WTB: nifty pencil case
Although we are to be as specific as possible here, that is a little difficult for me to do as I am not so much sure of what I want as what I don't want.
I don't want a pouch. I don't want "cute". I don't want plastic.
I would like a pencil case for 8-10 pencils, sharpener (http://www.pencilrevolution.com/2006/06/review-of-kum-automa...) and eraser (http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_cod...).
My palomino pencils start life about 7" long, rendering the typical nice pen case too short
I would like leather, though aluminum would be cool. Aesthetics are important. I don't mind a roll-up case so long as the sharpener and eraser fit.
This is as close as I can get http://www.dickblick.com/zz228/42/ but it is aesthetically dull.
And, I don't want to pay more than about $40.
Any ideas out there?
-Carolyn
Non-cute pen/pencil cases....
Have you looked at pen cases? There are a few over 7" (175 mm). Only wanting to spend 40USD is far more difficult, you may end up on ebay. ;)
To give you a better idea of the styles available try Pendemonium, look at the 'pen storage' section, and Pen City. Hope this helps. :)
pen cases
Sardonios:
Thanks for the links. That's getting close. Most of the pen cases are too short, but there's a good possibility at Pen City.
-Carolyn
a pencil case that isn't a pencil case
Have you considered using something that wasn't designed to be a pencil/pen case?
Chopstick boxes and chopstick bags make practical, distinctive pencil cases.
http://www.mrslinskitchen.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&...
The larger chopstick boxes come with a small compartment for chopstick stands, which could be used to store an eraser and a sharpener. Some of the boxes also have ribbons inside for tying down the chopsticks.
brilliant
Katrina:
What a terrific idea. Thanks!
artist pencil case
Artist leather pencil cases: They come in different sizes(capacity)in the link below
http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/online/3...
Or you could go really high end...
http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pID=40510
Metal cases that customizable, but dimensions are right at 7" long. You would need to store your pencils on the diagonal:
http://kyledesign.zoovy.com/product/PENCILCASE
great links
Star:
Thanks for the great ideas. Hmmm.... I like them all.
-Carolyn
Other pencil case ideas
You're welcome, Carolyn.
Here are some other ideas
- a leather pen/pencil roll that adjustable in length, although it may not have room for your sharpener etc (this appears to be a US site)
http://www.jetpens.com/product_info.php/products_id/873
- a crochet hook case would suit thinner pens/pencils. Most crochet hooks are 6.5" to 7" long so these may not be long enough for your 7" pencils.
(Australian site)
http://www.crochetaustralia.com.au/prod1547.htm
(UK site) http://www.sewessential.co.uk/Category.asp?CategoryID=892&Nu...
- for very long pencils/brushes etc a knitting needle case or roll would work but it may be a little long for general use.
more great ideas
The crochet hook cases are great. I could use them for my well-sharpened pencils (hence, shorter).
The roll-up case I'd seen, and liked very much, but it is out of stock and I couldn't find it elsewhere. I'll have to remember to check back every now and then.
-Carolyn
Aluminium Cases
I've seen aluminium cases at Business Depot or Staples, but I'm not sure if they're long enough. They also look kinda heavy and klunky if you're going to be carrying them inside some other kind of bag (unless it's a large tote bag/shoulder bag/square briefcase).
My everyday briefcase is a canvas one I bought eons ago from Eddie Bauer and I was afraid the metal case would chew up the insides, so I ended up with one of those plastic boxes you don't want (although I was tempted by the metal cases!).
I also got a zippered heavy duty money pouch (for carrying coins and cash to the bank) as a soft case. It really takes alot of abuse...
Lawrence Fox
AccountngWizard Solutions ("The Paperwork Guy")
Thornhill, ON Canada
Bookkeeping, Accounting, Databases
Crochet Hooks
Carolyn,
Glad you like my suggestions, but the roll-up case you have mentioned sounds intriguing.
Funny someone else should mention crochet hooks, I have a make-up case (roll-up) that I use for crochet hooks. It is black and sleek. I don't like anything that gets too fussy.
useful thread
hi i found these, which measure 7 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 1".
http://www.wishingfish.com/penciltins.html
Fix up the dull
I took a (very beat up) leather planner cover from Franklin and recovered it in tapestry. No one would know Franklin didn't make this one because they used to make tapestry covered planners. You can do the same with this dull pencil cover. A single square of tapestry is inexpensive and can recover just about anything. (Tapestry is kind of girly, but you guys can do the same with...hmmm...stamped leather or something:)
I am in the process of doing this for my hipster to give it a more professional look. I'll post a how to and pictures soon.
eraser
Do you use an eraser pencil or one of those pink erasers? How large is the sharpener you use? How thick are the pencils?
I have made several different styles of leather pencil cases as experiments. I would post some pics but do not know how.
Arthur
www.renaissance-art.com