10.25”x3.25” Beaded Ambrosia Maple Butterfly Bowl

This wood has been so pretty, and there was so much of it that I never thought I’d see the end of it.

But as I look in the dry wood pile, there’s only a handful left to shape. It honestly makes me feel very deeply sad. This tree and I have been through a lot together, for the better part of a year. It has given me over 30 bowls and platters - all with wood so striking that everything I made was so much better than the stuff that had come before it. It has been a truly enchanted material, and it also nearly cost me a finger. Lessons in abundance, balance. and respect.

I hope that I’ve done enough to honor this amazing tree, its long life and its delightful family.

I’m slowing down on these last few. Stopping the lathe more often and just looking at and appreciating these last moments working with it. As I peel away layers of developing grain, these glances are like little gifts. Opportunities to see if the wood agrees with this shape it’s been given. Today, we were given a butterfly. 🦋❤️

10.25” x 3.25” Beaded Ambrosia Maple Bowl from Westville, New Jersey, finished with Odies Oil. 🤙