Shave Bowl

Here is a Shave Bowl in Spalted Maple.  Spalting is a biological process that effects wood.  But what does that mean?  It means that the wood is felled and sits around.  For furniture making and use of structural wood it is not a good idea.  It changes the density and strength of the wood.  For small objects and decorative purposes it is fine to use.

To get down to the nitty gritty, spalting is created from fungi that start to decompose the wood.  The particular species of fungi create different effects.  One type will set up boundary lines and others in conjunction will change the colors within the lines. 

This log has several types of fungi and insects working on the wood.  Before finding uses for these woods they were considered waste wood. Not even good for burning. Such incredible beauty lies within a log or branch, you just need to know where to look for it.

 
This shaving bowl has dramatic lines and beautiful coloring.  It is one of a kind.  Each bowl is one of a kind. Each piece of wood has a different set of lines, areas of dramatic color and natural rarity.  This particular bowl went to his new home today.  I will miss him.

As crazy as it sounds, I am in love with these woods.  They are extraordinary gifts.