Christian cross pens

[rherrell]

I made these as prototypes for a friend who wants 10 pens to give as Xmas presents to his church elders.
Ti gold 8mm Euros made with Bethlehem Olive Wood and bloodwood crosses. He hasn't seen them yet and I have plenty of time for design changes so lay it on me! Let me know what you think and what you would have done differently. I value your opinions and want to hear them all, good and bad.

Thank you all in advance for your comments.

 

[clowman]

I like the custom centerband better than the stock one.

 

[gsdoby]

I like the centerband to contrast to the cross. Maybe a custom centerband of a different color or the the one that comes with the kit. Everything else looks OK

 

[jeff...]

Sweet :icon_thum

 

[MikeL]

I love them both. Great job! :eusa_clap

 

[skeeter]

Both pens are awesome. My personal preference is the stock center band or maybe a contrasting wood color, but you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[Ray Martin]

Rick,

Don't change a thing. These pens are terrific. By the way... my birthday is coming up soon... :-D:-D:-D

Ray

 

[DaveO]

I like the centerband to contrast to the cross. Maybe a custom centerband of a different color or the the one that comes with the kit. Everything else looks OK

I am gonna second what Gary said..he did all the typing already :-D

Dave

 

[nelsone]

They look great! I like the custom CB best. Not sure if I'd go with a different color, but I might thin the band a little.

 

[ScottM]

Both pens are awesome. My personal preference is the stock center band or maybe a contrasting wood color, but you can't go wrong with either one.

I am with Skeeter. Go with the stock band. Either way if you have an extras, I was a good boy this year Santa......:-D

 

[ChrisMathes]

I like them both. One thing that I have done in the past is to laminate walnut veneer on both sides of the bloodwood. This added a lot to my pens, but you have a nice, thin, classic looking cross there and I'm afraid that the laminate would take away from that. Another idea, in regards to your center band, is to cut the bottom of the blank at a 30 degree angle (like a scallop on the bottom of the cap) and use some form of ebony. This will somewhat be like putting the cross on a hill. you could give the pen continuity by cutting each side, and gluing up your segments, then cut the front in the back and glue those segments in. It could be a bit 'cheesy' for what you have, as, I do like the simple/classic approach. Your pen is simply stated and that is appropriate for this theme

Anyway...my 2 cents but you have two nice pens there!
Chris

 

[Eaglesc]

In this case I prefer the stock center band(put a mark on the wall)
Esthetically it appears the crossbar and the vetical"post" are not the same thickness.It has been my experience it looks better if they are.
Overall great exectution,your prospective customer should be pleased as will the resipients.

 

[rherrell]

Thanks everybody for all the nice comments. And Chris I LOVE your suggestion about putting the cross on a hill. That way I can get the vertical line shortened up so it looks more like a traditional cross. See, that's why I love this place. You put your work out there and ask for suggestions and BINGO, you get one that makes sense and hopefully make your project better.Can't wait for the weekend to give it a try!!

Eagle, it must be my photo because all the bloodwood is from the same piece that I milled to the same thickness as my saw blade.

 

[ChrisMathes]

Sweet...that's a big compliment to me to have you use an idea. You are required to share a photo of your finished pen, now!

Chris

 

[Eaglesc]

it must be my photo because all the bloodwood is from the same piece that I milled to the same thickness as my saw blade.

Ok if that is the case, it could be the photo or the angle the pen is posed in or it dould be the way the vertical piece"wraps" giving the illusion it is wider.
Sorry, I notice stuff like that.