Follow the order given below to assemble the finished bead/brass tubes and remaining parts. On some projects it is essential to do the parts in sequence. If you don't, you may put in a part, then put in another part, press or hammer, and the first part will go in beyond where it is supposed to. Start each step by hand; then you will need to finish with a vise OR hammer OR Quick Grip Clamp (r) to gently press the parts together (no glue is used). When using a vise, line the jaws with tough rubber, or a 1/4" stack of thick cardboard. The Quick Grip Clamp(r) comes with rubber pads. This will protect the gold finish and metal parts of the project from the pressure of the vise or hammer. The tendency is to over hammer, etc., be careful.
Twist Pen Specifics and Final Assembly -
The pen is 5 1/4" long. Each section (top and bottom) to be beaded is 2 1/8" long. The width of the recessed areas is slightly under 1/32". The diameter of the finished pen, when using Delicas (R), is 3/8". The ink infill is included. Refills are standard Cross(tm) or similar twist refills available at any office supply or general discount store. They are around $ 1.60 to $ 3.00 each, depending on brand name. The project goes together as follows:
Glue the 'bead tubes' onto the brass tubes as described above. But take one extra step on this project. When covering the twist mechanism with masking tape so that no glue will get in it, put the masking tape just a tiny bit onto the top of the brass tube, so no glue can get down in between the mechanism and the brass tube, and you will still be able to easily remove the masking tape when everything is dry.
When this is completely dry, decide where the clip will ultimately be positioned on the 'bead tube'. Put a drop of clear nail polish where the clip will touch the bead tube. This will reduce friction when clipping the pen to items. REMEMBER where this spot is.
Six pieces are included. 1) The bottom portion with the nib and twist mechanism inserted 2) the ink infill - Place this into the bottom portion and screw into place (sometimes this is already done for you) 3) The top 'pen brass tube' 4) Cap 5) Clip 6) Center ring
Press the cap and clip together as much as possible. If your bead design has a ‘top' and a ‘bottom' be aware of how you are glueing it onto the brass tube. It does not need to be very secure. Leave the clip off if you feel it is more conducive to your design. Press this cap/clip assembly into the top of the beaded pen tube. Again, it doesn't need to be in all the way. Put a piece of paper between the clip and the bead tube, so the clip doesn't scrape the beads when it is being hammered on. Hammer gently into place as described above. Always use appropriate cardboard or rubber (as described in the general directions), for protection of the parts. Over-hammering or vise-pressing can crack the beads, and/or damage the project parts or crumple the thin brass tubes. ALSO, Remember where your spot of clear nail polish or glue is on the bead tube, so you can position the Clip over it.
DO NOT glue the top half of the pen onto the bottom half. The twist mechanism will not work, and you will never be able to refill it. The top portion just slides on and off with hand pressure.
Approximate number of beads:
Flat Peyote, for one section: Delicas(r) - size 11/0 string on 41 beads, start odd peyote stitch, and make 30 complete rows. Join at seam.
Flat Peyote, for one section: size 14/0, - string on 43 beads, start odd peyote stitch, and make 38 complete rows. Join at seam.
Tubular Peyote, for one section: Delicas(r) - size 11/0, string on 18 beads, start tubular peyote stitch until pen tube is covered.
Loomwork, for one section: Delicas(r) - size 11/0, approx 15 to 16 beads per row, 38 rows bottom to top. Join seam. Square stitch will join loomwork invisibly at seam.
Make Your own Comfort Grip
At your craft or fabric store you can buy sheets of foam in solid colors. They are about 8" x 12", and 1/16" thick, for about $1.00 each. They have a lot of uses, such as making comfort grips, and mouse pads. It is usually found near the felt squares, or in the children's craft section. Cut the sheet to any length and 1 1/32" wide (to fit around the twist pen barrel), and any length by 1 7/16" wide. Use super glue to glue the ends flush together. Use super glue sparingly. ALLOW to dry for 24 HOURS before slipping onto the pen, so there will be no adverse reaction between the super glue and the gold plated project parts. Tips - 1) Don't try to glue the seam of the foam together using the pen barrel as a guide. The ends won't glue flat & flush together. Use a small piece of flat cardboard to wrap the foam around, so it will lay completely flat at the seam you are glueing. It will have a much more professional look. 2) Cut the foam with a rotary cutter, or a sharp blade. Cutting with scissors won't give a perfectly straight edge. 3) Take the rotary cutter, or sharp blade, and cut the top and bottom edges (not the seam) at a high angle, to bevel the foam. It gives a very nice look on the twist pens. Approx. 1 1/32" wide, by whatever length you desire. Ultrasuede can also be used. Clear craft glue would be better than super glues for the ultrasuede. twist - Any length by 29/32" wide. Rollerball - Any length by 1 5/16" wide.
All content (c) Toika Bridges 1998