Southport Magazine

Resin art has become very popular in recent years, with artists and craftsmen using epoxy to create everything from floor surfaces and wall art to jewelry. The process usually starts with a two-part epoxy mixture and then the craftsmen can add things like colors, metal, and found objects, preserving them forever. Some artists pour the mixture and add metals and small items on a canvas. Paul and Aleta Brosseau, owners of Paul’s Hand Turned Creations, have seen the recent popularity of resin with their hand-turned creations. “Initially Paul started out just making pens, but it didn’t take long to branch out into other areas,” said Aleta. Currently, Paul turns not only pens but many items, including beautiful crochet sets. “If we get enough interest for an item Paul will try to make it,” she said. “We are a small Mom and Pop shop. We make every item with our hands with your hands in mind.” 

Originally from northern Vermont, the Brosseaus now reside in Boiling Spring Lakes. Paul and Aleta both retired from the Vermont Department of Corrections. “In the fall of 2016, Paul came home from work and suggested that we buy a lathe so he could make his own pen and pencil set. After much research Paul bought all the necessary equipment to get his shop set up,” said Aletha. “Paul is self-taught using a lathe, although he did dabble with woodworking in his high school years. His grandfather and father were also woodworkers, so it is in his blood. Neither of us has had any formal training in this craft,” she said. “We are both self-taught, and we were determined to learn the craft of turning. We certainly have had many trial by error moments, but we were determined to learn and create a one of a kind, hand made, quality products. We continue to learn different techniques, but we love creating and producing with the customer in mind.”

In 2018, Aleta got actively involved in the business by mixing up all the resin that they use, thus making each product a unique and one-of-a-kind treasure. “Although folks loved the exotic woods that Paul was using there were several people that wanted bright colors,” said Aletha. “Initially we would buy the already made resin blanks as so many other pen turners use, but we soon realized that if we could mix our own, it would allow us to customize all of our products by what the customer wanted, and we make every product from start to finish. If someone wants a specific color combination we can create it. We also love that our products can never be replicated, and are truly one-of-a-kind items. Since Paul turns all of the products freehand and doesn’t use any jigs or duplicators, each piece is a little different.”

“It is amazing to see the product come to life. Each product changes with each pass of a chisel that Paul uses. He also uses his grandfather’s chisels, his father’s tools and even some tools from his great grandfather that were passed down to him,” she said. “Paul loves turning all things but the pens are a favorite. Putting the raw material on the lathe and watching it transform with each pass using the gouges and chisels is very satisfying. Paul is always up for a challenge,” said Aleta. “We love hearing from folks on how our items have helped them. It might be from the person who needs a wider pen due to mobility issues, or the crocheter that can get back to enjoying their craft due to arthritis. We get inspired by the stories and how our products have changed their life. This inspires us to keep going and growing,” she said. “We get so much inspiration from our local community and Facebook followers. An example would be that at an event in Southport we had a couple ladies approach us about making seam rippers. They had arthritis and needed a tool that could help them with their sewing. Paul researched diameters and came up with his own design. To date it is one of our most popular items besides the hand-turned pens.”

Since the days of businesses and events closing down due to COVID, the Brosseaus created a website and sell many items online. “Recently we opened up a Monthly Bundle Box on our website called The Inkwell,” said Aletha. “Not only does each box have two hand turned items (one is always a pen), but we also purchase a couple small items from local vendors to put in the box. We love showcasing other vendors and their products, and helping them out as well.” 

You can find the Brosseaus at the Boiling Spring Lakes Neighbor’s Market twice a month located at the Office Wine and Coffee Bar on Rt 87. Check out more of their creations on Facebook at Paul’s Hand Turned Creations, and The Stitcher’s Hive- Exquisite Tools For The Needle and Hook Artists. Reach them by email at pbrosseau@paulshandturnedcreations.com or visit their website: paulshandturnedcreations.com.