Something we often hear customers say is that they’re overwhelmed by the choice of materials available for turning custom handmade pens on their lathe. Pen kits come in many platings and styles, and there are infinite blanks available. With all these options, how can you possibly decide what looks good together? Here are a few no-fail tips and tricks for choosing pen and pen blank combinations that will wow your customers and gift recipients alike.
Keep an eye on colour trends
Each year Pantone, a company that has become an authority on colour trends, announces the colour of the year. You’ve probably noticed colour trends coming and going, and you can bet that Pantone had something to do with it. The choice is made based on worldwide factors in art, vehicles and society in general. In a way, the colour chooses itself. For 2024, the Pantone colour of the year is called “Peach Fuzz”, which is a light shade between orange and pink. If you’re not into pastels, don’t worry; the 2025 Pantone colour of the year will be announced soon and could be something completely different!
Simple ways to pair the perfect pen kit
Here are a few simple guidelines to help pair up your kits and blanks.
Pair like with like. If your pen blank is a light-coloured wood, opt for a gold or chrome pen kit plating for a bright, eye-catching effect. If you’re using dark wood or resin, consider gun metal or black titanium plating, which will lend your pen a sophisticated feel. If you’re venturing into vibrant colours, match up the tones of the pen blank with the plating for a cohesive appearance.
Inspo: The titanium gold cigar pen kit and stabilized maple burl create a natural warm hue.
Contrast ornate kits with simple blanks. Some pen kits are so detailed and ornate that they do all the heavy lifting on their own. Pair these with understated, simple blanks with little figuring or patterns. This will amplify the beauty of the kit and prevent the finished product from looking too busy.
Inspo: The detailed music-themed pen in antique brass pairs nicely with an understated ancient bog oak pen blank.
Go for a theme. With so many novelty pen kits available, there’s something for everyone. Try to match the pen blank with the theme of the pen. For example, a firefighter pen could be matched with a red blank like a fire engine, or a princess pen with a pink glitter blank.
Inspo: The lighthouse pen kit in gun polish with a swirly bluish blank called “ravine” is reminiscent of the ocean.
Follow the crowd. If in doubt, choose a chrome pen kit. Chrome is by far our most popular plating because it goes with almost anything and nearly every pen kit is available with this plating. Chrome also happens to be very durable.
Inspo: The Luxor click pen kit in chrome with a flame box elder burl blank makes a popular plating into something one-of-a-kind.
Try a colourful plating. We have pens that are available in green, red, blue and chameleon platings, in addition to the traditional gold, chrome and gun metal. These bright colours look especially playful and charming paired with a similar-coloured blank, such as acrylic or dyed and stabilized wood.
Inspo: The Aurora pen kit in chameleon with dyed and stabilized buckeye burl makes for a delightfully bright combination.
Mix simple with striking. A simple pen kit can be turned into a thing of beauty with the right acrylic or resin blank, which often have lots of hues, patterns and sparkle. People love colour and shine, and a striking blank, even when paired with the most basic of kits, is sure to attract customers.
Inspo: The corporate pen kit in gun metal paired with a Pearlux pen blank in “crushed velvet” has a personality all its own.
Consider pricing. Turn some pens from acrylic with budget-friendly kits. It’s a good idea to have a range of prices available to customers, and these materials are an affordable and eye-catching option. The lower price doesn’t take away from the beauty and craftsmanship of your work and ensures there’s something for everyone.
Inspo: The Budget Slimline Fancy pen kit in blue titanium with an acrylic blank called “Mediterranean Wave” can be made for under ten dollars.
Follow us for pen turning inspiration
Someone’s always turning around here, so you’ll find lots of ideas on our Facebook and Instagram pages as well as instructional videos on our YouTube channel. Don’t forget to visit William Wood-Write, the top place for woodturning supplies in Canada. We have all the materials you could possibly need for pen making and other lathe projects!
