3-Hour Workshop

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026

Time: 10am–1pm

Description: In this beginner turning class, students will learn the basics of working at the lathe by making their own ballpoint pen. Fundamentals, including how to use the lathe, different methods of shaping the wood, and shop safety, will be covered as part of this 3-hour class. All materials, including the pen hardware, are provided. Each student will leave with their own wooden ballpoint pen—handmade on the lathe by them!

Thanks to Turners Anonymous for the use of lathes during this workshop.

Tuition: $80 + $20 materials fee

Materials: All materials will be provided.

Location: Contemporary Craft Timmons Studios (5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201)

Cancellations and Refunds: Workshop cancellations are decided three business days before the start date. If workshops must be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class fee will be refunded by check, to your credit card, or Contemporary Craft account for future workshops.

Refund Policy: Student refund requests must be made at least three business days before a class begins. There will be a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given without three-business days notice. Processing of refunds takes approximately three weeks.

If you require accessibility accommodations, please let us know by calling 412.261.7003 and we are happy to assist you.

About the Artist

“I have been woodturning for over 10 years, and doing wood flatwork for more than 7 years. I focus on medium-sized peices (vases, urns, etc., in woodturning, and jewelry boxes and frames in flatwork), usually seeking to combine different wood species to provide color and texture in my pieces. I am also the inventor of the JS3 jig, which is used to set up for compound-angle cuts necessary for splayed-stave woodturning, or boxes with leaning walls.”

Outside of woodworking, Matt is a full-time mechanical engineer, a dad, and a saxophone and flute-player in a jazz band in the North Hills in Pittsburgh.