Wooden Pen Making Workshop with a Woodworker in Montreal

Travelers looking for a hands-on, memorable experience in Montreal will find this Wooden Pen Making Workshop a surprisingly satisfying activity. Hosted in a converted historic building, this class offers a chance to create a beautiful, handcrafted writing instrument—all without prior experience necessary. Whether you’re into woodworking, looking for a unique souvenir, or simply want to try something new, this workshop blends craftsmanship with personal achievement.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you’ll leave with your own custom-made pen—a tangible reminder of your time in Montreal. Second, the chance to choose from an extensive range of exotic and local woods adds a layer of personalization and discovery. Yet, for those sensitive to dust or noise, be aware that the process involves some craftsmanship in a woodworking shop. This activity is best suited for curious travelers, craft lovers, and those eager to learn a traditional skill in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Key Points

• Hands-on crafting: You’ll shape your own pen from start to finish, creating a unique keepsake.
• Expert guidance: The instructor, Jonathan, is praised for being patient and highly skilled, ensuring you feel comfortable even if you’re new to woodworking.
• Variety of woods and finishes: You can select from exotic and local woods, plus different metal plating options, adding a personal touch.
• Authentic setting: The workshop takes place in a charming former mattress factory now turned art studio, adding character and history.
• Time-efficient: At three hours, it’s a manageable activity that offers a meaningful craft without taking up your whole day.
• Great reviews: All three reviews highlight the professionalism of the instructor and the quality of the finished product.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Welcome and Introduction

As you arrive at studio #148, you’ll be greeted with warmth and a quick rundown of the day. The workshop begins with an introduction to the craft of pen turning and a brief history of the lathe, a tool that has served woodworkers for centuries. This context adds depth to the experience, giving you an appreciation for the skill involved.

The instructor, Jonathan, is described as patient and knowledgeable, making the process accessible for beginners. The focus is on safety, so expect a short review of protocols, especially since you’ll be working with power tools and sharp materials.

Choosing Your Materials

One of the most exciting parts of the workshop is selecting your materials. The instructor offers a wide variety of woods, including exotic species and local favorites. Each type of wood has its own grain pattern, color, and feel, making your choice a personal one. Many reviews praise the diversity of woods, which can range from vibrant, dark hues to lighter, more subtle grains.

You also get to pick your metal plating—options that will influence the final look of your pen. This combination of woods and metals allows for a high degree of customization. Expect to spend some time feeling and examining the different options, which adds to the fun.

The Crafting Process

Once you’ve chosen your materials, the instructor guides you through the key steps: drilling, gluing, and shaping. The process begins with drilling a brass tube into the wooden blank, which provides the core structure. This is where a steady hand and close guidance become important.

The workshop’s highlight is using the lathe to shape your pen. You’ll work step-by-step with the instructor’s supervision, learning how to create a smooth, balanced form. The reviews mention that Jonathan “explained every step so that when it was time to use the equipment, I felt fully prepared,” which reassures those new to woodworking.

Following shaping, you’ll spend time sanding and polishing your pen. This stage is about bringing out the natural beauty of the wood while achieving a professional finish. Expect to get a bit dusty and perhaps a little messy—part of the charm of working with wood.

More Great Tours Nearby

Assembly and Final Touches

The last steps involve assembling your pen, attaching any final components, and performing a quality check. The entire process emphasizes craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring you’re proud of your finished piece.

When complete, you’ll have a unique, handcrafted pen that you can take home or gift to someone special. Many reviews express satisfaction with the quality of their finished product, describing it as “a beautiful keepsake” that’s both functional and artistic.

The Workshop Environment

The experience takes place in a converted historic building, adding an authentic feel that enhances the creative atmosphere. The studio’s setting—once a mattress factory—provides a relaxed, inspiring backdrop for your artistic efforts. The space is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a wider range of visitors.

Parking is straightforward, with free parking after 3 pm in the lot; earlier bookings can rely on street parking, which is usually available nearby. The instructor speaks both French and English, ensuring clear communication throughout.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

The reviews are glowing, with all three giving a perfect 5-star rating. One reviewer from Canada praised “Jonathan’s pedagogy and adorable personality,” which made the experience both educational and enjoyable. Another from the US remarked, “Jonathan is a patient and highly skilled teacher,” emphasizing the instructor’s professionalism and clarity.

Both reviews highlight that even complete beginners felt comfortable and well-guided. Importantly, travelers leave with not just a craft project but also a deeper appreciation for woodworking and the skill involved.

Value and Practical Considerations

While the workshop costs a fixed fee, many find it offers excellent value for a personalized and memorable experience. Creating your own pen in just three hours is a genuinely enriching activity that results in a high-quality keepsake. The inclusion of a variety of woods and plating options means you can personalize your pen to match your style or to serve as a thoughtful gift.

The workshop’s location in a historic building in Montreal adds an extra layer of authenticity, and the instructor’s friendly guidance makes it accessible for all ages above 12. The option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund provides flexibility, making it easier to fit into travel plans.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This workshop suits travelers who are curious about craftsmanship, enjoy tangible achievements, or want a hands-on activity that’s both educational and fun. It’s ideal for those who appreciate unique souvenirs or want a break from typical tourist attractions. If you’re interested in woodworking or simply looking for a creative, memorable activity, this tour hits the right notes.

It might not be the best fit for very young children (under 12), as the tools and techniques involve some safety considerations. However, older kids and teens with an interest in DIY projects will likely find it inspiring.

Final Thoughts

This Wooden Pen Making Workshop offers real value for those wanting to connect with Montreal’s artisan side. The combination of a friendly, knowledgeable instructor, a beautiful historic setting, and the opportunity to craft a personalized, high-quality pen makes it a standout activity. The reviews speak to a consistently positive experience, highlighting the patience and skill of the teacher and the stunning results.

Whether you’re a craft enthusiast, a traveler looking for a meaningful keepsake, or someone eager to try a traditional skill, this workshop is a wise choice. It’s a creative way to spend a few hours, leaving with a tangible reminder of your time in Montreal and a new appreciation for woodworking.

FAQ

Do I need prior experience to join this workshop?
No, no experience is necessary. The instructor guides you step-by-step, making it accessible for beginners.

How long does the workshop last?
The experience takes about three hours, which is enough time to learn, craft, and finish your pen.

Can I choose the type of wood and metal plating?
Yes, you’ll have a wide variety of exotic and local woods to select from, along with different metal plating options to personalize your pen.

Is the location easy to find?
Yes, the workshop is in Studio #148, located at coordinates 45.47045135498047, -73.58576202392578, in a historic former mattress factory that’s now an art studio.

Is the workshop suitable for wheelchair users?
Absolutely, the studio is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to participate comfortably.

What should I wear?
Dress in clothes that can get dirty, and wear closed-toe shoes for safety.

Can children participate?
Not usually, as the minimum age is 12 years old, mainly due to safety concerns with tools and equipment.

To sum it up, this workshop is a delightful blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and history—perfect for travelers who want a meaningful, hands-on experience in Montreal. You’ll walk away not only with a beautiful, handcrafted pen but also with new skills and memories. An authentic activity that connects you to the art of woodworking, it offers great value for a short, memorable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby