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June 20/09

This week, following the posting of my first pen, Karson sent me some pen blanks to help me become addicted to turning pens. That was your goal, wasn't it Karson? :)

Amongst the package of blanks were pieces of: birdseye maple and a piece for the 391 challenge. (photo #2)

I started with the maple because I really didn't want to screw up the challenge wood. That would be very embarrassing!

PEN 2
The maple (bottom pen in the photo) went rather smoothly and I'm quite pleased with it.

PEN 3 - 391 CHALLENGE
The 391 Challenge-well, I thought the "challenge" was to have everyone make a pen from the same piece of wood. I didn't realize that using the wood would be an extra challenge! At first I struggled with making those first cuts and then with getting it round. Fighting the process I was becoming a little frustrated. And then I started to feel the turning process-feel the change of the wood beneath the carving tool… and I realized that this "challenge" was a turning point (no pun intended) in my turning experience. With patience and a delicate hand I slowly turned the chunk of wood into a pen. (photo #3) I almost felt like I knew what I was doing!

And so I thank Karson for sending this wood (we won't say what I first thought when he said that I now had to join the challenge!!) HAHA. Anyway… all is good.

I only have 2 sets left for making these Sierra pens. I will have to go shopping now to see what I want to do next!

WOOD
  • top pen: the 391 Challenge wood (I think it is cherry burl?)
  • bottom: birds eye maple

Pen Kit
  • Sierra Ballpoint

Photo #4
The Challenge Pen displayed in the beautiful boxhttp://lumberjocks.com/projects/1927 that I received from Douglas. Thanks again to Douglas for this box that I treasure.

Gallery

Comments

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Debbie: Suberb. Great , wonderful. Glad you are picking a bunch of new skills.
 

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thanks Karson-really, thanks!
that was very kind of you to send me the wood and to "force" me to challenge myself (again) :)

It was a very rewarding afternoon.
 

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I'm glad that I'm able to force you to stretch
 

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Debbie, nice job on your first pens. You will find that pen turning is additive. By the time you have turned your 100th pen you will be a real pro!
 

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Wow this pen is knock dead gorgeous
 

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Some great additional photos. Nice box Douglas.
 

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Beautiful. How nice of Karson to do that for you. LJ's is such an awesome site. Keep up the great work. Are you totally addicted yet?
 

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You ready to get into pens Allison?
 

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not addicted yet.

(chuckling at Karson's innocent sounding question-- evil, I tell you, evil-hooking in another unsuspecting LumberJock…. )
haha
 

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Really a nice job MsDebbie. Those pens look very nice especially the 391 challenge pen. You'll be a pro before long…..............lol
 

· In Loving Memory
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MsDebbie:
Fabulous!!! GREAT JOB!
DAVE
 

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thanks everyone :)
 

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Well done, you put a smile on my face tonight. Allison had better watch out or she'll be using all those little 5" scraps that she was getting rid of. Karson's challenge was a lot ot of fun and a bit difficult, I guess that's the idea.
 

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Wow! Great looking pens. Although you say your not addicted, looks like your definitely hooked. Addiction to follow.
Keep up the great work,

Lisa
 

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nice pens debbie, and hats off to karson for helping you out,

its always great to see people helping each other,

hope all is well
 

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Next some well meaning Lumberjock will be attempting to lure you into furthering a box addiction. Be afraid, be very afraid. Mwahahahaha (Glad your box is still getting love and good use. I try and match my "children" to good homes).
 

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thanks, again :)

no.. I'm not addicted - yet, anyway. I wanted to make pens for presents. I wonder how many pens my family will take before they say "enough is enough" lol

Karson is the best!! :)

Douglas-also the best. I do love my pen and box. .. pieces of art that I can use!
 

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Not to worry MsDeb, the addiction sneaks up on you. Some day you'll be lounging by the pool and yearning will begin. At first you will simply feel a bit unsettled and then it will grow. You'll remember the pleasure of that first pen and lust for the taste of accomplishment. Then comes the anxiety because you don't have a kit, or blank readily available.

Then comes munchies.

Very nice looking pens. The challenge blank turned out particularly nice.
 

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haha sounds like you have experienced the "pull" :)

thanks for the compliment on my pens
 

· In Loving Memory
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Ms. Deb. making pens? WOW! You are my hero. Have you made a bowl yet? Great job, beautiful in fact. m
 
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