Clarke County

Turned Wood Pens

Terry Stifflemire worked in mill maintenance where he learned to use a metal lathe. He transferred this training to the wood lathe and experienced satisfaction with the free hand motion of working with wood. After seeing a friend create a wooden pen, Terry tried himself, expanding his work with wood to include bowls and containers.

Terry uses many types of imported wood for his pens and local pecan from his own property. He begins with small, elongated blocks of wood that he affixes to his lathe. Two pieces of wood are turned at the same time to create the matching parts of his pens. The two pieces are then attached to one another using pen kits. The completed pen is then rubbed with a heavy duty wax that allows the beauty of the wood grain to shine forth.

Terry’s pens are also available in Mobile and selective art shows.