ROOTED IN CRAFTSMANSHIP. INSPIRED BY CREATIVITY.
One Thoughtful Detail at a Time
My inspiration for Pen & Timber started with a desire to build something lasting.
I’ve always loved to build, to take something raw and transform it into something useful. Making pens has given me the outlet for that passion.
When I’m in the workshop, I think most about the process, the rhythm of creation, and the quiet that comes with it. There’s a calm focus that takes over once the lathe starts spinning. It’s just me, the material, and the next small decision that will shape it into something worth keeping.
A pen should feel complete, comfortable, and familiar — something that settles naturally into the hand and becomes part of the writer’s own story. When someone uses a pen I’ve made, I hope they feel the intention behind it, the care, the patience, and the respect for the material. What matters most to me is knowing that what I make becomes part of someone else’s story. I want them to tell a story about their pen, where it came from, and what it means to them.
Custom Pens, Made from Your Story
Every pen begins with purpose. I think about the story I’m trying to tell through the material itself— whether it’s wood reclaimed from an iconic stadium or acrylic that’s color-matched to a beloved brand.
Custom pens can be created from a wide range of materials, including domestic and exotic woods, hand-poured acrylics, and TruStone. Each pen style—fountain, rollerball, or ballpoint—can be tailored with different finishes, hardware, and mechanisms such as twist, click, or screw-top caps.
Engraving and personalized details are available to make each piece even more meaningful, whether the pen is designed for a milestone, a gift, or a personal moment worth remembering.
BUILT BY HAND.
GUIDED BY PURPOSE.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes a handmade pen different from a store-bought pen?
A handmade pen is crafted one piece at a time, shaped and finished by hand, and built from materials selected for their character. Each pen has its own balance, feel, and personality — far beyond what mass-produced pens can offer. The result is a writing instrument that’s durable, comfortable, and connected to a story, not a production line.
What materials can be used to make a custom pen?
Custom pens can be crafted from domestic hardwoods, exotic woods, TruStone, hand-poured acrylics, and acrylics created specifically to match a color palette or theme. Each material is chosen for its pattern, color, and the story it brings to the finished piece.
Can a pen be made from reclaimed or meaningful materials?
Yes. Pens can be made from reclaimed or historically significant materials when the wood is suitable for turning. Previous projects have included wood from the USS Wisconsin battleship and Ohio Stadium (“The Horseshoe”) at The Ohio State University. When a material carries meaning, the finished pen carries that story forward.
Do you offer pens that are color-matched to brands, teams, or themes?
Yes. Custom acrylics can be created to match specific colors, brands, sports teams, or design themes. This option is ideal for corporate gifts, school spirit pieces, and milestone celebrations where color plays a meaningful role.
What types of pens can be custom made?
Custom designs can be created as fountain pens, rollerballs, or ballpoints, with a variety of hardware styles and mechanisms. Options include twist pens, click pens, and screw-cap fountain pens. Each style offers a different writing feel and presentation.
Can I add engraving or personalized details to a pen?
Engraving is available on many pen styles. Names, initials, dates, and short messages can be added to personalize a gift or commemorate a milestone. Additional details—such as hardware finishes, material choices, and color themes — help make each pen uniquely meaningful.
How does the custom pen design process work?
The process begins with a conversation about the purpose of the pen — who it’s for, the moment it represents, and the story behind it. From there, materials and styles are recommended based on the vision. Once the details are finalized, the pen is turned by hand and finished with care. Progress updates are provided along the way, and the final piece arrives in a gift-ready box.
Do you make matching sets or companion pieces?
Yes. Matching sets—such as a fountain pen and rollerball pair — can be created using the same material or coordinated designs. All pens arrive in a gift-ready box, making them ideal for milestones, celebrations, and special occasions.
What occasions are custom pens best suited for?
Custom pens make thoughtful gifts for graduations, promotions, retirements, weddings, anniversaries, bridal parties, holidays, and personal achievements. They’re also meaningful for everyday writers who appreciate craftsmanship and want a pen designed with intention.
What refills do your pens use, and are they easy to replace?
Most pens are designed to use widely available rollerball, ballpoint, or fountain pen refills. Replacement inserts can be found at common office supply stores or online retailers. (Specific recommendations can be provided based on the pen style ordered.)
What is your return or satisfaction policy?
Each pen is crafted with care and inspected for quality before shipping. If a pen arrives with an issue or does not meet expectations, it can be returned or exchanged. (Detailed return guidelines can be provided at checkout.)
