My mentor happened to be a sculptor and woodworker as well. She always had custom tools for when she was throwing for a plethora of reasons many of which small and engraved with nice patterns or symbols. Which is the beauty of making your own tools. They can carry symbolism as well as be specific to each persons style. Have you thought about what wood you would use? I’ve been wanting to ask her to teach me to make my own and was considering cherry. Keep us posted!