Hi,

Last weekend I took another pen turning workshop at Lee Valley and came out the door with this.
The cap has an antler cap (Thanks Eagle and gwilki for your help) and I'll let you guess what the barrel is made of.

Pistachios?

Nice pen!

Don

Peppers?

Good looking pen

Ha, I was going to say Pistachios too.

I am going to guess some sort of cordage or yarn

I'm not sure how I helped, but you're welcome.

You've done fine work on this one. I would suggest, though, that there is a bit too much going on for one pen. The kit has quite a bit of bling to start with, and the combination of different materials for the cap and barrel make for a very busy pen. Just my opinion, of course.

I can't add a better guess as to the barrel material, so end the suspense - what the heck is it?

gwilki, I agree about the bling but, unfortunately, it was the only kit they offered me at the time. I'd like a more simple one in the future. You had offered me some tips on turning antler.

The barrel is made of dyed and compressed twigs of heather.

I recall the antler conversation now. I'm glad I could help a bit.

Did you make the barrel blank? It would look great on a black sierra, I think.

Very nice photographs! I was pleased to have had the pleasure of seeing this pen being made. Both material turned out very nicely, I'd say. As a novice to this sort of woodworking, I am amazed by the variety of materials that can be used and the effects that can be achieved. Well done, Funktionslust!

I'd guess that barrel was made from a selection of luncheon meats!

No need for a selection - just olive loaf!

I acquired the blank from a company that uses the wood for another purpose. Sorry to be so secretive but I promised them I wouldn't spread their name around. They like their privacy.

P.S. As for the luncheon meat... if it was left on the counter for a week or so. I licked the blank; it tasted heathery.

i like bling pens