Some of my turnings...

[SirNot]

So this was my very first turning, about 9 months ago.  Clunky, chunky and, well, a noob project.  I learned a lot and from there, I got hooked on pens:

Paduk with a light ARS finish.

This is the one that started my holiday trouble.  Bethlehem Olive Wood, made for my mother.  It was this piece that made her request 10 pens to give away as gifts for Christmas.

My first spalted maple piece.  I love this pen.  It is heavy and beautiful.  

A group shot.  Wood types L-R: Walnut, Paduk, Cocobolo, Zebrawood, African Blackwood (I LOVE THIS STUFF!), Olivewood, Spalted Maple and Cocobolo.

This was my first inlay pen.  Was much easier than I thought it would be.  The curly maple is gorgeous.  Made it for a Vietnam vet friend of my mother's (who is also a Vietnam vet).

Just a closer shot of two of the pens from above.  Love both of these!

And my first attempt at a bowl.  Started as 12/4 8 inch blank.  There are some rough spots (damn that maple is hard on tools!) but overall, I'm happy with how it turned out.  I'm using it as a dice tray for games and already have a commission for one, but since he wants a graphic at the bottom, I'll forgo the expensive maple and go with something a bit less expensive- I'm thinking cherry.

Next up- a garage heater so I can work through this polar vortex...  Thanks for checking it out!  Any tips are welcomed!!!

[Marmotjr]

Nice pens sir!

I'm betting the rough spots are endgrain?  If it's real bad, sharpen your tools again for one final light light cut.   Then finish with a copious amount 80 grit sanding with a disc bowl sander if necessary.  

Check out my Heat! thread in the Shop forum for a link to a little torpedo heater that has been keeping my 2.5 car garage very usable this winter.