JohnBarton Report post Posted June 7, 2012 This case was designed by our new tooler/designer Guo Jin in collaboration with John and Karen. It was debuted at the Super Billiards Expo and sold there. What we like about it is the combination of geometric shapes, creative stamping and floral carving. The case is called Thought to signify the amount of thought, practice and patience that went into creating it. Guo Jin created the initial pattern, John Barton refined it, Karen did the coloring, the team put it together. We made the magnetic Puzzle Latch to match the main shape on the design. The D-ring holders are riveted to the body with metal bracing under the decorative covers. The covers are sewn by hand all the way through. Thus the appearance is completely natural and flowing and still the reinforcement is present without being seen. Thank you for allowing us to show you our work. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bluesman Report post Posted June 7, 2012 No words can even describe, for me, how nice that is. None.............................. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Samalan Report post Posted June 7, 2012 Beautiful case excellent collaboration Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Charliewz Report post Posted June 7, 2012 Simply Awesome!! Lucky owner! Charlie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benlilly1 Report post Posted June 7, 2012 Spectacular...love the geometric design! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cem Report post Posted June 8, 2012 Great work there John, you and your team should be extremely proud of this wonderful piece. Cheers, Clair Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sgb Report post Posted June 8, 2012 A fantastic work of art. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnBarton Report post Posted June 13, 2012 Thank you everyone. It's a journey to teach people how to tool when I don't really know how to do it that well myself. I have a tiny talent for design and layout but I have to dig deep to bring it out. So I work with the apprentices to try to guide them and provide them with examples from the really talented toolers out there. I encourage them to explore and play with different ways to do things but to remember to pay attention to balance and flow. I hope we can get in to some really abstract stuff soon as well. That cannot really be taught but I hope by providing them with structure that they will get good at it and also bored with it enough to really let go and come with some radical stuff. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Studio Apocalypse Report post Posted June 18, 2012 Stunning work! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Martello Report post Posted June 18, 2012 I don't even know what to say, this piece is so amazing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
groovytech Report post Posted June 18, 2012 Beautiful work! Where do you get the large oblong tube for the shell? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Iron Pounder Report post Posted June 18, 2012 I love this!! I don't know what else to say other than the layout and design flow so well it shows the work of a true craftsman. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cyberthrasher Report post Posted June 19, 2012 I hope we can get in to some really abstract stuff soon as well. That cannot really be taught but I hope by providing them with structure that they will get good at it and also bored with it enough to really let go and come with some radical stuff. The artists words to live by there! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnBarton Report post Posted June 19, 2012 Beautiful work! Where do you get the large oblong tube for the shell? We have them made. In the absence of custom extrusion tubes like this you can bundle plumbing and electrical tubes to make the interior. Search my posts and you will find descriptions of the process. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
groovytech Report post Posted June 20, 2012 We have them made. In the absence of custom extrusion tubes like this you can bundle plumbing and electrical tubes to make the interior. Search my posts and you will find descriptions of the process. John, Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. You have no idea how much you have taught me with your insights. I hope,one day, to get to meet you and shake your hand. Thanks again! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites