Tools for the Magically Inclined
Unless otherwise stated, all items you find here are handcrafted (by my very real hands) and as such each one is unique. Though there is intent in the making, once they are in your hands the tools are subject to your intent. The love with which they come into being will hopefully linger. It is my fervent hope that you find beauty here, and your work with my children will be fruitful.
Do not expect perfection. That does not exist. In many of my pieces I find fascinating natural flaws in the materials, and in those flaws the character of the piece is revealed. Please don’t take this to mean I appreciate flaws in my craftsmanship. Those reveal my character and I take great care to keep them from escaping into the world.
General Notes on What I Do
I use a lathe on many of the wood pieces, wands and pendulums, to give them their initial shape, but once roughed out the rest is done by hand. The grain of the wood often has things to say that a rapidly spinning machine ignores. Wood is finished with bees wax.
The same applies to any stones or crystals you will find here. Lapidary equipment is sometimes used, though I seldom use a tumbler because they create the shape of a stone randomly. If you work a stone by hand, it will tell you what form it wants to take. I use files and sandpaper to get them there. Needless to say stone inlays are machine cut, because I do my best to avoid doing stupid stuff.
Where metals are used I stay away from iron, for traditional reasons. Iron has long been thought to interfere with the function of these kind of tools, and though I cannot say for certain that is the case, I would rather not take the chance.
Some pieces will tell me their name while they are being created. If they do, I will put it in the description. You are, of course, not obligated to keep that name, and they may tell you something entirely different. That is just who they are in my hands, and it may or may not provide a window into their character.
There may be small amounts of PVC glue used to secure stones and inlays. I know some people have an aversion to the use of adhesives, and they are absolutely entitled to that. I would, however, note that Neanderthals were using tar as an adhesive on their tools 200,000 years ago, and PVC glue is less messy and smells better.
I use leather on some pieces, and it is real leather. I acknowledge that some people have very legitimate issues with that, and if you see a piece you like with the exception of leather used, let me know. I will rework it without the leather for no additional charge. Of course items that are made entirely from leather, like cases and bags, are exempt from this. I’d be happy to stare at them for a while and try to figure out how to change that reality, but I don’t want you to have any false optimism.
Custom work is possible, depending on my workload, and I am happy to hear what you have in mind. If I am unable to visualize the piece after discussing it with you I will decline, for both our sakes.
So rummage around and see what you find. If you like it, I will happily put it in your hands.
A note on “Maleficent Intent”
I know that some folks desire to visit harm or hardship on others, for whatever reason. I have no say in that. But I would respectfully ask that they look elsewhere for their tools. Mine are not made for that, and though they could be used in such a manner I would prefer they weren’t.
Frankly, they would prefer it as well, and in many cases I think they would rebel against such intent.
