It’s been a while, but here’s my latest

[Fine Engineer]

You know, life happens and many things take time, but the lathe and tools and wood sit patiently waiting for your return. Then greet you like a friend like nothing ever happened.
So I decided to make a set of pens for my Rotary club here in Carson City Nevada. We only have 8 members right now, so this isn't a particularly daunting task. This is the Classic Elite 2 kit from Exotic Blanks (thanks Ed for the great service) in gunmetal and gold. These are highly symbolic as the gunmetal represents silver ore, and the gold is obvious as Nevada is very much a mining state. The light wood is sage that I harvested from behind my house, and the dark wood is Morado, also known as Brazilian Rosewood, chosen for its beautiful rich color and as a contrast to the sage. The final total will be 10 pens which I hope to have done by our next meeting.

 

[sorcerertd]

I love the contrast in both the hardware and the wood. I've made a few with that kit and this is definitely my favorite finish on it. Those pens will make great gifts.

Sage... are we talking just a very large shrub? All I can think of is the culinary herb.

 

[GaryMGg]

Very nice. The sage has an interesting grain pattern.

 

[Fine Engineer]

I love the contrast in both the hardware and the wood. I've made a few with that kit and this is definitely my favorite finish on it. Those pens will make great gifts.

Sage... are we talking just a very large shrub? All I can think of is the culinary herb.

Sage is interesting. The bushes grow to be about 5' high or so, and the largest branches are only about 3"-4" diameter, and are often several branches that have grown together. It is fairly difficult material to work with, but I love the result when they work. I've kind of made Sage my signature material.

 

[Fine Engineer]

Very nice. The sage has an interesting grain pattern.

It's a little difficult to work with, but I love the grain pattern and the look.
I also love it for being a special material for people. It is emblematic of Nevada, and the fact that I milled it specifically from plants here in Carson City makes it that much more memorable for people.

 

[Woodchipper]

Very nice pens and I'm sure the members will appreciate them. Good idea to use local wood.

 

[sorcerertd]

Sage is interesting. The bushes grow to be about 5' high or so, and the largest branches are only about 3"-4" diameter, and are often several branches that have grown together. It is fairly difficult material to work with, but I love the result when they work. I've kind of made Sage my signature material.

I really like the open pores in combination with the grain. Is that what your pen stand is made of? The forked "stem" looks an awful lot like my rosemary bush, which I've been meaning to make a pen with for years now. One of these days...