This is a mock-up of a small display of work I created for sale. The woods used for the weed pots/vases include Claro walnut, white oak, black cherry, wenge, sugar maple, and paduak. The bowls include white oak, Claro walnut, black cherry and paduak.
These two bowls were turned from two blocks of wood that were originally side by side in the same oak board, yet they differ substantially in appearance. The bowl on the right came from the center of the board, closer to the heart of the tree, and the one on the left was a little further from the center. The wood grain effects are noticeably different, and the coloring of the wood is slightly different. The curve of the sides varies slightly from one to the other, and the diameter of the bowl on the right is about one inch greater. Offered for sale together, a discerning buyer would have a clear choice to make. There’s no question which one I would pick. (Click on the image to enlarge)
I’m partial to this basic “containing” bowl shape and here it is in white oak. The oak has a nice warm brown tone when finished with just beeswax. I used another piece of oak to burnish the edge while the bowl was spinning on the lathe. (Click on any image to enlarge)
These are the first three I turned on my lathe in, from l. to r., black walnut, American black cherry, and white oak. They stand about 5.5″ tall. In addition to being drilled out at the top to hold dried flowers, branches, ornamental grass, or interesting weeds, the bottoms also have a cavity drilled out which is filled with steel shot and then sealed with a wood plug. The bottom-weighting provides stability. (Click on any image to enlarge)
Since the first three were made, I have experimented with other shapes and heights, as well as with some exotic woods. Below, l. to r., Claro walnut and Wenge, straight off the lathe.
I’ve also ordered various sizes of glass test tubes to be inserted into properly sized holes in the tops so that in addition to holding dried arrangements, a single rose or small flower grouping can be kept fresh in water.