The Lost Tree

Awhile back I contacted Paul to craft four pens for me. Each pen was made from an American Black Walnut tree that was unintentionally burned in a prairie fire. I hated to lose such a beautiful tree but was able to salvage enough wood for Paul to craft beautiful heirlooms. The pens were given as gifts to the other heirs to our farm. While the fire was an unpleasant experience...

A Mehrer Family Memory

  A Mehrer Family Memory On December 1, 1956, Chuck Mehrer made Mizzou football history when he tackled a KU running back for a safety at the end of the game to break a 13-13 tie. The goalposts were sacrificed in the ensuing celebration, and one of Grandpa Chuck's friends grabbed him a piece of wood as a memento. His son David, who played in that game 25 years later...

A Great Birthday Gift For My Father

            What a talented artist! The pen gift I had the pleasure of giving to my father is not something you can just run out and buy. It is the perfect gift for the "man who has everything." This pen is not only a beautiful work of art but a symbol of something much larger and very sentimental. Our pen was made from a tree...

The M1 Heirloom Pen – Honoring those who Served

The M1 Heirloom Pen – Honoring those who Served I was thrilled when I received my M1 Heirloom Pen as a gift. The barrel of the pen is made from the beautiful walnut stock of a seasoned M-1 rifle – a rifle that could have seen duty in scores of important defense campaigns in our American history. As a past serviceman and American patriot I am honored to own this...

Handcrafted Pens by Paul receives 2019 American Excellence Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Handcrafted Pens By Paul receives 2019 American Excellence Award  May 27th 2019 -  Handcrafted Pens By Paul has been selected for the 2019 American Excellence Award amongst all its peers and competitors by the US Economic Institute (USEI). Each year the USEI conducts business surveys and industry research to identify companies that have achieved demonstrable success in their local business environment and industry category. They are recognized as...

A Work of Art From An Old Irish Bog

Centuries ago, the British Isle was rich in forest land. Then, the climate changed and the ground became saturated with water. This rotted the lower portion of the trees, causing them to fall. They were quickly absorbed into the wet ground, creating an anaerobic condition that preserved the wood. As time passed the chemicals in the soil, particularly tannin caused the wood to turn black. Now, from time to time,...

The Fallen Walnut Tree

  In April 19, 2014 my brother and I decided to burn the native grass on our farm. Doing this every four years keeps undesirable brush and trees under control and allows the grass to flourish. The resultant potash from the burn provides nutrients and gives the new grass a higher protein content. After receiving approval from all our neighbors we proceeded. It was a vigorous burn and with the...

The 1973 Firecoach Crown Pumper Engine

After serving UC Davis fire Department for 30 years this 1973 Firecoach Crown Pumper Engine is now property of UC Davis Athletic Department Purchased by the UC Davis Fire Department back on March 11, 1974 this engine was one of three main workhorses of the University of California, Davis Fire Department. The rig known as Engine 234 was put into service and served gallantly for the department in and around...

Making of the Venus Rollberall pen with Awabi Shell

                                                                                   This stylish and elegant pen was hand crafted from the shell of the Awabi. Awabi is a different species of Albalone. The Awabi is native to northern coastal waters...

USS Des Moines Story

In honor of this very important US Naval ship, its’ role in defense of our country and the many crew members who served with honor and distinction, this beautiful work of art was created. From the last remaining salvage of the Des Moines, the pen you see was turned from Teak Wood that comprised the deck of the ship. After being exposed to the elements for more than 68 years,...