DIY Handmade Walnut Pen Holder – Easy Woodworking Desk Organizer Project

This lovely DIY Handmade Walnut Pen Holder isn't just another desk accessory; it's a sculptural piece that really shows off the beautiful grain and deep, rich colors of natural walnut. With its unique, gravity-defying crescent design, it's perfectly shaped to hold your favorite fountain pen or stylus securely, all while bringing a touch of mid-century modern charm to your workspace.

The project itself centers on techniques like bent lamination or template-guided shaping, giving you the chance to practice creating those smooth, organic curves from solid hardwood.

Materials

1. Walnut Stock: 1" thick for the base and crescent (or thin strips for lamination).
2. Dowels: 1/2" walnut or brass dowel for the neck.
3. Wood Glue: High-strength (e.g., Titebond II).
4. Finish: Danish oil, beeswax, or wipe-on poly.
5. Sandpaper: 80, 120, 220, and 400 grits.

Tools

1. Bandsaw or Jigsaw: For cutting the crescent and circular base.
2. Drill Press: With Forstner bits (for the pen holes and neck joinery).
3. Oscillating Spindle Sander: (Optional) For smoothing the interior curves.
4. Lathe: (Optional) If you prefer a turned, tiered base.
5. Clamps: Various sizes for assembly.

The "C" shape is the focal point.

1. Template: Draw a crescent moon shape on a piece of paper. The outer arc should be approximately 6-7 inches in diameter.
2. Cut: Trace the template onto your walnut stock. Use a bandsaw to carefully follow the line.
3. Refine: Use a spindle sander or a drum sander attachment to smooth the inner and outer curves until the saw marks are gone and the silhouette is fluid.

1. The Base: Cut a 4-inch diameter circle from your walnut stock. To achieve the "tiered" look shown in the image, use a router with a chamfer bit or turn it slightly on a lathe to create a decorative edge.
2. The Neck: Cut a small 1-inch section of walnut dowel. This will act as the "pedestal" connecting the base to the crescent.
3. Drilling: Using a drill press, drill a hole halfway into the center of the base and another into the bottom center of the crescent arm to accept the dowel neck.

To ensure the pen stays in place:

1. On the left tip of the crescent, drill a shallow, angled hole (about 1/4" deep) to catch the end of the pen.
2. On the right tip, carve a small notch or "V" groove for the pen barrel to rest in. This creates the horizontal "floating" effect.

1. Dry Fit: Assemble all pieces without glue to ensure the crescent sits level and the pen rests securely.
2. Glue-up: Apply a small amount of wood glue to the dowel holes. Press the neck into the base, then the crescent onto the neck. Ensure the crescent is perfectly perpendicular to the base.
3. Clamp: Use a light clamp or gravity to hold the pieces in place while the glue sets (usually 30–60 minutes).

1. Progressive Sanding: Sand the entire piece starting with 120 grit, moving up to 400 grit for a silky-smooth touch.
2. Apply Finish: Wipe on a coat of Danish oil to pop the walnut grain. Let it soak in for 15 minutes, wipe off the excess, and apply a second coat after 24 hours.
3. Buff: Once dry, buff with a soft cloth for a subtle, satin sheen.

The idea for this project actually came from Ted's 16,000 Woodworking Plans collection. If you get a kick out of building small woodworking projects like this crescent pen holder, you can find Ted’s 16,000 plans online and take a look at all the designs.

Inside that collection, there are thousands of different project ideas, ranging from simple shop projects to more intricate furniture pieces. It can be a really handy place to check out when you're trying to figure out what to build next.