This page describes how we craft the barrels and assemble our timber and acrylic pens here in Australia.
Each pen brings together carefully selected materials, precision tools, skilled work and attention to detail.

Here’s what it takes to create just one:

🔧 Tools & Equipment

To make a high-quality pen, the maker uses:

  • A wood lathe for shaping the pen body
  • Turning tools and chisels for fine cutting
  • A drill press for accurate hole placement and reaming the wood
  • Sanding and finishing tools for a smooth, polished surface
  • Clamps, presses, and specialty pen kits to assemble the pen
  • Protective gear, sharpening systems, and of course workshop maintenance

These tools require regular upkeep and replacement, and many cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to buy.

🪵 Materials

Each pen is made from premium materials such as:

  • Timber, selected for grain and character
  • Acrylic Blanks, selected for colour and pattern
  • Metal Components, including clips and decorative hardware
  • Finishes and adhesives, suited to the barrel material

Some of these materials are required to be imported or difficult to source locally—especially specialty pen mechanisms and decorative hardware.

⏱️ Time & Skill

Making a pen takes precision, patience and an eye for shape, colour and finish.

  • The wood or acrylic is cut, drilled, glued, and turned to exact dimensions
  • The surface is sanded progressively through multiple grits, then finished and polished as appropriate for the material chosen
  • Components are carefully aligned and pressed together to avoid damage.
  • Each barrel is inspected throughout the process. If cracks or other flaws appear, it may need to be remade.

Each pen takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours to complete, depending on its design, materials and finish.

💰 Cost Breakdown

Behind the final price, there are:

  • Material costs: wood/acrylic blanks, hardware, adhesive, finishes and packaging
  • Tool wear and maintenance
  • Workshop power and supplies
  • Time invested by the maker
  • Added value from presentation cases or custom designs
  • Stockist commission, when a pen is sold through one of our retail partners, supporting another Australian business

Locally crafted. Supporting Australian businesses.

When you choose a Pen Elegance timber or acrylic pen, you support local craftsmanship, Australian businesses and the people and families behind them. We craft these barrels and assemble the pens here in Australia, buying our timber, acrylic blanks and components through Australian suppliers.

While some components and tools we use are manufactured overseas, your purchase supports our work here and the Australian businesses we buy them from.

In an uncertain world, choosing Pen Elegance is one way to support Australian jobs and livelihoods.

The Result?

A beautiful, functional pen, built to last. Each of our timber and acrylic barrels is individually crafted, and each pen is carefully assembled with its future owner in mind.

Ready for you to enjoy owning and using every day.