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Paul's Pens n Things

Handcrafted in Paragould, Arkansas, since 2006

The Art of
the Written Word

Explore Paul's previous creations or tell him what you have in mind. Every piece is handcrafted around your preferred materials, style and occasion.

Design Your PieceExplore Recent Creations
  • 01Custom-made
  • 02Crafted in Arkansas
  • 03Secure PayPal invoicing
  • 04Making pens since 2006
Sierra Mesa Gatsby pen turned in Fordite with gold trim, handcrafted by Paul
Sierra Mesa Gatsby in ForditeOne of one

What Paul makes

Five benches, one pair of hands.

Everything here is made one at a time. Start where your idea fits best — Paul will help with the rest.

Recent creations

Pieces from the bench.

Some are ready to order, some have already found their homes. All of them can become the starting point for yours.

View all creations

Showing 8 creations

Not sure where to start

Find the right gift.

Four short questions. No account, no pressure — just a sensible place to begin the conversation with Paul.

Find the Right Gift

Question 1 of 4

Who is the gift for?

Why handcrafted matters

Made slowly, so it can mean more.

A handmade piece costs more than a mass-produced one because of where the hours go. Here is what those hours buy.

  1. 01

    Selecting the material

    The blank is chosen for figure, density and how it will behave once it is round. Some blanks are set aside for months waiting for the right project.

  2. 02

    Shaping and turning

    The piece is cut oversize and brought down slowly. This is where the profile, the balance and the way it sits in the hand are decided.

  3. 03

    Sanding and finishing

    Progressive grits, then finish applied in thin coats. This stage takes longer than the turning and is the difference you feel later.

  4. 04

    Fitting the hardware

    Components are pressed and aligned so the cap seats cleanly and the mechanism works the way it should for years.

  5. 05

    Inspecting the details

    Every seam, transition and edge is checked under good light. Anything that does not read as finished goes back to the bench.

  6. 06

    Preparing the piece

    The finished item is cleaned, packed and made ready for the person who is going to open it.

CNC-carved dished eagle relief panel made in Paul's shop

Material library

The material decides half the piece.

Choose a material to see how it behaves, what it suits and where Paul has used it before.

Wood

Black Walnut

Appearance
Deep chocolate brown with occasional purple and gold streaks.
Natural variation
Color lightens toward the sapwood; every board differs.
Suits
Pens · Bottle stoppers · Signs · Carvings
Example creation
Bolt-Action Pen in Black Walnut

Materials come and go with what Paul can source. Ask Paul about current availability before settling on one.

How custom ordering works

Four steps, no surprises.

Nothing is charged and nothing is made until you have seen the details and agreed to them.

  1. 01

    Share your idea

    Tell Paul what you want, who it is for and what makes it meaningful. Photos and rough sketches help.

  2. 02

    Confirm the details

    Paul reviews the materials, design, timing and estimated cost with you, and suggests options if something is not workable.

  3. 03

    Receive your invoice

    Once the project is confirmed, Paul sends a PayPal invoice. Nothing is charged before you agree to the details.

  4. 04

    Paul creates your piece

    The item is handcrafted to the approved details, inspected, and prepared for the person receiving it.

Previously created

Made before. Reimagined for you.

These original pieces have found their homes, but they can inspire a new creation using your preferred materials, colors and details.

Red custom cornhole boards built and finished by Paul in Paragould

Meet the maker

Meet the maker behind every piece.

Paul began making handcrafted pens and other lathe-turned items in 2006. In 2019, he added a CNC router to expand into carved and engraved creations.

Every piece on this site was made by Paul himself, in his shop in Paragould. When you send a request, he is the one who reads it, replies to it and makes the piece. That is the whole operation, and it is deliberate.

Read Paul's story(870) 273-2140

Common questions

Before you ask.

The questions Paul is asked most often. If yours is not here, just ask him.

Read the full FAQ

Yes. Most of what Paul makes starts as a conversation rather than a catalog item. If you can describe the piece, who it is for and roughly what you are imagining, Paul will tell you what is realistic and suggest materials that suit it.

Start a conversation

Have an idea in mind? Let's turn it into something meaningful.

You do not need to know every material or technical detail. Tell Paul who the piece is for and what you are imagining, and he will help you explore the possibilities.

Tell Paul What You Have in MindEmail Paul directly

Prefer to talk it through? (870) 273-2140