2 Responses to Getting Ready for 2012

1. 

   Ruth Handley December 29, 2011 at 9:57 pm

   I have done quite a few of the lazy susan patterns but I think that this is going to be my favorite. i can’t wait to paint it. LOVE IT!! Keep up the great work.
   Ruth

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2. 

   Sue Deakin January 12, 2012 at 5:12 pm

   Hey, I was looking at the Chefs pattern and you are using Koh-i-noor technical pens. I have been using these pens for a number of years and understand the nuances of them now. When the ink does not flow, you need to tap it on the end of the pen (opposite end to wire) on a hard surface (desk) to get it to flow. As well, you should never leave ink in the pen. If you do, even with the screw cap on, it will clog eventually. So, when I have done a project and won’t be using the pen for a while, I dismantle the pen and … here’s the key…. put the wire with the nib into a solution of Windex (remember My Big Fat Greek Wedding? – Windex being the solution to everything!!). Anyway, it does work and does not harm the pen in any way. The next time you need it, flush it through with water and off you go. It will keep your pen functioning at peak efficiency. Anyway, just wanted to share. This may help you too.

   NOW MAINTENANCE:

   After filling your pen and starting it, continue using it even if it is for multiple days until your project is completed. “NOW the important part!” Do not leave ink in your pen for an extended period of time, ever. Here is a fail proof way to maintain your pen and always have it in good working condition.
   1. Disassemble the pen parts.
   2. Use the nib wrench [1] to
   remove the pen point [2]
   from the body [3].
   3. Pull the cylinder [4] away
   from the pen body.
   4. Rinse parts [2], [3], and [4]
   under tap water til no ink is
   evident.

   My secret defense against the pens getting clogged and having them not work the next time I go to use them is a simple solution! After taking the pen apart as mentioned in the previous segment, store the pen tip [1], and the pen body [2] in a small container [a film canister works wonderfully], filled with household ammonia. Any brand or type will suffice. Submerge the 2 parts in ammonia and store them in it until the next time you have a project to work on. When ready to start a new project, take the tip and body out of the ammonia. Wipe and tap onto paper towel to remove ammonia. No need to rinse, just add ink to the cylinder, assemble, write across paper, and within a few seconds the ink cancels out any ammonia that would be up in the stainless steel tip, and you have ink flow

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