Antler And Wood Pens

Homemade Pen Turning Beauties

Modern life has gotten pretty antiseptic and processed, but antler and wood pens give you a piece of nature you can carry with you. These handcrafted, pen turning pieces are truly unique. They provide a soothing contrast to all the plastic and metal we deal with most of the day.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found that little natural treasures like this can really help calm the stress of daily living. Fighting traffic, enduring boring meetings, and being stuck in urban sprawl raises tension levels. Having a little something you can hold in your hand to remind you of the larger natural world can be a comfort.

It can also be a joy to write with pens like these. They fit nicely in the hand and have real substance, unlike cheap Bics or other disposable pens. They can also serve as conversation starters since they are relatively rare.

Sourcing The Material
Finding the material for these antler and wood pens is something I enjoy. I work hard to make sure the antler and the wood grains complement each other. To do this, I spend time evaluating each of the elements of the pen together to make sure I have a good match.

The antler is the hardest material to source. While antler is a traditional craft material, it is only available in limited quantities. Deer and elk shed their antlers every year to grow new ones, but gathering the fallen pieces and getting good quality lengths of antler is always a challenge.

Supporting Renewable Products
Another element in this challenge is being sure that I am supporting quality suppliers and good stewards. Anything I can’t gather myself I make sure to buy from reputable providers. No animals are harmed in the making of these pens, and natural industries are supported by my careful screening of my suppliers.

The wood that I use also supports renewable industries and responsible forestry. Demand for natural wood products ensures that forestry management is a sustainable industry and keeps those who care about the future of wood in business. Each of the wood blanks I buy keeps a craftsman going.

Making A Unique Treasure For You
Making these antler and wood pens from the materials I’ve gathered is a real treat. The antler handles differently on the lathe than the wood, so I get to use my skills on these pieces. I’ll never get tired of working with the different materials, just as you will never get tired of using the finished products in your day to day life.