White Oak
6"x 3.5"
I grabbed this piece of scrap off the pile at our 2008 woodworking show. We have a vendor who comes with a portable saw mill and several trees. It really draws in the crowds and we all eagerly wait in line for large slabs of gorgeous wood. Us turners prowl the perimeter for scraps the cabinet makers don't want! ;-)
Midnight Oak Blossom was turned at the show. It had a natural edge and I left it thick with the intent to do some carving. I worked on this and Mulberry Swirl at the same time.
The inside or top of the bowl showcases quarter sawn flecks. They really give life to the piece and denote a swirling pattern. This led me to the swirling patten carved on the bottom. After finishing the swirls I scalloped the rim to carry the carving to the edge. The bottom has been ebonized with a torch, then airbrushed with blues, violets, reds & magentas to give a dark opalescent appearance. A small amount of micro-holographic dust was added to give a mysterious luster to the piece. The icing on the cake is a spectacular 12mm Swarovski Crystal Volcano "Rivoli" set in a recess at the center of the "blossom".
