Pen story with pictures

[rmartin]

I'm jumping the gun on this a bit and ruining the surprise, but I couldn't wait to post this pen story. About a month ago I received a private message from a board member who had seen the pictures of my handmade pens. He said he had a couple of pieces of spalted applewood, and if I were interested, he would send them to me. A couple of days later, they arrived in the mail; free of charge I should add. I cut them into pen blanks, but had to put them aside as I had a bunch of orders for Father's day which was a week or so away at the time. When I finally got a chance to work with them I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. I've turned 10 of the 24 blanks I got from the two pieces of wood. One of which I just posted as a main picture in my gallery. The pen below I just recieved back from my engraver, and will go out with a couple others on Monday with my compliments to a great member of this the friendliest board on the net. Comments Welcome

Thanks Rusty!

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1lFNBiuzfjsct2uQVHZeGZhucW8H_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1lFNBiuzfjsct2uQVHZeGZhucW8H)

[PJSmith]

Your pens are beautiful! I looked at your PET gallery. What is the one with the bubble background made of? And are the ones with the Star of David and the US Flag design inlaid or painted?

Again, gorgeous. Excellent craftsmanship!

[ChristineV]

Beautiful Pen!!!!

Yes, Rusty is a wonderful member of this board!

[rmartin]

Thanks PJ, excellent questions.

First, those aren't bubbles. It's hard to tell because I whited them out a bit, but they are actually pearls from the Abolone oyster. The pen is made from the Abolone shell which is applied to a brass tube and then sealed in clear poly resin. It's from our friends down under in Australia. While Mother of Pearl is well known in the US, I expect Abolone shell to become very fashionable over the next year.

The Flag pens are in fact, inlayed. The fifty white stars are individually hand set in blue maple and six white stripes are set in red maple.

I've had a few people ask me about my website. It's looks like I'll never get it finished, but if you'd like to take a look, you can find other info on my pens here:

FountainCityFurniture.com (fountaincityfurniture.com/)

[Rusty]

WOW, it's beautiful.

And, you really did rush the surprise. I never expected a return, much less something requiring this much craftsmanship, from a few pieces of wood.

For those Forum members that are not woodworkers, this guy is doing exquisite work. I don't "do pens" so I had no idea whether or not the wood I had was suitable or not. "Spalted" is an accident -- it's fungus that grows inside of cut wood. Think of it as rot that isn't far enough along to turn the wood soft and "punky". So, not being a pen turner, I sent the wood with the comment, "This may be worth using, it may well be fire wood."

It sure ain't firewood! :D

Thank you again, I will treasure this!

Rusty

[rmartin]

You're more than welcome, Rusty, but I didn't spoil all the surprise, that's all I'm saying. I'll post it on Monday by USPS, but Wednesday is a holiday, so it may take an extra day.

The spalting looks good in most of the blanks although some are milder than others. There was also some worm wood going on in it. I left some of the worm trails and filled others using the turning dust and CA glue. The cigar style pen is a "fat" pen, but surprisingly, the larger size makes it easier to write with a tired hand.

[Cmcburnett]

Wow, how interesting. Rusty it is definately not firewood. One good gesture deserves another. Both you guys are an inspiration. Thanks for posting the photo of the beautiful pen. Awesome work;)

[SenorSlick]

WOW, What absolutely beautiful work. I am a pen collector from way back. Woderful work!!! Harvey

[Wendy]

That is just so beautiful ... your pens are total works of art :)

Wendy

[JulieM]

Thanks for sharing the story and for posting the link to your website. Your work is beautiful...

[westiemom]

What amazing works of art! They're all just beautiful.

Anita