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.

Quilted Maple Platter

This beautiful maple platter has incredible texture, character and rare figuring.  What sets it apart from other wood is that it is quilted maple which has a wavy pattern, like ripples on water. Brian never knows what lies within the slab of wood until he turns it on the lathe.  The highly prized quilting, the variations of colour, the spalting and the bark edge make this an exquisite piece.

Keely called today, looking for a gift for a friend in Banff after visiting with her for a week.  The friend is an artist and Keely is pleased that she can show her appreciation by sending her this special quilted maple platter.

Wood and Onyx Platters

Mahogany & Onyx  Platter

The combination of wood and onyx is a great match of natural materials which create striking platters.  Brian turns the wooden platter on the lathe and then makes a recess the exact size of the stone and glues it into place.  The intense colours and patterns of the onyx against the grain of the wood make a beautiful, strong and durable serving tray. 



Figured Maple & Onyx Platter



Magnolia & Onyx Platter



The Redwood Burl Platter is Finished

Nine coats of oil, each allowed to dry, and the front of the platter was ready to be buffed with jeweller's rouge and white diamond.  Brian removed the chuck from the bottom and turned off the base of the platter.  He used a vacuum chuck but was unable to get good suction because the wood was porous, so it was supported with the tail stock. The base was given the same treatment of oiling and buffing and the platter is finished.





This Redwood Platter has incredible character with variations and complexity of grain.  The colours are shades of ochre which range from deep red to yellow and grey.  The diverse textures of the bark inclusions and lacy worm holes add to the intricate quality of the platter. 

It is a work of art to display in your home, but one which can be used to serve cheese and crackers, sandwiches or cookies.  Next to the platter is a candle, made from the same redwood burl.  The cost of the platter is $500 and the candle is $30.  It took a week for Brian to make this beautiful piece and it will have a place of honour in the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour over the next two weekends.

Work at the Lathe

Brian starts his day with a bike ride to the corner for the paper (32 km round trip) and then he heads out to the workshop to his lathe.  He is often asked how long it takes to make a bowl or platter.  His answer is "about an hour or two on the lathe, up to a week for the coats of oil to dry and about 25 years to perfect the technique".

He's a happy guy now that his hobby is his profession.  He comes into the cottage from the workshop, excited about the character and figuring in the wood and loves to show me the beautiful bowls and platters that he has created.