Some wooden jewelry I finished

Ah, yes, something to go in the bandsaw box!

I like your idea of using the pen blank for the intricacies involved here.

Any pointers for someone thinking about using your idea here (aka: things you'd do differently next time)?

Glad to hear they were well received.

Jonathan, I hand sanded the small pieces on a flat surface with sandpaper face up on it.
I started with 80 grit until the pattern came through on the sides. I cut the pieces
large so I could sand them to size and not mess up the pattern.
I used 150 grit paper after that and finished them off by rubbing all the sides of
the jewelry on a foam 220 grit sanding block with great results. The foam block
cleaned up the edges nicely and polished the surfaces. I sealed the jewelry
with rub on cutting board finish as not to mess up my work thus far on Christmas eve.
I think I would spray finish on the next batch by hanging the pieces from a straight
section of fishing line pulled tight. I think a little more shine would be nice. It looks
good this way too, I don't know. I have some other types of exotics that I will try out.
It was fun to make jewelry and I will continue to do it. It just tears up your fingers
holding on to it while sanding.

Looks very cool, great idea.

Could you make a little block wth double sided tape to help your fingers out.

I hear you on the tearing up of fingers. I didn't actually tear mine up on the pendant I made for my wife, but did shave off a bit if fingernail unknowingly when working on the ebony pull for my first bandsaw box.

I'll be curious to see what other pieces you come up with from the exotics you've got right now. I'm also considering other jewelry pieces, maybe a bit down the road once I get a few other things done.

You could make a sticky block but you turn and flip the pieces so many times and so quickly, it would just slow the process down too much. I may try some thin mechanics cloves like the ones they sell at the big orange store next time. As long as you can get a hold of the small pieces it would work.

These came out really nice. I like the idea of using the pen blanks, and want to try some different glue ups. The ones I made this year made primarily from bottle stopper blanks. I may have to take a look at the pen blanks as well.
I found the best way to finish them was hanging them from ornament hooks and then a spray finish. As to the sanding and fingers I had remembered someone reccomending flex tape for finger tips when doing close sanding. I am awaiting some from Lee Valley. Let you know how it works to keep a grip and protect the finger tips.

CtL