I first started turning pens around five years ago. My brother Jim, of Vermont Hardwood Pens, gave me a turning lathe for Christmas that year and taught me all about how to turn pens. He told me to turn 50 pens and then send him the 51st. I thought "Oh my, this is going to take some time." But soon I realized that it takes turning at least that many to learn how to do this skillfully and safely.

EXTRA, EXTRA

READ ALL ABOUT IT!
Nashville has a new newspaper!
The Nashville Retrospect

Whether you are a native Nashvillian or new to the city or just love history, you will enjoy our new historical newspaper. From placing a time capsule in the cornerstone of The State Capital in 1945 to the blizzard of 1951 that paralyzed the city, there is interesting reading for everyone. Did you know that the first shopping mall in Nashville was really the Arcade downtown or that the name “Music City USA” was coined by a DJ in 1950?
The Nashville Retrospect is the brainstorm idea of Alan Forkum, Editor and Publisher of the paper. He has created a newspaper that “looks back at the city’s past and the people who shaped it” and I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as I do.
Click on the link for locations near you for a free monthly copy, or you can have your subscription mailed to you for a small annual fee. For advertising rates, call The Nashville Retrospect for more information.

My Favorite Wood is Cedar...

Most pen turners won't spend time working with a soft wood like Cedar but the smell of it brings back such good memories that I take the extra time it requires.

I come from a long line of wood workers such as carvers, whittlers, turners, cabinet makers and carpenters and they all worked with Cedar. I always loved being in my Grandfather's basement while he made Cedar chests, bowls and rolling pins.

I look for Cedar with knots in it because I think it gives the pen character and a truly unique look.

All wood used in making my pens is 100% reclaimed. Some comes from my brother in Vermont,
some from weather damaged trees or scrap wood as well as wood that people have given me.
I can also use wood you provide and make pens for your friends and family.