The Tinkering Engineer

One of the first ornaments I turned was this traditional style with cherry wood that came from a family farm in Alabama. I’ve learned a lot along the way, but the nice thing about wooden ornaments is durability. This one will last until we pass it down to one of our girls to put on her own tree one day.

Anyone else still celebrating Christmas with family? These click mechanical pencils have been a popular order this year. There’s an eraser hidden under the cap on the back. Use a dyed, spalted maple burl wood, and you’ve got yourself the nicest pencil you’ve ever owned.

When all you want for Christmas is a hand-turned walnut ice cream scoop, we’ve got you covered.

I turned this ornament for my wife for our tree several years ago. It comes from Gaboon Ebony, a jet-black exotic wood that is rot-resistant and contains enough natural oil that it polishes well to provide a beautiful, lasting finish.