The first woodworking project I recall was making a skateboard from one of my sister’s skates – which I had sold her. She has never let me forget. There were bookcases, wooden toys, carvings and finally woodturning was discovered. After starting out as a flight instructor I moved into a career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller, front line manager, and operations manager. When retirement approached a hobby became more of a second career, attending arts and craft fairs and opening an online store. Although all aspects of working with wood are wonderfully satisfying, my first love is making pens, especially inlay or inlaid pens. Designs are made from laser cut pieces of wood assembled into the barrel like a jigsaw puzzle before being glued into place then turned on a lathe. They are truly in a class of their own. Look at the page here for details on making inlaid pens, or here for making pens in general.
Many say people don’t write anymore, but the gift of a unique, well made pen is something that will be treasured. With a wide variety of inlays featuring occupations, organizations, animals, flowers, music, sports, religious themes and even custom names and phrases, there is something for everyone. It always makes me smile when I hear how much a pen given as a gift or bought for one’s self is appreciated. My hope is always that the recipient enjoys it as much as I enjoyed making it.
Carol Roby
Roby Write, The Right Name in Pens
Handmade, Handcrafted, Custom Designed Writing Pens
