About Us

A brief background of the Keller's arts, both in Decorative Painting and lathe turning.

Harry and Karon Keller have done Decorative Painting and Wood Working as a hobby for a number of years. In 1995, they were pressed into selling some of their work and as such named their business Western Woodworks. They provide unique wood surfaces for the decorative painter, many of which are produced by hand on a wood lathe.

Both Kellers have always been involved in wood projects. Karon scroll sawed items for her decorative painting classes while Harry worked in remodeling (even building a home studio for Karon.) Harry also made wood toys and, later, developed pen and pencil sets made from exotic woods.

The spark that started the business rolling for the Kellers came while attending a painting convention in 1994. While Karon attended decorative painting classes, Harry spent time visiting with exhibitors. During a visit with an artist, he spotted a candle stick painted with a skinny Santa Clause. Then it hit; the pens and pencils he made would make an ideal and creative decorative painting surface.

On the last day of the show Harry created interest in the surfaces among several designers. Soon after, Karon started painting designs for the pen and pencil sets and Harry designed a perfume applicator and three styles of decorative bottle stoppers to expand the product line.

Attending HIA in 1994, the Kellers found that the a project had been pubished on one of their pen in a new book by Susan Scheewe. By the end of the HIA show Suzanne McNeill had discussed a new book called "Painted Pens."

Harry and Karon have exhibit at HIA, and the decorative painting conventions. Their product line has expanded again to include glass and metal surfaces. Karon has had several projects published in major magazines. Their products are distributed throughout the US and Canada as well as in Japan, England , and other over-seas countries.

Harry & Karon have decided at this time to rebuild the web site and conduct their business as a web based business and mail order. They are working closely with designers, teachers, publishers and independent store owners to provide surfaces for projects and purblication.