Barry & Don Ward

This past week at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts went very fast as they usually do.  For those of you who have never attended a class at Arrowmont, you do not know what you are missing.  The energy in the wood turning studio was electrifying; 16 minds all concentrating on one thing – creating fine writing instruments! If one person did not have an answer or idea on how to complete a pen, someone else did.  That is why I go back and teach there every year.  It is to get re-focused, unwind and learn!  Yes, I said learn!  I personally get just as much out of these classes as the students do.  They challenge me to re-think my methods and to push me to offer better and easier ways to create fine writing instruments!

Don Ward modifying  Slimline Pens

This year at Arrowmont both the students and I were very lucky to have Don Ward and Curtis Seebeck in attendance to offer their particular expertise.  Don spent an entire day and evening session showing the students how to modify slimline pens.

Curtis Seebeck demonstrating wood stabilizing

All week long Curtis would demonstrate how to cut, dry and stabilize pen blanks using his Cactus Juice from “found” wood.

Over the next several weeks I will continue to show images from our Arrowmont experience!