The second Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour weekend was sunny and clear with the autumn leaves at their peak of brillance. The sales were excellent and Brian and I loved seeing our happy customers taking home their purchases.
On the first weekend of MAST Brian was asked to create a large platter from a magnificent maple burl. A burl is a rounded growth on the side of a tree that results in uniquely figured grains, natural imperfections and bark inclusions which add to the beauty of the wood. He worked on the platter last week and delivered it yesterday.
The burl was so large that Brian had to change his lathe so that he could mount it on the outside setting.
It is the biggest burl platter ever made by Brian. As the wood revolved on the lathe, he carved out the bottom with his gouging tool.
He shaped and buffed the bottom to a smooth finish.
Brian oiled the bottom, turned the platter around and mounted it with the vacuum chuck so he could shape the top of the platter. The food-safe finish of this hand-crafted piece is a pleasure to touch.
The result is one of the most beautiful wooden platters that Brian has ever made. The customer was delighted and we were told that it will be included in a photo shoot of a leading Canadian magazine. Imagine the party where the hors d'oeuvres will be presented on this splendid Maple Burl serving piece. It's a work of art.
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