Prickly Pear Cactus Pens Pic and Tutorial

[MesquiteMan]

I know most here probably do not mess with pens but I thought I would share this anyway. A while back I got this wild idea to use cactus to make a pen. Here are pictures of a couple of them.

This is a black resin cactus with satin nickel Baron

This one is clear resin with the tube painted black. It has a lot of depth and allows you to see into the skeleton.

The props are a piece of the skeleton that I cast with resin.

If you are interested in the process check out the tutorial I wrote here:http://builtbydoc.com/Pens.htm Follow the link at the bottom of the page.

Thanks for looking!

 

[MesquiteMan]

Well, I guess the forum software does not accept IMG codes so I have attached the pics below

 

[John Abt]

Curtis,

I never would have tjought to use prickly pear. Thoose are great looking pens. I especially like the one made with clear resin, giving the 3-D perspective on the prickly pear.

 

[Griesbach]

Very nice, Curtis, and thank you for sharing your process.

 

[John Nicholas]

Pens ????

I like the idea. Thanks. And who says it is for pens only? :cool2:

John

 

[S. Clark]

I like them quite a bit. Nice job! The clear one has a great 3D effect that is wonderful.

I've always been intrigued by the cactus skeletons and have collected a few that now adorn special spots in our yard. I've also collected catus spines that remain in the shape of the barrel after all the other organic material decays away. They stay interlocked with each other! Maybe they could be cast with resin and then hollowed?

 

[Edmond R Russell]

Your tutorial ...

I know this was posted quite awhile back but the links to your tutorial no longer work. I am very interested in learning your process and if you still have a copy of that tutorial somewhere I would really appreciate seeing a copy of it. I have been to your web site and have had my name on the list to get some of your pen blanks for over a year now. I know life gets in the way a lot and your busy with other things so that is why I would love to know how to make my own blanks.

Thanks much for any help....

Ed Russell
erussell16@comcast.net

 

[Steve Worcester]

By looking at his public profile, he hasn't posted for 5 years. You might try to email home or look on his website

 

[Alan Trout]

Just go over to www.penturners.org He is a moderator over there.

Alan

 

[Bill Boehme]

I saw a program that he did a few years ago where he discussed his cactus pens. About all that I remember is that it was a really messy and somewhat stinky process. I think that since he has developed his business that he may no longer be sharing some of his trade "secrets".

 

[Richard Coers]

Curtis is going to be in Bloomington, IL at the Midwest Penturners Gathering, April 27 and 28, 2012. You could ask him in person! Information on this link for The MPG.
http://www.penturners.org/forum/f175/2012-mpg-all-important-info-94586/