Thanks to everybody for the replies.
I like the idea about using a stand to display the pens. I've a seen a few here like that, and it looks good. At the same time, I kind of like the perspective of the first picture, it has an "artsy" feel to it. I would like to improve the focus of the whole photo, though.
Second, I can see your tent setup on the cup in the last pic.
If you look closely, the reflection in the mug is of the pen itself, not a tent. I know this because, that was the only photo NOT shot in the tent. In addition to the tent, I've been trying to learn how to properly use my camera and it's settings. That was the result.
How hard is the Jasper Trustone? I just got a blank of it and I am wondering.
Certainly harder than acrylics, but I didn't find it to be difficult, especially once it was turned round. I turn most of my blanks round with a small gouge, then switch to the skew, which made short work of this blank. Good luck.