Gale Tate (#12)

I design and create hand crafted wood items that are functional, as well as pieces of art, that are fun to look at and enjoy. Most of the items are created using a wood lathe. Other items are cut, laminated, sanded and finished to the desired specifications. Wood items include: pens, pencils, letter openers, magnifying glasses, keychains, fan/light pulls, seam ripper handles, crochet hook handles, salt and pepper grinders/mills and shakers, wine bottle stopper and cork screws, handles for various kitchen utensils(ice-cream scoops, pizza cutters, bottle openers, coffee scoops, cheese knives), cheese and cutting boards of various shapes and sizes, trinket boxes, vases, cremation urns for humans and pets, holiday ornaments and more. I feel that my products are very personable and reflect an individual’s taste and personality. Often, customers tell me that they are looking for a gift for the “hard to buy for” person. My functional products are unique and one of a kind. I am very passionate about working with wood and love the therapeutic value that I experience when creating something with my hands.

I got started making wood pens as gifts for family and friends. Since after all, there are only so many fuzzy slippers, neckties and fruit cakes that can be given as gifts for birthdays and holidays. Then one day someone asked those wonderful words, “how much?” for a pen. That question launched into what I call “a hobby gone wild” and I continue to add to the product line based upon needs and requests. Woodturning is my therapy