So, Sunday night, I decided that just had to come up with a small handmade gift for each of the guys in my life.
Of course, the inner conversation went something like, “What! Are you nuts? It’s ten days until Christmas!” Then, “Oh, I know, just something small… multiplied by at least seven, of course.” And, “Argh. You do this every year.”
Sensible me had won out, and I’d dismissed the idea completely. Until I came across the idea to make polymer clay covered pens. Loves-to-make-last-minute-gifts me said, “Yay, whoop whoop!”
And here are the results. I made a mokume gane* loaf of polymer clay out of scrap blues, greens, silver and pearl white. I then put slices onto gray scrap clay and ran it through the pasta machine. This spread out the pattern a bit and is what I covered my pens with. (Click on the pics for a closer look.)
The pens were surprisingly easy to cover, and each only needs a 1″ x 5.5″ piece of clay, so I had way more than enough to do my 10 pens.
I’m not so sure about the holders. I may redo them in solid colors, or skip ’em altogether.
I seriously doubt that any of the guys in my life actually read this blog, but if you do, I’M SORRY. Now you know what you’re getting. 😉
* Wondering what the heck is “mokume gane”? It’s a Japanese metalworking technique in which layers of metal are fused together and manipulated to create patterns that look like wood grain. The phrase“mokume gane” means “wood-eye metal” in Japanese. Polymer clay artists mimic this process by layering sheets of polymer clay together, distorting them, and slicing sheets from the stack to reveal fascinating patterns.
If you’d like to see the process, here’s a YouTube video showing how to make gorgeous mokume gane pendants.
Happy creating!
P.S. Wondering why I bothered to post a photo of my workdesk? Cuz it’s What’s on Your Workdesk Wednesday! Check out this fun weekly blog hop and see what other creative folks are doing over at Julia’s.
P.P.S All you U.K. deskers may be gratified to know that Chris Dann made good on her promise to send a Christmas pudding all the way across the pond to my house. Hubby & I loved it! Thanks, Chris, for fostering cultural awareness. 🙂
I’m glad you explained what that means because it’s super!! What a great end result, love the colors – so rich and vibrant! Wonderful post – congrats on being #1!
Kelly #2
those are awesome! I love the colors and what a great xmas gift! Happy WOYWW! Lindsay #5
What a fabulous idea.
Happy Wednesday Karin #3
The pens are wonderful. I love the colors. That such a great Christmas gift. #6
Nice looking organized desk. And your last minute idea for men’s little pressie’s is sweet. Love the colors and who can’t use a pen.. ? Your first paragraph sounds like a ditto of our household. I always keep adding “stuff”…
Enjoy WOYWW and the time before all the events take place. #7
Clever idea, and a quick one too! The pens look great and your guys will love ’em. Helen #17
Those peans are just amazing I must watch the video to see how they are made. It has been ages since I have played with polymer clay
Congrats on being no 1
Hugs Eliza & Yoda 15
Beautiful pens!
Happy WOYWW and Merry Christmas
Krisha #23
Well here’s another day not wasted..and I thought you’d made up the name to explain the use of scraps! Lovely idea..and nothing if not genius for last minute!
Sandy, Those pens are gorgeous, ladies might enjoy receiving those too. Good thing I haven’t got any polymer clay in the house or I might just be compelled to play.
Glad you liked the Christmas pudding, I’ll email you the recipe.
Have a super WOYWW and a wonderful Christmas.
Blessings
Chris #34
There are lots & lots of ideas out there for pretty feminine pens. Just type “polymer clay pen” into Pinterest some time. 🙂
Thanks again for the pudding, the recipe would be great to have.
Wow those pens and holders are fabulous, its always good when you get something that can be easily replicated. Glad you liked the Christmas Pudding. Tracy (41)
Good morning
Just popping my head around the door to say hi and wish you a very happy Christmas.
Thanks for sharing your workplace.
Great idea for gifts too.
Neil #20
Wow! What a fabulous technique … I’m sure the many guys in your life will love their last-minute presents. Enjoyed and chuckled at your conversation with the inner ‘loves-to-make-last-minute-presents’ you. Glad you hear that Chris’s Christmas pudding travels so well and that you enjoyed it. It’s a delicacy that is a tad rich for my taste but my DH absolutely loves it. Greetings, Elizabeth x #45
The pens are a fabulous idea and so clever. I love the patterns, they will love them. Your pudding gift sounds yummy.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
Von #38
What a wonderful idea! You are so creative and they turned out so pretty!
Glenda #50
That’s amazing! You come up with the greatest projects. Loved the pendant video, too. 😀
Julie has a book detailing her technique. Her twist on mokume gane is wonderful. The only part I hate is the sanding and buffing. Blech.
Great idea..those pens are fun and funky!! Good old Chris for sending you the pud 🙂
Happy Christmas!
LLJ 43 xx
Oh gosh, these covered pens are very cool. Still looks like alot of work. Congrats on #1. Brigita #61
I love a homemade gift. So clever and special. Happy Christmas! x Jo
Looks like a very productive work desk have a great week xx Jan (65)
Congrats on the #1 spot this week Sandy! I love your pens. They are very cool looking and I hope are much appreciated by the men!
I am so last minute like yourself and this Christmas especially more so. Your pens are fabulous and I am sure they will be a big hit. I am going to have to pop back later and check out the pendants you mentioned too! Happy Woyww and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours. Danie #37
Way cool pens! Fabulously vibrant colors. Lucky guys. Happy Holidays! Nan G #14 p.s. Congrats on no. 1
Love the polymer clay covered pens! I did a workshop with Laurie Mika once and have been trying to find time to fit in more p/c work ever since. Something will have to go 🙂
Thanks for stopping by earlier, much appreciated,
RosA # 21
Never been a FIMO person but love the look of the pens. And I LOVE that tag one back! Pretties poinsettia I’ve seen.
Sorry to be late but now I can get to my desk, it’s commenting time …
Happy last WOYWW before Christmas!
Mary Anne (24)
Lucky you to get a pud! I fully understand last minute and only wish my creations looked that good.
Monica 13
great guy gifts!
thanks for visiting and the snoop around your place.
robyn 7
Gorgeous pens! Lucky guys! Merry Christmas! Lindart #71
Those pens are stunning! Love that you got to try Christmas Pud! We bought one when we were in England in May, they keep forever so no problems with buying it early. Of course most places didn’t sell them that early so we ended up with a 2lb one for just the two of us!! I’m going to be looking a right pud myself by January lol. Happy Christmas to you and yours. Congrats on the No1.
Hugs
Brenda 54
Wow! I’ve never seen anything like this before but its such a great idea! The look wonderful and a perfect gift for all ages and sexes which is very hard to come by! Have a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for 2014! #41