The Perfect Christmas Gift-Tamarack Bowls

 

 



Brian and I made a special delivery this weekend, just in time for Christmas. Susan and Rick had to take a tree down on their cottage property this summer and wondered if one of the logs could be made into bowls as a gift for their daughters.  The tamarack tree had been planted by their great-great grandfather more than 100 years ago. 

 

Brian sawed the log down the middle lengthwise with his chainsaw and cut each half of the log into a circle.  It was his first time working with tamarack, which is a softwood, and he found it had a distinctive wide grain and golden colour. 

The bowls were roughed turned and waxed to slow down the drying process and prevent cracking. 

Brian used the nesting tool on the lathe to maximize the use of the wood and turn four bowls from each half of the log.

After months of drying, each bowl was chucked, mounted on the lathe and turned.

Weeks of shaping, sanding, oiling and polishing resulted in a smooth, food-safe finish.

Natural knots, wide grain and the variation in colours of the darker heartwood and lighter sapwood add to the beauty of the bowls. 

 

A tree which has been been part of the cottage for generations is sadly missed when it is removed, but it will be with the family for generations once made into bowls.  They can be stored by nesting one into the other.  Susan and Rick's daughters will have bowls for large and small salads, rolls, snacks and nuts.  And each time they use them, they will be reminded of their cottage and the property they love.  The perfect Christmas present!

 

 

Sugar Maple Burl Bowl

A maple burl before turning

Burls, with their rough edges, bark inclusions, cracks and irregular surfaces, appeal to people who love rugged contrasts in nature.  It is always interesting to see visitors to Brian's studio as they gravitate to different styles of wood.  Some prefer smooth surfaces while others are immediately drawn to the tactile dimensions of burls.

The woman who recently purchased this sugar maple burl bowl knew that it would sit perfectly on her kitchen island.  She was excited about serving fruit or cheese and crackers on the the bowl and the visual introduction of natural, organic textures to her city home.

Sugar Maple Burl Bowl

Back Into Production

 

The studios tours are over and it is time to get back into production.  Brian has collected his most promising burls and brought them into the workshop.  Timbers which have been drying for a few years have been cut and made into rounds on the bandsaw. Maple and box elder burl, walnut burl and spalted maple are now ready for turning into platters and bowls.

Brian is excited about getting back to work as he finds inspiration in the shape of the burl, the texture of the wood and his intuitive approach to woodturning.

Yellow Birch Burl Bowl-Studio Tour Demonstrations

 

 

Demonstrations by the artist are an important part of the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour and visitors enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at the process of making bowls and platters.

 

This year Brian turned a yellow birch burl on his lathe.  There were many questions about how Brian finds the burls, how he decides on the shape, and the steps that go into the turning, sanding and finishing of the bowl.

This yellow birch bowl is one of the 300 burls which Brian received in September that were saved from the scrapheap at a local sawmill.  This was described in a previous post 300 burls.  Brian is pleased with this bowl, which has distinctive figuring, colour variations and a live bark edge.  The art of woodturning takes a discarded and gnarled piece of wood and reveals its unexpected natural beauty.

 

Huntsville Art Society Exhibition

 

The Huntsville Art Society is showcasing the work of their artists at an exciting Member's Exhibition at the Canada Summit Centre from October 17, 2012 to January 14, 2013.  This collection of art demonstrates the talent of the diverse and dynamic group of Huntsville artists and highlights a variety of artwork in painting, glass, textile, pottery, and wood.

Bigleaf Maple Burl Bowl

Brian is proud to be included in this juried event with his submission of a bigleaf maple burl bowl. Bigleaf maple is found on the west coast of Canada in British Columbia and is prized for its detailed figuring and bark inclusions.  This unique bowl has a natural live bark edge and a lustrous food-safe finish.  For more information about the exhibit, go to

www.huntsvilleartsociety.ca

Studio Tour Success

 

A studio tour is our opportunity to open the doors and showcase all the work that Brian has produced this year.  The smiles and surprised looks on the faces of our visitors is our reward as they enter the workshop and react to the beauty of the display.  It was a family affair this year as our sons helped to welcome our guests and tell them the story of each bowl and platter.

 

The drive to the workshop along roads with colourful autumn colours sets the stage as people experience the beauty of the forest and Muskoka's scenery.  Brian was able to explain the process of turning bowls on the lathe and he demonstrated with a maple and yellow birch burl.  The chips were flying, bowls were revealed and the questions were answered.

It was our pleasure to be part of the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour and we loved seeing the delight of our customers as they left with their purchases. 

The studio will soon be turned back into a workshop and the bowls and platter will be safely packed away.  However, we are always open by appointment if you have a special occasion with a need for a wedding, birthday, retirement or holiday present.  Call us at 705-635-3190 and we will help you find the perfect gift.

Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour - You Are Invited

 

Cool crisp days, brilliant sunshine and the splendor of autumn leaves.  It is the perfect weekend to explore the dramatic back roads of Muskoka and visit artists in their studios.  Brian works alone at his lathe all year and he loves the opporturnity to interact with people and show them the bowls, platters and tables that he has created.

 

 

We welcome you into the workshop where you can see the raw burls, the slabs of wood and understand the process involved in turning them into platters and bowls.  The crowds form around Brian's lathe and there is time for discussion and a demonstration of his craft.



 

Limberlost Woodturning is on Fieldale Road, north-east of Huntsville on beautiful Rebecca Lake.  Plan your weekend to see some of the 20 artists who are opening their studios to the public.  For more information go to:

www.muskokaautumnstudiotour.com