Paul Witmer

Exotic Wood Handcrafted Pens

The use of exotic woods and burls from places outside of North America has seen increased use by handcrafters and wood turners over the past few years. Every visit to the exotic lumber yard shows an increase in varieties available that were not available... Read >

Using Citrus Wood for Pen Making

Pen crafters are always on the lookout for different types of wood to use in handcrafting pens. Using the basic hardwoods and softwoods easily available, the pen crafter, unless he/she specializes in only a few wood types, desires to try to turn as many ... Read >

Using Spalted Woods for Pens

Of all the woods used by wood workers to produce pens, one of the most beautiful wooden pens that can be made is with the use of spalted hardwoods. Exquisite designs and textures are evident when using these woods. Spalted hardwood is wood that is actua... Read >

Plain or Fancy Handcrafted Pens

When it comes to choosing what type of handcrafted pen you want to purchase, whether for yourself or as a gift for that special someone, client or guest, you will find many choices to choose from. Would you want to purchase a plain pen, that is, one wit... Read >

Pen or Pencil?

When looking for that certain gift, sometimes a gift giver finds themselves in a conundrum. Do I buy a handcrafted pen or pencil? Pens are made for writing large volumes of work, everyday writing, journal entries and the like. Pencils are made for jott... Read >

New Wood vs. Older Reclaimed Wood For Projects (Pens/Pencils/Accessories)

When it comes to choosing what type of wood you want your next handcrafted purchase to be, there are several choices for the consumer to think about. Do I want virgin wood, that is, wood that is right from the mill and have never been used previously. I... Read >

Handcrafting Writing Instruments and Accessories for Gifts

One of the major dilemmas facing many consumers is what type of gift to get someone. Many types of gifts are available and when trying to figure out what to get that hard to shop for person, a handcrafted gift usually solves the problem. There are man... Read >

Handcrafting Pens From Local Wood

The art of pen making is one of the basic techniques that wood workers initially use when they begin their wood turning adventure. Almost all practice many hours on pieces of wood not considered usable for better projects or with wood that contains a goo... Read >

Fine Handcrafted Roller Ball Pens Make Excellent Gifts

When looking for a unique gift to give to that special person, there are many options to choose from. Many gifts are used only once or twice before being put away or even ‘re-gifted’, as they say. One of the most overlooked gifts for the average consume... Read >

Different Pen Compositions

With the abundance of various types of hard woods and softwoods available, it makes sense that pen crafters make use of any available type that gives them an edge. Hardwoods are woods that bear leaves and loose them in the fall, with the exception of som... Read >

Handmade Pen Finishing As a Purchase Decision

Pen making has been around for some time and few wood turners market their product to the general public at a reasonable cost. Some are hobbyists who provide their gems at their cost of supplies, not taking into account the wear and tear on their equipm... Read >

Acrylic Styles and Finishes in Handcrafted Pens

Acrylic pens are manufactured from several different compounds to provide the brilliant color schemes, transitions and definitions seen in the finished handcrafted pen. Most common are the acrylic acetate compound blanks that come in many different varie... Read >

Acrylic Pens

As with most handcrafted items, the starting material choice will dictate how the final product will take shape. When handcrafting pens, more specifically, there are several choices the pen turner can turn to. Besides wood, the pen crafter has alternati... Read >