SPOTLIGHT
Beyond the Bank
Angela C. Woodard Compliance to
Craftsmanship:
Meet the Banker Crafting Beautiful Handmade Pens Meet Angela Woodard, CRCM, CACTS, a multi-talented banker at Planters First Bank, Hawkinsville. Angela is used to wearing multiple hats, working as AVP/Compliance Support Officer as well as BSA/ Compliance/CRA/OFAC officer. Beyond the bank, she wears the hat of a talented craftsman, creating beautiful and unique pens.
How did you get started in your pen hobby? During
Covid, my husband and I were working from home, and I needed to “get out of the house” so I invaded his shop and began to do woodworking. By the end of the year, I had gravitated to woodturning on a lathespecifically pens.
How did you learn? YouTube videos!
There is a large Pen turning community on Facebook and I have connected with people all over the U.S. I have learned so much from them along with a lot of trial and error.
Share about the process, and tools.
With tools, you can go down many different rabbit holes! My husband bought a used/ non-working lathe and got it working. I have acquired a lot of turning tools and gadgets over the last few years. The process can be lengthy depending on the material. I have used wood, acrylic, resin, and hybrid pen blanks. First, I decide what material to use, then pair it with the style of pen that works best with that material. The finish on the pen is determined by the material used. For wood pens, I often use a friction polish and other times I use CA finish. Most people are surprised to know 3 0 | w w w.cb ao fga.co m | Spr in g 2 02 4
that CA (known as Super Glue) is used as a finish for pens. I have also made key rings; light pulls and smartphone holders.
Hobby, business or both?
It’s funny, I started out as a hobby and wanted to give them away as gifts. I have made over 100 pens and the hobby became very expensive. When I shared pens on my Facebook page, friends started to ask about buying them. It amazes me that people want to buy my pens. It’s a fun way to help recoup some of the cost of supplies.
Favorite Pens: My favorite pen to make is anything that has special meaning to the person receiving it. I made some UGA pens for my brother and brother-in-law who are BIG Georgia fans. Part of the pen was made from an old seat from Sanford Stadium. I made a Marine pen for a special young man that was wounded in Afghanistan. I like to use wood from someone’s yard to add special meaning to their pen. I started selling my pens in 2022, the year my dad passed away. His father immigrated from Greece when he was a young boy. My husband suggested I name my business Greek’s Arrow Woodturning based on the scripture Psalm 127:3-4. “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward to him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.” Every time I look at the name it reminds me to honor my heavenly Father as well as my earthly father in all that I do.