| Project by MsDebbieP | posted 148 days ago | 506 views | 1 time favorited | 54 comments | ![]() |
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June 12/09
Well, it sure did take me a long time to get around to this but finally—here it is: my first pen. It is a birthday present for my daughter (who by the way turns “old” today. Haha.. family joke)
Pen kit: Sierra Ballpoint
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)





























54 comments so far
Russel
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2030 posts in 817 days
posted 148 days ago
Be careful young lady. Pens have been known to cause lost hours standing in front of a lathe, or scanning catalogs for new kits, or lusting after exotic blanks. It is a slippery slope.
And, a really cool pen.
-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.
Allison
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648 posts in 677 days
posted 148 days ago
Beautiful. I have always wanted to try this, I just may take this step myself. These pens always fascinate me.
-- Allison, Northeastern Ca. Remember, Amateurs built the Ark. Professionals built the Titanic!
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 148 days ago
this one was stressful!!!! After seeing all the pens posted here at LJ and hearing about how people whip them off by the dozens I really didn’t want to mess this one up.
I didn’t have to throw it out – so that’s a good thing :)
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Scott Bryan
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20040 posts in 700 days
posted 148 days ago
Congratulations, Debbie. This pen “turned” out beautifully. I am sure that you daughter will be overjoyed with this pen, not only because it is a gorgeous pen, but also because it is a handcrafted gift of the heart from Mama. My crystal ball says that this one will not be your last. After all I would not want you to run out of things to do.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
scottb
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3391 posts in 1205 days
posted 148 days ago
Wow, great start… do you feel the addiction yet?
-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 148 days ago
thanks Scott.
and, Scott.. (hmm you are both ScottB) … no feelings of addiction yet—just relief that it is done lol
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Loucarb
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901 posts in 323 days
posted 148 days ago
Very nice looking pen. Great job
mmh
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1366 posts in 600 days
posted 148 days ago
Beautifully done!
-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe
CanadianWoodChuck
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151 posts in 791 days
posted 148 days ago
Way to go Debbie – you will be forever hooked, but it’s great fun.
-- Canadian Wood Chuck (Bruce)
David65
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158 posts in 163 days
posted 148 days ago
Awesome looking pen I hope she appreciates the art of it as well as its beauty.
-- David '65
Douglas Bordner
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3415 posts in 942 days
posted 148 days ago
Beautiful use of figured wood. Now how about more pictures and a nice little box to go with it?
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 148 days ago
Douglas.. Douglas.. Douglas.. .... success is never enough, is it/?? You guys always have to push me to try something new.
I wouldn’t come close to the beautiful pen box you made.
Thanks everyone for the kind words :)
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
odie
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1601 posts in 718 days
posted 148 days ago
WOW, you did a beautiful job Debbie.
-- Odie, Confucius say, "He who laughs at one's self is BUTT of joke". http://woodstermangotwood.blogspot.com/ (my funny blog)
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 148 days ago
thanks Odie
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Sef
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95 posts in 529 days
posted 148 days ago
Beautiful pen, especially for a first. If you don’t yet feel the addiction, consider yourself lucky, and get out while you can. I must say that I doubt I’d get nearly as much joy out of pen making, if it wasn’t for the teeth grinding frustration that sometimes comes along with it. Thanks for sharing.
So, when do we see that box? :-)
-- I may not know a lot, but at least I know that I don't know.?.?. I think. http://chathampenworks.com/
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 148 days ago
don’t hold your breath waiting for the box! lol
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Napaman
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3409 posts in 955 days
posted 148 days ago
wow…that is a great pen…very nice…what woods?
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
DAN
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6396 posts in 861 days
posted 148 days ago
good one ! did you buy a new lathe ? did I miss something ?
-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever
Sawdust2
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1168 posts in 965 days
posted 148 days ago
So, the next one will be made of willow?
Lee
-- No piece is cut too short. It was meant for a smaller project.
cabinetmaster
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7973 posts in 436 days
posted 148 days ago
Super job MsDebbie. Looks fantastic. You did very well for the first time. Let’s see some more very soon.
-- Jerry--A man can never have enough tools or clamps
Dick, & Barb Cain
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6989 posts in 1177 days
posted 148 days ago
A beautiful piece of work for a first time.
It also has a feminine touch to it.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
mtnwild
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1979 posts in 405 days
posted 148 days ago
Very beautiful pen. I think one of the prettiest I’ve seen. Great wood!! and design.
-- mtnwild (Jack), It's not what you see, it's how you see it.
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 148 days ago
aw thanks everyone :)
the wood is .. hmmm.. tiger maple?
willow: not sure what we have left in the wood pile. Thought about it though, you can be sure!
as for the lathe.. I think I mentioned it somewhere. I got a SWEEEEET deal from our regional Steel City representative. I bought the small lathe in December and the pen kits at a wood show in January… yes, January. I’ve taken a long time to actually put them to use!
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
miles125
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1413 posts in 883 days
posted 148 days ago
Thats very good for your first Debbie. I bet ya can’t make just one :)
-- miles125, Alabama.."Architecture is frozen music""
bowyer
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342 posts in 274 days
posted 147 days ago
Beautiful pen MsDebbie! Having seen your previouse work I know you could match it’s beauty with a gift box.
Rick
-- If at first you don't succeed...Don't try skydiving
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 147 days ago
Miles—I don’t think I’ll take you up on that bet lol
Bowyer—thanks. I’m in no hurry to make the pen box. But then, I have til Christmas to get the courage lol
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Rj
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523 posts in 509 days
posted 147 days ago
MsDebbie Great Pen!! and for your 1st one its looks like you’ve been turning pens for along time.
Sure looks like Tiger Maple to me & I’ve turned a fewTiger Maple pens now …{;o)
Great Job!!
-- Rj's Woodworks,San Jose & Weed Ca,
Dennis Zongker
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1005 posts in 470 days
posted 147 days ago
WOW!! MisDebbie, This is a great looking pen. And it’s your first try. Your daughter should be very proud of her mom. That’s a very nice gift. I can’t wait to see your next pen.
-- Dennis Zongker
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 147 days ago
why thank you Rj :)
hi compliment from an expert!
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
john
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1160 posts in 1259 days
posted 147 days ago
Great job MsDebbie !!!
Is there anything you can,t do ?
-- John in Belgrave http://www.extremebirdhouse.com ....http://community.webshots.com/user/cranbrook2
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 147 days ago
there’s more on the “can’t” side than on the “can” side that’s for sure.
and the “too scared to” is even longer yet! :)
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Karson
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25271 posts in 1278 days
posted 147 days ago
Debbie a great looking pen. Now that you are going to get deep into this addiction. You’ll have to send me your address so i can send you some cool looking blanks.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
YorkshireStewart
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779 posts in 779 days
posted 147 days ago
Delightful Debbie; delightful!
-- Res severa verum gaudium - True pleasure is a serious business. http://www.folksy.com/shops/TreeGems
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 147 days ago
thanks guys:)
Karson—that is such a kind offer!! You truly are an amazing individual.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
SCOTSMAN
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2226 posts in 463 days
posted 147 days ago
I have done quite a few pens over the last year or so possibly a hundred or so, and I too find the sierra a lovely kit .you did a great job for your first attempt you will only get better try some other kists too I warn you it is addictive have fun debbie regards Alistair
-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 147 days ago
thank-you Alistair :)
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
darryl
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1368 posts in 1204 days
posted 147 days ago
welcome to the club Debbie!
I wish my first looked as good!
-- ~ www.darrylmasterson.com ~ www.darrylmasterson.etsy.com ~ www.woodworkingdungeon.blogspot.com ~
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 147 days ago
:) Thanks Darryl
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Karson
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25271 posts in 1278 days
posted 146 days ago
I’ve got the package all made up. Will try to get it in the mail tomorrow.
I got you a 391challenge blank in ther so you better get it done before july 4th. There is also a Mesquite that I got from BlueStingrayBoots. The others were some of the blanks I’ve made up.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 146 days ago
ooooh nooooooo I forgot about the challenge! DOH. lol
Karson – you’re the best. Thank you so much
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Grumpy
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14852 posts in 729 days
posted 146 days ago
Ms Debbie, you are a legend. Well done.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 146 days ago
lol – in my own mind, Grumpy.. in my own mind
thanks :)
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
MarkWilk
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183 posts in 754 days
posted 145 days ago
You picked a great wood and a great kit for a first pen. Wonderful Job!!
-- Mark, Florida, http://penturner.wordpress.com/
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 145 days ago
:)
thanks, Mark !
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Karson
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25271 posts in 1278 days
posted 145 days ago
Shipment is on it’s way.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 145 days ago
:D
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 141 days ago
guess what arrived today??? !!! Already.
That was fast. You must have connections :)
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
SCOTSMAN
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2226 posts in 463 days
posted 141 days ago
I just did “despite a having a bad back yesterday” a nice couple of pens.Among them was my first cigar pen they are really well balanced heavy pen why not try one of these MS Debbie kind regards Alistair
-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease
Karson
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25271 posts in 1278 days
posted 141 days ago
Well good luck Debbie. I got a call from JefftheWoodwhacker and he got some wood I sent to him today also. The post office must not have had anything else to do but deliver my wood.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 141 days ago
Karson, they probably said, “hey there’s that famour LumberJock.. we’d better send his packages ASAP!” :)
Alistair: I’ll add it to my list of future plans.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 112 days ago
Things were going really well, (too well, obviously), and then the lessons started!
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
pommy
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892 posts in 569 days
posted 112 days ago
Debs how did i miss this it looks stunning i’m going to get myself a lathe karson sent me some wonderful pen blanks so i have to do him justice and make some pens but i dont think they will be as good as yours
Andy
-- cut it saw it scrap it
Karson
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25271 posts in 1278 days
posted 112 days ago
Debbie Sorry to hear about your problems. I’ve found that when drilling I only go in about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch. Then take the drill bit out and get all of the drilled wood out.
When those pieces get packed in the drill bit it can shatter the wood blank. Some of the blanks are very fragile and will split and crack.
I’ve got a pen vise that holds the blanks straight, but that sometimes still lets it drill crocked. When I’m doing a two piece blank, I always start drilling from the center (after cutting in two) that way the center grain is matched up as best as it can be.
Here is the pen vise that I use. It comes from Penn State Industries.
I use epoxy to glue in my brass tubes, it usually fills in all of the gaps. I also wait at least 24 hours after glueing before cleaning the glue out of the inside of the tube and trimming the ends. If the glue is not really hard, I’ve had the brass tubes spin in the blank while trimming.
Let me know what you lost and I’ll replace them. Satisfaction guaranteed.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 112 days ago
Andy – I look forward to seeing your pens and I’m sure they will be gorgeous. Isn’t Karson the best?
Karson: I have the vice and I do the clearing the wood trick. Letting it dry for 24 hours – well that I haven’t been doing, but since the last tube spun out and then dried half way in, I think I’ll be doing that from now on. Thanks.
You are such a sweetheart re: replacements. You don’t need to do that. Really. I do appreciate the wood and the offer!! Fortunately, since with this pen, I can get two blanks out of each, other than the holly, I think I’ve gotten at least one pen from each of the wood (well, I’m not done making them yet but I’m hopeful)!!
:)
I lost half of the ironwood and I held my breath while making the other half…. I think it had a little split in it so I put some glue on it during turning. I think I was able to save it—it’s a pen now anyways—I might have cried if I’d lost it. That is such beautiful wood!!! I’ll have to get some pictures and post them.
Thanks again for the gift. I am treasuring the wood and the pens!
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)