How to Make Your own Folded Soda Can Pen

[Erica McPhee]

I taught this workshop for our guild last year. Everyone was really happy with how the pens turned out. I didn't use soda cans though as the aluminum has become so flimsy. Instead, I used aluminum flashing which you can find at Lowes or Home Depot.

See this post for a video and the PDF handout.

[tintenfuchs]

Wow, very interesting! I never would've thought of something like that.

[Erica McPhee]

They really work quite well. And they are great to use with Carrie Imai's "Dancin' Pen book and DVD."

[strawbellilies]

Thanks for this! Really helpful.

[tintenfuchs]

What do you cut the aluminium with?

[Erica McPhee]

I bought a pair of Fiskars sheers that were right next to it and they cut through everything! Even wooden dowels! 

[tintenfuchs]

Thanks! 

[Heebs]

I love these pens  I go through them a bit faster than I go through pointed nibs I think 

Here are a couple of the current ones I have, the metal really does make a huge difference. Coca Cola cans are great in a pinch but the metal doesnt hold up too well when used with a heavy hand and you dont want something too thick because it wont saw-tooth well. Although that's part of the fun, these are made from 5 different sheets and they all react differently sort of like five completely different nibs.

[Moya]

I love these pens!  I did a two-day class wth Luca Barcellona making & using "nontraditional" tools, including folded pens, and I absolutely fell in love.  I've got a stash of brass shims of different thicknesses just waiting to be used

[tintenfuchs]

I love these pens!  I did a two-day class wth Luca Barcellona making & using "nontraditional" tools, including folded pens, and I absolutely fell in love.  I've got a stash of brass shims of different thicknesses just waiting to be used

OMG, a class with Luca Barcellona, YOU LUCKY, LUCKY gal!!

[Heebs]

That was my reaction as well haha

[Moya]

It was so amazing. I was so lucky to have the opportunity.  It was almost wasted on me - it was so hard for me to get out of the mindset of strictly obeying the rules and into the expressive calligraphy - but I struggled along and I learned SO MUCH.  I am SO lucky, I know it!

[Erica McPhee]

Awesome Heebs! I found that as well which is why I went with the aluminum flashing for the class. They hold up surprisingly well. I love the sheen of the second one from the left!