Hand Turned Cherry Burl Pen and Letter Opener Set

Name: Pam Huskins
Shop name: PJTurner
Location: Kingsley, Michigan

A little bit about Pam:
I am a wife, mother and grandma to 3. I have lived in Michigan most of my life, with the exception of several years in Washington State (husband in the Air Force), and, more recently, North Carolina (warmer weather). I came back to Michigan, because of missing family and wanting to see the grandchildren grow up. 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 woodturning. 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.

What do you sell that would appeal to guys?
Hand turned pens, bottle stoppers, desk sets and other projects.

Spalted Maple Wood T-Handle Wine Bottle Stopper and Corkscrew

Where do you sell?
Etsy, Craft shows, small boutiques, and a consignment shop.

How long have you been in business?
For several years, as a woodturner.

How did you get started?
My late father-in-law got me started in making pens. He was a master craftsman in machining and woodturning. A great teacher! The first time I saw his pens I was hooked. Some of my knowledge came from hands-on working with wood and books.

Hand Turned Tulip Wood Secret Compartment Key Ring

How do you get the word out about your shop?
Word of mouth, craft shows, business cards, Etsy, Blogs, and friends.

Anything else you’d like us to know?
I am always up to a challenge with woodturning. I love to try different types of wood and projects.