| Finding a gift that stands out as personal and will be | | | | instrument, it is time to be creative. Each specific |
| treasured by the recipient can be a challenge. One | | | | product should provide you with options of |
| answer to this dilemma is to give a custom crafted | | | | component plating and wood or synthetic body |
| pen or pencil. Perhaps unknown to readers, is the | | | | material. For example, you might select rhodium |
| fact that these crafted treasures are easily found | | | | component plating and redwood burl for the body. |
| and purchased, but not at your typical gift or | | | | Make your selections and go to checkout. |
| department store. In addition to where to find them, | | | | Now that you have done your part, what is |
| this article will guide you through selection, purchasing | | | | happening behind the scenes until your order is |
| and what happens behind the scenes in the crafting | | | | delivered? Depending on variables such as customer |
| process. | | | | back log and whether components need to be |
| The place to look for such items is on the internet. | | | | ordered, you can expect the crafting process to |
| As a provider of these special gifts, I am keenly | | | | take from a few days to a few weeks. The crafting |
| aware that there are legions of sites that offer | | | | process consists of preparing the body blank, forming |
| custom crafted pens and pencils. As I mentioned in | | | | the body on a lathe, polishing, and assembly. |
| my earlier article, Custom Gifts Online - Have Your | | | | Custom crafted writing instruments make unique and |
| "Gift Vision" Crafted by an Artisan, just be sure to | | | | personal gifts that are beautiful, functional, and |
| look for indicators of a good site to do business with. | | | | affordable. Remember to search for these items on |
| At a minimum the web site should be visually | | | | the internet as they are not typically available at |
| appealing, easy to navigate, and have a secure site | | | | department stores or gift shops. The process of |
| certificate. | | | | selection involves narrowing your focus to the |
| Once you find a web site you are comfortable with, | | | | particular style and model and then choosing the |
| look for a site map or products overview page to | | | | component plating and body material. Crafting time |
| begin your selection process. Be sure you are in the | | | | will vary between a few days and weeks depending |
| crafted to order product section. Categories might | | | | on component availability and customer back log. Plan |
| include ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, fountain pens, | | | | ahead for the time it takes and you and your gift |
| pencils, or pen and pencil sets. | | | | recipient will be pleased with this choice. |
| After finding the type and model of writing | | | | |