Win $100 Gift Certificate for the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour

You can win a $100 gift certificate for the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour on Saturday, September 24 for any studio on the tour, with a one night stay at the King William Inn, Huntsville.

To enter, visit www.ontarioart.net/contest-MAST

Brian and I would love to see you at Limberlost Woodturning!

Madrone Burl Vessels

Madrone trees are found along the Pacific coast from northern California to southern British Columbia.  Also known as Arbutus, madrone is a broadleaf evergreen which has white blossoms in the spring and sheds its bark in the summer. 

This beautiful madrone burl has a live bark edge which Brian was able to maintain when he turned these vessels.

Brian has only recently acquired madrone burl and he found it easy to turn with a lovely reddish-brown colour.

As Brian oiled and buffed the vessels, it highlighted the richness of the grain pattern, figuring and bark.

Brian turned the vessels with simple lines to reveal and enhance the inherent beauty of the wood and the contrast of the natural bark edge.

Camphor Burl Platters

Brian specializes in Canadian burls but he also enjoys the opportunity to work with exotic wood. This is the first time he has turned camphor burl with excellent results. Camphor is an evergreen tree, in the laurel family, found mostly in Australia and Asia. 

When Brian was turning this aromatic wood, the workshop was infused with the distinct, pungent aroma of camphor.  The scent was no longer present after the finishing process of oiling and sealing the platters so Brian saved some of the wood shavings in plastic bags so that the purchaser could experience the smell of camphor.

A lustrous wood, this burl has a deep red tint with a dark brown and golden wavy figuring.  This photo is a close-up of the rich colour and grain.

These spectacular camphor burl platters measure 13.5 and 18.5 inches. The beautiful finish accentuates the extensive figuring in this highly prized and rare burl. Whether on display, or used in presenting food, they would be a showpiece in any home.