Mike's Woodwork By Design

One-Of-A-Kind Segmented Wood Pens

2010-06-07T22:28:00.005-06:00

If you've never held a turned wood pen, you really don't know what you're missing. Wood has a natural warmth that you feel - if you don't believe me, try holding your cheap plastic pen, or a metal desk pen, and then switch to a wood pen and you'll see what I mean - it feels natural, warm, organic. And when it's shaped for the way you grip a pen, it's like putting on those comfortable, broken-in, old boots that just fit right. You grow attached to your wood pen, and find yourself finding excuses to carry it in your pocket - and why not? They're cool!

As a gift, a wood pen says a lot - it's something that is truly a unique present - good for the person who seems to have it all and is hard to shop for. It shows personal attention and carries with it meaning - good for any number of occasions - graduation, Fathers Day, birthday, anniversary, wedding, or just so say Thank You in a special way.

I've enjoyed turning pens for as long as I've had my lathe. They're small discrete projects that I can start and finish in a single sitting if they're from solid wood. For a busy working father of five, long processes and detailed projects are few and far between. That's why it took me so long to move into doing segmented pens. It's a move I'm glad I made. I think the results are stunning. Each pen is completely unique. Here you will see three different patterns for segmented pens, each using completely different glue-up techniques, each with its own unique challenges. Shop for segmented pens here, or email me and we'll design something completely unique for you.

If you want to know how to make a segmented pen, email me and I'll be happy to give you a step-by-step. I don't mind sharing trade secrets!

Fathers Day Sale 2010

2010-04-20T10:55:00.006-06:00

Well, it's too late to order a unique personalized gift for Mothers Day, but hey, we all have dads too, right? Gifts from department stores or electronics stores, yeah, they're cool, but not so personal, and definitely not unique. Now's your chance to say "Love ya, Dad" in a way that he will treasure.

So here are the terms:
$10 off of any bowl, limit 10 bowls,(place order by May 24 for a segmented bowl, June 1 for other turnings.) This means bowls start at about $15.00.

Seriously, what dad doesn't need a place to put his keys and wallet when he comes home from work - no more "Honey, have you seen my wallet?" Or a candy bowl for his desk at work (my problem is I eat it all myself).

$10 off of any pen from the "Design Your Pen" page (place order by June 1) This means pens start at $15.00. If you've never used a hand-turned wood pen, you don't know what you're missing. The heft of the pen in your hand, the comfort of the wood, the shape designed for your hand, and the smooth writing tip - they're really cool, and it's nice to be the one at the conference table with the classiest pen. And in the shirt pocket, it's subtle bling that a man can be proud of.

For those LDS dads out there, $5 off any Consecrated Oil Vial - so this means that consecrated oil vials start at $20.00. More subtle than a pen, these become a treasured charm on dad's keyring that he will see and feel every day. Not just a utilitarian aluminum cylinder, these are little pieces of natural beauty befitting of the holy purpose for which they are used.

And last, but not least, order a double-shot rubber band gun rifle (including file-folder sized rubber bands) so Dad can go postal without actually getting in trouble - Fathers Day Sale price $12.50.

To cash in on this offer, don't use the "Order Now" buttons on my individual items - email me with your order and I'll send you an invoice. Thanks!!

Mothers Day Sale 2010

2010-04-06T09:33:00.002-06:00

Mothers Day is the perfect chance to get the moms in your life gifts that say thanks - I mean, seriously, who do we owe more than the woman that brought us into the world, unless perhaps it's the woman who is the mother of our children. So you can wait till a few days before Mothers Day and then run to Walmart and get some token gift that doesn't really say much except that she was an afterthought (been there, done that, sorry Liz), or you can place an order with me now to make something as unique as she is, that says you appreciate her in a personal way. Plus, these things take time to make, so your forethought will be obvious too.

So here are the terms:
$10 off of any bowl, limit 10 bowls,(place order by Apr. 12 for a segmented bowl, Apr. 19 for other turnings.)

$20 off of a Salt and Pepper Grinder set (Place order by Apr. 12)

$10 off of a Salt and Pepper Shaker Set (Place order by Apr. 19)

$10 off of any pen from the "Design Your Pen" page (place order by Apr. 19)

To cash in on this offer, don't use the "Order Now" buttons on my individual items - email me with your order and I'll send you an invoice. Thanks!!

Wizarding School House Wands

2010-03-08T22:14:00.004-07:00

For the young witch or wizard, there is no more anticipated moment than the sorting - in the first few minutes at wizarding school, you find which house will be like your family while you receive your magical education. For those of daring nerve and chivalry, a ruby-patterned handle is just the wand for you. Emerald-marbled handles go well with those who like snakes, and won't be left behind. Maybe you're a top-grade student - the sapphire handle may be just the thing for you. Or if you're hard working and loyal, or maybe you just like badgers - go for the citrine handle.

My personal projects always take a backseat to customers, so I'm thrilled to have this one done. Turning acrylics was a bit of a stretch for me, where I've always stuck to solid woods before, but the results are stunning. Which wand chooses you? Click on a handle below to see details for that wand.

I've been excited about this project for a long time. As usual, my personal projects take a back-seat to customers, so I'm thrilled to finally have these done.

LDS Consecrated Oil Vials - Shopping Made Easier

2010-01-04T14:11:00.004-07:00

One of the earliest projects I made as I got in to wood turning was a little keyring consecrated oil vial, as a gift for some departing Mormon Missionaries - boys who were once little scouts in my boy scout troop. I was proud and wanted to give them something special. The parts are sold through Craft Supply as perfume vials, but they work just as well for essential oils, olive oil, or anything else like that, and living in the heart of Mormondom, I thought, why not market them as LDS Consecrated Oil Vials.

It turns out these oil vials have become one of my best sellers. I had started out by posting them at my gifts page, but its format doesn't lend itself to browsing and comparing different designs and woods, so I have launched a new page titled "Mike's Oil Vials By Design" which is devoted to making it simpler to shop specifically for LDS Consecrated Oil Vial keyrings.

I'm excited about the page - a new feature it has it that it allows you to select whatever wood you like, whatever shape you like, and place a completely custom order. It took a little time getting it all together, but now that it's up and running, I feel like a proud parent - check it out, and order one for yourself, and as a gift for every Mormon Elder or High Priest you know

Mike's Oil Vials By Design

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-15T12:03:00.002-07:00

Well, it's pretty much too late to ship anything by Christmas. You're welcome to continue to shop my web page as if it weren't the holiday season. I'm going to spend the next two weeks working with my boys, making their presents for each other - my favorite time in the garage is with my boys!

Thanks to all for the orders that have kept me so busy the last few weeks. You've done wonders to help our family's Christmas, what with me underemployed in my day job and all.

So I wish you all a Merry Christmas, that you'll have a safe, peaceful, happy holiday season with those you love.

Christmas Gifts Can Still Be Shipped

2009-12-09T09:12:00.005-07:00

So...time's pretty much up for custom orders to be filled before Christmas, but I do still have some inventory of things I've already made that can be ordered and shipped at will:

Shown in photo above:

Cocobolo Salt and Pepper Shaker Set:$40.00

Mahogany Platters: Regular $55, Farmers Market $40

Maple Square Bowl: Regular $30, Farmers Market $20

Purpleheart Square Bowl: Regular $35, Farmers Market $25

Walnut Bowl: Regular $12.50, Farmers Market $10

Ambrosia Maple Bowl: Regular $12, Farmers Market $10

Purpleheart Bowl: Regular $30, Farmers Market $20

Myrtle Bowl: Regular $35, Farmers Market $25

Penny Hockey

8"x12" Board: $15

Keyring Consecrated Oil, Perfume, or Essential Oil Vials

Purpleheart and Gold - $20.00 (Bottom photo)
Eucalyptus Burland Gold - $20.00
Kingwood and Gold - $20.00 (top photo)
Laminated and Gold - $25.00 (bottom photo)
African Mahogany and Gold - $20.00 (top photo)

Walnut and Gold - $20.00 (top photo)

Harry-Potter Style Magic Wands

Cochen Rosewood Wand - 11"- $23.00

Pink Ivory and Purpleheart Wand - 12" - $32.00

Purpleheart Wand - 11" - $18.00

Pens and Pencils

From left to right:

Padauk and Chrome Slimline Pen: $35
Cocobolo and Black Titanium European Pen: $50

Tulipwood and Gold Titanium European Pen: $50

Purpleheart and Chrome Slimline Pen: $35

Olive and Gold Titanium Slimline Pen: $45

Blackwood and 24K Gold Rollerball Pen:$45

Blackwood and 24K Gold Slimline Pen: $35

Carob and 24k Gold Slimline: $35
Black and White Ebony and Chrome Slimline Pen and Pencil Set: Regular $75

Zebrawood and 10k Gold Jr. Gentlemen's Twist Pen: Regular $60

Custom Made Christmas Gifts

2009-11-30T09:51:00.004-07:00

Well, it's been a busy fall season for me in the wood shop. It's getting close, but is not too late yet, for you to order unique, custom, hand-made gifts. Some of my favorites are family photo jig saw puzzles, consecrated oil vials, pen and pencil sets, and of course, Harry Potter-style "magic" wands.

I should be OK on orders placed through December 10th, though you'll probably need to pay extra for priority shipping if you order after December 5th. After the 11th, it will be too late for hristmas, so don't put it off much longer.

Thanks!

Early Black Friday Christmas Sale

2009-11-11T12:55:00.003-07:00

Each year I have a Christmas Sale to encourage people to place their orders early enough that I can spend December celebrating the holidays and not filling orders until 6:00 pm on the 24th. To show appreciation for early orders, my sale is a blanket 5% off of everything on my site, for both Mike's Woodwork By Design, and Muggle Wandmaker., so long as you place your order before Thanksgiving - as of Black Friday, everything's back to regular price (which is still a great deal on quality, totally unique gifts).

Also, I'm continuing the Virtual Farmers Market sale till I sell because of its success. Click here to see what inventory I have left.

Thanks, and Merry Christmas!

Virtual Farmers Market - Facebook Group Only

2009-10-06T08:05:00.016-06:00

Well, the Farmers Market was a success this year - originally the plan had been to use whatever money we made to increase inventory and buy some new tools, but it ended up becoming an important part of our family's income as things got tight - darned recession, you know...

Anyway, pictured above is most of the inventory I have left, and I'm offering it to members of my facebook group at Farmers Market prices - great Christmas gifts, if you're an early shopper, and prices much less than what I normally offer things for. See the list below. If you want to buy, don't use the "buy now" button on the respective pages unless you want to pay regular price, but rather, email me at mike@mikeswoodwork.net and I'll send you an invoice for the item at the correct price. Happy shopping, and thanks.

Shown in photo above:

Ambrosia Maple Goblet Set: Regular $100, Farmers Market $60

Cocobolo Salt and Pepper Shaker Set Regular $40.00, Farmers Market $25

Cocobolo 10" Pepper Grinder and matching 6" Salt Shaker: Regular Price $150, Farmers Market $100

Mahogany Platters: Regular $55, Farmers Market $40

Maple Square Bowl: Regular $30, Farmers Market $20

Purpleheart Square Bowl: Regular $35, Farmers Market $25

Walnut Bowl: Regular $12.50, Farmers Market $10

Ambrosia Maple Bowl: Regular $12, Farmers Market $10

Purpleheart Bowl: Regular $30, Farmers Market $20

Myrtle Bowl: Regular $35, Farmers Market $25

Faux Drawer Shelves
1-Drawer, White: Regular $35, Farmers Market Price $25
1-Drawer, Black: Regular $35, Farmers Market Price: $25
2-Drawer, White: Regular $50, Farmers Market Price: $35
2-Drawer, Black: Regular $50, sold

Rubber Band Guns
Single-Barrel Pistol: Regular $5, Farmers Market Price: $4
Double-Barrel Pistol: Regular $7.50, Farmers Market Price: $6
Rifle: Regular $12.50, Farmers Market Price: $10

Penny Hockey

12"x16" Board: Regular $20, Farmers Market Price: $15

8"x12" Board: Regular $15, Farmers Market Price: $10

Keyring Consecrated Oil, Perfume, or Essential Oil Vials

Regular: $20, Farmers Market Price: $12 - sorry, all have sold.
Pictured from left to right: Ambrosia Maple(sold), Walnut(sold), Purpleheart (sold), Blackwood (sold), Olivewood(sold), Elm (sold), Padauk (sold), Zebrawood (sold)

Harry-Potter Style Magic Wands

From left to right:

Ebony and Holly: Regular $28, SOLD
Yew: Regular $18, SOLD

Myrtle: Regular $18,SOLD

Walnut and Alder: Regular $23, SOLD
Yellowheart: Regular $23, SOLD

Purpleheart: Regular $23, SOLD

Alder: Regular $18, Farmers Market $13

Holly: Regular $23, SOLD

Pens and Pencils

From left to right:

Padauk and Chrome Slimline Pen: Regular $35, Farmers Market $20
Cocobolo and Black Titanium European Pen: Regular $50, Farmers Market $30

Tulipwood and Gold Titanium European Pen: Regular $50, Farmers Market $30

Purpleheart and Chrome Slimline Pen: Regular $35, Farmers Market $20

Olive and Gold Titanium Slimline Pen: Regular $45, Farmers Market $25

Blackwood and 24K Gold Rollerball Pen: Regular $45, Farmers Market $25

Kiatt and Tactile Rubber European Pen: Regular $40, Farmers Market $20

Blackwood and 24K Gold Slimline Pen: Regular $35, Farmers Market $20

Carob and 24k Gold Slimline Pen and Pencil Set: Regular $65, Farmers Market $40
Black and White Ebony and Chrome Slimline Pen and Pencil Set: Regular $75, Farmers Market $50

Zebrawood and 10k Gold Jr. Gentlemen's Twist Pen: Regular $60, Farmers Market $40

Farmer's Market - Live Woodturning Demonstrations

2009-07-27T12:32:00.002-06:00

Well, things are off to a great start for the season at the Ogden Farmers Market. I've brought my lathe out for live turning demonstrations, and the crowds have been great. It's a lot of fun - the fair or carnival-like atmosphere, the people, the sun, and the food.

Liz has put some dresses and tutus together that are adorable - too bad we don't have any girls huh?

My boys think it's a lot of fun. They like to duel with the magic wands, or gunfight with the rubber band guns, which lasts until my 3-yr old starts aiming for faces.... My 5-year old is quite the salesman and will tell whoever will listen about each wand, the prices for the rubber band guns, and the specials on the tutus. Way to go Isaac!

My best sellers so far have definitely been the rubber band guns, followed closely by the wands. What people don't seem to realize is that my bowls, shelves, etc. are priced so much lower than my made-to-order prices on my web page, which are significantly lower than most woodturners out there to begin with.

It's been fun to have my lathe there so I can turn while people watch - makes the wands that much more magical, and I've met a lot of fellow crafters who are interested in woodturning. So be sure to come by and see!

The Death Eaters are Coming - Don't Go Unarmed!!

2009-07-06T15:28:00.006-06:00

Just in time for the movie release, more Harry-Potter-style magic wands are available through my Muggle Wandmaker shop. Get your wizard robes ready, draw your lightening shaped scars on your foreheads, get your round glasses, and most importantly, your wand - mother's love can only save you from the death eaters so many times, don't push your luck! And seeing as my prices run about half of most other hardwood hand-turned wandmakers out there, like Alivans, or the Gilded Quill, parents can afford to equip their children as well! OK so you don't get a cardboard box to throw away, but you're after what's inside anyway.

And if you like Harry Potter, you should love this: I just shipped 26 wands to the Bamberg Summer School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Bamberg, Germany. Each summer, young muggles aspiring to become talented witches and wizards like Ron, Hermione, Harry and other Hogwarts friends board at a real castle and attend classes for several weeks in subjects like Charms, Potions, Care of Magical Creatures, and Defense Against The Dark Arts. Last year they even had guests from Beauxbatons and Durmstrangs for the Triwizard Tournament. A specail thanks to Headmistress Daniela Schreyer, for the order. Makes me wish I was a kid in Germany!

Students are welcomed in to the main entrance from the castle grounds for two weeks of intenstive magical education.

The guests from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang arrived for the Triwizard Tournament

Dinner in the Great Hall, anticipating the selection of the school champions

The second task - eating gillyweed apparently wasn't the kids' favorite part.

Elm Bowls, Sycamore Bowls - Free Materials

2009-05-20T15:16:00.008-06:00

I have an acquaintance who had to get rid of a great big Chinese elm tree in his yard. The tree was starting to mess with a retaining wall so it had to go. My dad and I went up to cut it down and could see that it was going to take an expert to bring the tree down without killing the nearby trees and/or smashing a nearby home, so we left it to a tree surgeon. BUT when he was done, i got first dibs on the wood. I brought up a chain saw and cut it up, took the pieces home, cut them into bowl-sized chunks, and sealed the ends so that, as it dries, it won't split.

Elm is a hard wood with caramel-colored heartwood and lighter sapwood. The bark is thick with contrasting layers, and quite strong, making for beautiful natural-edged bowls like this first one I turned. Because it was turned while green, and dried afterwards, the shape is somewhat elongated. The effect is exaggerated by the uneven rim.

This particular bowl was from a crotch piece, meaning where the trunk split in two. The resulting wood usually gets more interesting grain patterns than the straight stuff.

And of course, it wouldn't be nearly as much fun without a chance for my son to model the bowl as a hat.

I have lots of this wood. I want to make lots of beautiful bowls. There's a tool I can get that will allow me to get multiple bowls from one piece of wood, but it's kind of pricey so i need to sell a few of these larger bowls to pay for it. Until I save for that tool, you have an opportunity: I'll give you the bowl for labor only, ignoring the cost of materials, AND I'll give you the natural edge bowl for the price of a regular bowl on the labor ($1.50 times height times width, or $78.00 for a bowl like that shown.

I also have a bunch of sycamore that I can do the same with. Order today, and be sure to mention this sale.

www.mugglewandmaker.com Now Up and Running

2009-05-07T10:13:00.000-06:00

My favorite quick projects are pens and magic wands - they're nice, little packaged projects that I can start and finish in one session in the shop, so if I market them more than other things, that's because they're easier to fit into the busy life of a father of 5 boys. SO I'm quite excited that www.mugglewandmaker.com is finally up and running. I've posted all of my old wand postings from my toys page there, and added the wands I made at Christmas time. I hope to soon add sections like I have on my Design Your Pen page, letting you choose your wood, your shape, etc, as well as to add some information about wand care and a little bio about Muggle Wandmaker. In any case, I'm happy with how the page turned out, and wanted to say thanks to Endless Images Photography for the nice job photographing my sign and my sawdust pile so I could make the graphics for the page.

So, Harry Potter fans, visit the page, check it out, and if you don't want to be unarmed when the death eaters attack during the upcoming movie release of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, order now before it's too late ;).

A Good Year of Great Projects

2009-03-24T08:41:00.011-06:00

A little over a year ago I got my start with my lathe. I had been burned out on woodwork for a while from taking some risks - spending money on materials and then not selling projects, or taking too much time on jobs. Once I got into woodturning, though, it was fun again. I made my first bowl, and thought it was way cool. Then I came up with a new business plan: NO drawing from family money, period. Make stuff from wood I have on hand with tools I already have, and then sell it, or take custom orders. Use half the profit to buy more wood and tools, the other half goes into the family finances. And set up a web page for custom orders. My wife was a little skeptical at first, but I was confident that it would work out, so I set up my page.

I still remember the first email I got asking about stuff. I felt like the scene from Tommy Boy about "JoJo the Idiot Circus Boy" who gets so excited about his sale that he loses the business, tearing up his dinner roll - youtube it if you want. Great clip! Then, about a year ago - start of April last year anyway, I closed my first sale from my web page - $500 of custom frames for a school fundraiser. My business was off to a great start. Of course, that's the biggest order I've had, but it was great.

Since then I've had fun. I've "met" interesting people across the country, and expanded my product offerings to over 120 items.

I've learned that woodturning is my favorite and that I will sell woodturning things for less than what I should because I enjoy it so much. Any excuse to work in woodturning is a good one - see the spindles in the jewelry display...

I've learned that wood pens don't sound that exciting till you hold one and use one, and then you can't help but become emotionally attached to it - see the comments on a purpleheart pen I made, for example.

I've learned that kids still love wood toys every bit as much, if not more, than action figures and things that beep and flash. And to sell magic wands, it works well to give a kid with siblings a wand for his or her birthday and then wait till Christmas for their parents to order wands for the rest of the kids.

I've learned that, for whatever reason, Penny Hockey boards sell, but Penny Soccer boards don't. Go figure.

I've made some people very happy with their orders - the segmented bowl set here got me the comment "You have no idea how happy these bowls have made me. "

And sadly enough, I've learned that what I think is beautiful and striking isn't always beautiful and striking to everyone - this bowl got me the comment "I have put the box in a spare bedroom for now and will deal with it all later. I don't even really want to look at any of it just now; I need to clear my mind first. " You see, she didn't like the white spot in the wood. I was very sorry, and offered to pay shipping to have her send the bowl back and replace it with one without the sapwood, but she wouldn't do it. I think that if she was really that upset, she would have taken me up on my offer. Anyway, one unhappy customer out of over 36 in the last year, though more than I would like, is still not too shabby.

So it's been fun. I've made some cool stuff, and made most of my customers very happy with their custom-made stuff-Woodwork, By Design. My wife and kids now get excited about it and have even started making their own projects

This next year should be good. Coming soon: Salt and Pepper shakers, Salt and Pepper Grinders, ceiling fan chain bobs, a page dedicated just to magic wands, a chess set, cutting boards, a smaller rocking horse, an American Girl sized canopy bed by my wife, and more. Thanks to all who have helped support my habbit this last year. And to say thanks for reading my blog, mention this post and get $5 off your order. See you in the woodshop!

Facebook Group Sale - Keyring Oil Vials

2009-02-18T08:45:00.005-07:00

These keyring oil vials have a myriad of uses. The kits are sold as perfume vial kits, but they just as easily hold essential oils, consecrated oil, prescription meds, or your ancestors ashes. OK so I haven't sold any for the last use. Most of the time my customers order them for consecrated oil vials for LDS missionaries or newly ordained elders. I tried marketing them to Deseret Book, but they think nobody wants to spend more than $10 on a keychain oil vial. What they're just not getting is that these aren't just utilitarian metal tubes that you hide on your keyring - they're actually one of my best-selling products because they are really quite cool.

Normally found on my gifts page for $20.00, I'm offering facebook group members $5.00 off while supplies last, for vials made from walnut, maple, ambrosia maple, padauk, purpleheart, yellowheart, zebrawood, mahogany, cocobolo, or carob. Be sure to specify chrome or gold finish when you order, and place your order by sending me a message on facebook after joining my facebook group.

Segmented Bowls - From Design to Dinner

2008-12-01T12:20:00.006-07:00

This project was a long time in the making - I bought the wood back in July. It wouldn't have taken so long if it hadn't been just a personal ambition - this wasn't made to order. So if you're thinking "Geez, I'd really like a hand-turned segmented wood salad bowl and serving bowl set but can't wait four months" (because I KNOW you are thinking JUST THAT) don't worry, it won't take so long if I'm getting paid for it.

So the first step was picking out the wood. I chose bloodwood, maple, walnut, and purpleheart, because I liked the color combination. Other woods would be gorgeous too though - yellowheart, cherry, the possibilities are endless. Then step 2: Design. Using AutoCAD I drew up the profile I wanted, and figured out how to cut the pieces, and then laid them out on the board I would use to maximize the use of the wood. Turned out I could get four big bowls and 8 small bowls from the wood I had bought. From there, rendering it was just a few more steps. That's what I posted in August.
The next steps were to cut the wood, turn the bases, glue the rings together, sand one side of each ring, glue one ring on (see picture below), flatten the top to receive the next ring and turn it to a circle, then glue the next ring on and so on till all layers were glued on.

The next step, and the really nerve-racking one, was to turn each bowl to its finished shape. So many things could have gone wrong - I had to go thin - didn't plan on adequate tolerances during my design - and the bowls at any point could have broken out of the chuck, burst apart into their consituent 61 pieces, or any other number of things. Turns out that little scrapes and nicks on my hands were as bad as it would get! Once the bowls were all turned to their finished shape, I had to sand, oil, and wax the bowls, and this is the finished result:
The project was AWESOME. I have to admit I'm proud of this one. I'm going to try and enter it in the county fair next summer, I think. Or state fair or however that goes. In the mean time, I'd love to have another go, but I just need to find a buyer for the next set - like I always say, I sell to support my habbit. Happy shopping.

Corporate Gifts - Hand-Turned Wood Pens

2008-11-04T22:36:00.006-07:00

As the holidays approach, businesses often look for a special way to thank key clients, employers wish to thank their staff, and employees often contribute as a group for gifts for their bosses. There are a myriad of companies out there that offer cheap products, mass-produced marked up drastically in order to include a painted company logo. If it is the thought that counts, well, perhaps such gifts represent an opportunity lost. Why not give something unique that shows real thought?

My hand-turned wood pens are all made from natural solid wood, and finished with clear natural shellac for a glossy-finished, one-of-a-kind pen. Parts are the Artisan brand components, for quality and durability. You can choose from one of ten part finishes, and any number of native or exotic wood species. And each one can be shaped differently for comfort and style. The result is a unique, beautiful, personal gift that shows the recipient that what they do maters. I had one client say about his pen, "It's a bit of a conversation starter. Not to mention it looks great, and is an addition to any well organized desk. I also like to think it shows a little something about the person who carries it. Gives off a refined professional touch to any aspiring entrepreneur. Shows class and style. Accents your intentions as a businessman." I couldn't have put it better myself.

So visit my pens page today and design the pens you want. Email or call me for a price quote. Give a gift that they'll appreciate for years to come and show those whose business or service you appreciate that they matter to you. Happy Holidays!

What's in a Pen Anyway?

2008-10-25T22:34:00.005-06:00

Earlier this week I got a phone call one evening, while helping a kid with homework, from someone I'd never met before, who immediately apologized for interrupting me at home. "That's the cost of having a home-based business," I said. Well, his name was Omar and he was after a specific pen. He had browsed through my Pens page pretty thoroughly, and told me exactly what he wanted, from the type of wood to the shape and finish and type of metal components.

I worked with Omar to get it just right, and made his pen, which you see above. Honestly I think it turned out great. I picked the most interesting piece of Carob wood I've ever seen, and it turned and finished nicely. I thought, though, that Omar might have a story behind his order, so I asked him. This is what he had to say:

"Well as far as my story goes regarding wooden pens. About 5 years or so ago, my father gave me this Semi-assembled build your own pen kit. So I decided to make this pen. I had to sand the wood and finish the wood and just snap it all together. When this pen was finished, I was hooked!! I wrote with this pen for about 4 and a half years!! I refilled it when needed, and my pen was good to go. I appreciated the pen because my father gave me the kit and I put it together. I always carried it at work, and brought it home with me. Whenever I took my pen out to write something people would comment about it, and ask me where I got it. Its a bit of a conversation starter. Not to mention it looks great, and is an addition to any well organized desk. I also like to think it shows a little something about the person who carries it. Gives off a refined professional touch to any aspiring entrepreneur. Shows class and style. Accents your intentions as a businessman.

Now anyone, can just go buy a nice pen, which leads me to you and why I chose you to help me replace my 'little heirloom' Originally i was looking on line to find the same kit so I could make the pen myself. That's was a huge reason why its was important to me. I checked all these sites and I could not locate it, only the kits where you built it from raw materials. Then I started to lean towards buying a finished pen. I again searched several sites, and I came across yours. Nice web-layout by the way! I started to read the descriptions of the pens and was intrigued behind the story's of the different woods. So I again hit the Internet looking at and reading about different woods. I'm a spiritual person so I was drawn to the wood referred to in the bible. Thus I knew what kind of pen i wanted.

I was looking to order right away!! I found some on some other sites, but as I read your site I seen an evening PH# so I called, and the person who answered the phone said that you were busy helping your kid with his or her homework. I pretty much decided right then and there to order from you. Once you got on the phone and we were talking about the different woods and metals, I felt comfortable ordering. I could tell you are detailed craftsman that takes pride in his work, and also makes time to help the kids with homework!!! Awesome!!! Can't wait to get this pen."

Omar, the pen ships Monday morning, and thanks for your business. You know, my wife thought I was a little nuts when I started marketing pens, because it's true that a Bic that comes in a pack of 12 for $1 will do the job. But then, of what practical value is a necklace? Or why buy an expensive watch when for $5 you can get one that will tell you the time as good as any? It's nice to see someone else who appreciates a nice custom-made wood pen for all the reasons I keep saying they're great. Thanks again, Omar, and it's been a pleasure.

Early Bird Christmas Sale - 10% Off

2008-10-08T07:24:00.002-06:00

Now's your chance to get that stuff on my web page you've seen but have been holding out on hoping you'd find a better deal somewhere. Not that my prices aren't great already, but from now until November 15, you can get a

10% discount off of the prices listed online!

That's right, all my wood bowls, magic wands, wood pens and pencils, shelves, frames, rubber band guns, rocking horses, consecrated oil vials, etc. are 10% off their regular listed price. So don't wait because if my work schedule gets filled up I'll have to stop taking orders till I get caught up and it may be too late to get the discounted prices.

Muggle Wandmaker

2008-09-03T11:32:00.008-06:00

Imagine a witch or wizard without a magic wand? It's like a dog without a nose or a teenager without an ipod. It's just not right. You wouldn't dream of sending your young witch or wizard out into the outside world unprotected - you never know what the muggles might be up to, or worse, death eaters...Be prepared. And remember, the wand chooses the wizard.

I've been a muggle wandmaker now for about 9 months, and put the best of my muggle woodturning abilities into each one. The wood has a magic of its own, and all my wands are solid wood, without dyes or stains. Choose from solid two-piece construction or use single-piece construction. $1 per inch wand for single-piece construction, add $5 for a two-piece wand. This includes wood if it's in-stock. Special order for wood adds cost. I think you'll see the price compares favorably to the other fine wandmakers out there such as Alivans and the Guilded Quil. Each wand included a description of the wood including wandlore of the magical properies. Quality drawstring fabric bags are available for an additional $10.00

All my wands are made individually, from wood selected by the pickiest bowtruckles in Riverdale. Designed for the young witch or wizard, with metaphysical magical cores that can be identified only by the witch or wizard of the wand's chosing. Tested and inspected by my own children via wizard duel, and guaranteed to provide loads of spellcasting fun.

The wands in the photo are from cherry, oak, alder, walnut and oak, and maple and purpleheart. And don't miss my newest walnut wizard wand that I recently completed.

Oh, and just to clarify, I'm not a druid, celt, witch or wizard. I'm not even a squib - full muggle through and through. And the magic these wands contain is every bit as real as Harry Potter, Merlin, Gandalf, Middle Earth, and Hogwarts. In other words, these are on my TOYS page for a reason.

Place an Order:
Email anytime: mike@mikeswoodwork.net
Evening Phone: (801)627-8822, ask for Mike

Segmented Bowl Design

2008-08-12T13:11:00.005-06:00

This is a rendering generated by AutoCAD for the bowls that I'm going to be building - using purpleheart, bloodwood, walnut, and maple. The large bowl, 10"x6" will be $101, and the smaller bowls, 3"x6" will be $24.00. The question is how much will the finish bowls look like the rendered design...Check back in a couple of weeks to see. It should be a way cool salad bowl set when all is said and done.

Farmer's Market Here I Come

2008-08-07T14:36:00.003-06:00

Saturday morning is the Ogden Farmer's Market and I'm going to be there hocking my bowls, pens, and rubber band guns that I have in stock. I'm trying to make a few other things before it starts - some more magic wands, some semiautomatic rubber band guns, and maybe a chess set. My prices will be dropped at the market too, so if you're a local and there's anything on my pages you like, stop by and see if it's for sale. The prices on my list below are for custom orders, but if I've already got it made and in stock, well, it's a great way to save.

So come on down Saturday morning and say hi even if you don't buy. Wish me luck! Proceeds will go into buying more stuff and maybe getting into a big craft fair in November.

Here are a couple of my boys, from three years ago when we were preparing for another craft fair. That one flopped. Hopefully this one will go better...

Wood Bowl Sale

2008-07-10T11:07:00.002-06:00

Ok let's face it - the last few weeks have been really slow for my woodwork business, and I want an excuse to turn another bowl. I've got several pieces of hawthorne in-stock, with the bark edge, so I could make you a bowl like the one pictured above. For the next 10 days, I'll make one of these for you for $10. If you want something cooler like the myrtlewood or purpleheart bowls below, that's fine too, it's half price for labor, plus materials. See my bowls page for more info.
So don't miss out - this is a limited time offer - place your order before July 21 if you want the cheaper price. All bowls are turned with hand tools on my lathe, and finished with mineral oil and beeswax for a food-safe satin finish, and they look awesome.

Priest Crafts

2008-06-30T11:01:00.000-06:00

Not to be confused with priestcrafts, Priest Crafts is a name I jokingly contemplated for my business when a lot of my stuff was selling for use as gifts for clergy.
My brother-in-law was recently called as an LDS Bishop - the equivalent of a priest or a pastor in a Catholic or Protestant congregation, only unpaid. I made this chess bishop for him as a gag gift for Christmas - about 6" high, with felt base, he loves it and keeps it on his desk. See my Toys page for more.
And what clergyman doesn't need a nice wood bowl on his desk for candy for the unlucky ones who are stuck sitting on the other side?
And a good wood pen is a must, of course...

So yeah, I toyed with the name Priest Crafts, but in the end settled for something that was a little less of a lightening rod. And really, the bowl and pen are a must for any desk-bound worker, don't you think?