tropical series "closed end"--- need advice/help

[redfishsc]

I'm thinking of turning a few of the tropical series barons (coconut, mother-of-pearl, abalone) as closed-end pens, but the problem is obvious, that the blanks come pre-drilled as standard pens.

I want to add a nice finial to the butt end, and I know how to do this, but I can't decide what.

I have my own PR I could cast my own colors, and I have every kind of wood you can imagine, but I can't decide what color pr or type of wood to use. I even thought about some of the tru-stones-- I have a couple extra turquoise laying around.

What colors or woods would you suggest for:

Abalone with copper
Abalone with ti-gold
mother-of-pearl in ti-gold
white coconut in platinum

any ideas are appreciated!

Matt

 

[mrcook4570]

I would choose a solid color PR, such as black or white. The grain in wood would compete with, rather than enhance, the blank. I would also suggest turning a finial for the cap end to match the end cap at the barrel end.

 

[redfishsc]

Good idea on the color. I was thinking african blackwood might make a nice finial since the grain isn't very wild.