French Rolling Pin

The French rolling pin is a very useful tool for bakers for rolling out pastries, pie crust and more. What makes it different from other rolling pins is that it has no handles and that it is tapered to a small circumference at each end. Size can vary between 12 to 22 inches and 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Most are made out of wood and are easy to care for by merely washing briefly with a little soap and water. Please note that they should NOT BE PUT IN A DISHWASHER. Many people prefer the French rolling pin because you can “feel” the dough better, but also the relative ease with which these rolling pins can manipulated.

Here are some that I have made and sold on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pjturner

Star-Burst Wooden Buttons

This wood is so unique! The star bust pattern is natural in this wood. The wood came from a old barn in Virginia. The wood was left over from a project and I just need to make something with it.

Tracy Designs http://www.tracydesigns.etsy.com/ has used my buttons on her beautiful patchwork quilted bags, they are a must see! Please check out her shop!

Crochet Hooks with Hand Turned Handles

I sold some of these at my craft shows, just now getting around to making more. These are great for those of us that have Arthritis.

I used Birds Eye Maple, Pink Pearl Acrylic, Tulip wood and Dymondwood.

If you crochet a lot, you know that tiny hooks can slip out of your hand. The larger handle allows you to loosen your grip and prevent hand strain when crocheting for any length of time.
The crochet hook is permanently attached and are not interchangeable.

http://www.pjturner.etsy.com

Michigan Natural Edge Cherry Burl!

This Cherry Burl is from here in Michigan. I love to turn burls, the grain is always spectacular!

A burl is the knot in the tree.

Zebrawood

Just made this 2 in 1 corkscrew & bottle stopper. Zebrawood come from West Africa.

Just turned this wine bottle stopper, what do you think?

Secret Compartment Key Chains

Today it is cloudy and rain mix with snow, yuk!

So I went to my shop and created these 2 key chains. They have a little secret compartment inside so you can hide tooth picks, small pills or even a rolled up dollar bill. I have one without the keyring on it, in my purse, I keep a couple of extra pills that I may need in it. One is made out of Tulip Wood & the other is made from a real Corncob. Oh, don't worry the corncob is very durable because it is treated with hardener, tough stuff!!

HOW I GOT STARTED

My late Father-in-law got me started in making pens. He was a master craftsman in machining and wood turning. A great teacher! First time I saw his pens I was hooked. Some of my knowledge came from hands-on working with wood and books.

I have always been interested in crafts. I have painted in oils and watercolor, crocheted, done ceramics, and I used to do Tole painting, which required working with wood by cutting out my own projects. This, and seeing some of my late father-in-laws’ hand turned pens, led to my interest in wood turning. I take pride in my projects and enjoy the pens and bottle stoppers that I make, from start to finish. I have a very supportive husband (who does machining), and is a big help, especially for setting up for shows.