Offshore at Sandwich Bay in Kent, UK, lie the Goodwin Sands. Over hundreds of years, possibly as far back as the Roman invasion, at least a 1000 ships have foundered and been wrecked. Include in that figure countless sea defense works and nearby demolished piers, and the potential for timber washing ashore is huge. But these pieces can become Wood Pens/Keychains!
Most pieces that wash up are not very big or end up fairly small after cutting away damage, splits and mollusk damage. The timber I use has to be sound, or it can cause injuries on the wood lathe. Oak, Ekki (Azobe, a West African hardwood), Walnut, Teak, Greenheart, Mahogany, and Pine all come ashore. Several more types of unknown tropical hardwoods also come ashore. I use this wood to create pens, key rings, and small bowls. I have some larger pieces that are still drying. Additionally, I need a low moisture content before I can use the wood. I hope to make some larger items. Next, I cut and prepare the wood into blanks. Next, I turn them on a lathe. After turning, I use a melamine lacquer
and several coats of microcrystalline wax to polish and finish.Turn old pens into functional Upcycled Crochet Hooks!