Making a wooden pen: a labor of precision and passion

Hello,

My name is Michel, and I’m a woodturner. Among the items I love to create in my workshop, there’s one small piece that always catches the eye: the hand-turned wooden pen. Both elegant and practical, it’s an everyday object that becomes a one-of-a-kind piece when made by hand.

Every pen begins with the selection of the wood. I use a variety of woods, including local species (walnut, oak, boxwood, etc.) as well as exotic and stabilized woods. Sometimes, I add colored resin or recycled materials to create a unique contrast.

The wood is then cut into small blocks, drilled with precision, and mounted on a lathe. Next comes the turning stage, where I shape the pen: straight, curved, slender, or more substantial… Every curve is determined by feel.

Once turned, the wood is carefully sanded, then polished and protected with a natural finish. The final assembly uses a metal mechanism—chrome, brass, copper, gold, etc.—depending on the desired style.

What I love about this craft is that it combines precision with creativity. No two pens are exactly alike. Some customers even bring me wood from their gardens to turn into a symbolic gift.

This small item often makes a wonderful gift, whether for a birthday, a retirement, or simply for the pleasure of writing with real wood in your hands.

See you soon to discover more creations,

Michel

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