A little something headed to the Robert Frost Farm...

[Uncle Cracker]

A nice little fountain pen I whipped up for an upcoming auction to benefit the Foundation... Was looking to produce something understated, but elegant. What do y'all think of my solution? ('Scuse the crappy photography.. not my best subject... )

[cgallery]

Beautiful work. Is that a case, or a plaque? And how did you do the inscription?

[Uncle Cracker]

It is a WC maple case... My local WC just bought a $30K laser, and does the inscriptions for $8.99 (often, while I wait, no less!) plus the cost of the case. I just compose and size the inscription right in MSWord, and they pop it in and go... It really does add a lot to those special pieces for not a lot of money.

[bthere]

That is too cool. Let us know how well the auction went.

[shoottx]

Very cool

I think it provides the kind of dignity and grace appropriate for such an event!

[LCHIEN]

so what's the story behind the wood and the inscription - is the pen wood from a special maple tree?

[Uncle Cracker]

so what's the story behind the wood and the inscription - is the pen wood from a special maple tree?

Yes, it's from a huge sugar maple next to the farmhouse where Frost lived from 1900-1911, when he wrote "Tree at My Window". It had become diseased, and since the place is open to the public, they had to take it down last year, so it didn't fall on somebody... Had a big ceremony and took 'er down, one year ago today, in fact.

In his later years, Frost tried to buy the farm back, because his wife wanted to be buried there, but they both died before it could be done. After Frost died, a foundation was formed, and they did eventually get the farm back, and now it's a museum and historic site, under the auspices of the National Parks system.

They have made small pieces of the tree available to raise funds for upkeep of the property, in the form of trinkets or turning pieces for craftsman. They have a co-op program where they will send you some wood and COA's in exchange for a piece of your work that they can auction. Seemed like a fair offer to me, as I have become interested in historic woods.

Here is a link if you want more info...

[lrogers]

I think you certainly met your goal! I hope this brings a large sum.

[dbhost]

That is a piece of history I would love to own. I love Robert Frost's work.