Anthony,
GOOD memory. Dick retired from craft shows about 2000 (same year crafting fell through the floor-maybe Dick did it!!!). So I do turn SOME wood-mostly on demand from my customers. Did a wedding order of 15 Aussie pens-Red Mallee, Coulibah, etc. They were kinda fun, but I worry about cracking since I have a history of that problem.
I have to say I have learned more about finishing wood from this site (thanks, primarily to Griz) and am, therefore, a little more confident as I turn a few wood pens for the Christmas shows. But, my level of comfort is still much greater with resin, plastic, acrylic and other "non-natural stuff" (to quote Eagle).
One major factor is the way I can bounce halogen light off of my acrylics. In the craft fair world, he who stops the prospect stands the best chance of SELLING the prospect. A million colors on display will stop most anyone. They may BUY wood, but they probably would have walked by, with a monochrome wood display (at least that's MY opinion).
This year we will be adding "oddball" pens, as well. Corncobs, used jeans (denim), slow snakes (the fast ones get away), bullets & antler, bowling balls, etc. I will also be turning at a couple indoor shows (experiment). We know the shows have continuously declined in recent years, so I am trying to keep people IN the booth to buy pens, etc, but, more important, to shop and buy stained glass!!! She pays the booth fees, MY job to get them in and KEEP them there!!
In short, I am not anti-wood, but I really like a shiny plastic to stop traffic!
Aren't you sorry you asked!!??
[|)][|)][|)][|)]