Todd in PA
Todd in PA
mbroberg
IAP Activities Manager, Emeritus
Very nice. Great color combinations
Leonardo
Member
Thank you!
Leonardo
Member
Thank you! Yes they are available on my web store and I am also going to do a classifieds post soon. The Black Magic Pen Company is my site and coupon code BLANKMAGIC gives free shipping on 6 or more blanks!
Leonardo
Member
Thanks!
Just placed an order! Excited to give them a try!!
Leonardo
Member
Thank you David! I got it! Excited to see what you do with them!
hcpens
Member
Absolutely stunning work! I'm truly impressed by the names you've chosen; they're incredibly creative and fit so well. Fantastic job overall! Keep it up!
Leonardo
Member
Thanks Richard!
sorcerertd
Member
Wow, those look great! I can't wait to see what they look like turned.
Leonardo
Member
Thank you! I have one of the acanthus blanks turned down but I need to finish the finial and polish it. I will post it when it's ready! The spiral blanks don't look as interesting on the outside, but turn down really cool. There is one of those up on my site (Wand of Celestial Pyre), and I have a few in the wild now that will be turned eventually. I haven't been able to make as many pens lately, so I'm very excited to see what other makers do with these.