A retired boat captain from Dixonville, Alabama has been creating unique and personalized pens as gifts that leave recipients astounded. David Bullock, 75 years old, has turned his passion for woodworking into a craft of making custom pens.
Bullock’s workshop, located in a small community near Pensacola, Florida, is where he meticulously handcrafts each pen. Growing up, he developed his skills in woodworking through school classes and his father’s guidance. Inspired by his wife of 44 years, Bullock’s repertoire extends beyond pens to include frames, seam rippers, measuring spoons, pepper mills, pizza cutters, and various kitchen tools. His craftsmanship has been showcased in churches through giant crosses and nativity scenes during Easter and Christmas.
The pens he creates stand out for their uniqueness, often surprising recipients who never expect such a personalized gift. Each pen is crafted from materials sourced from pen supply companies, ranging from wood to acrylic blocks in various colors and patterns. With the right tools and craftsmanship, Bullock shapes these blocks into pen barrels on a lathe, sands them smooth, coats them with varnish, and assembles them with pen components like the refillable ink cartridge.
Despite the intricate process, Bullock only takes about 20 minutes to create each pen. While he started making pens about a decade ago, he doesn’t see it as a business venture but rather as a way to share his passion with others. He believes people value quantity over quality, which is why he prefers gifting pens to selling them.
So, the next time you reach for a disposable plastic pen, consider the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into a handmade pen. Bullock’s pens are not just writing instruments but personalized keepsakes that carry a touch of artistry and care, making them a unique and thoughtful gift for a lifetime.