I began this week determined to do better making salt and pepper shakers. I also planned to try out my new texturing tool from Robert Sorby, but as I had only bought the end piece I would need to make a handle. Fortunately I had bought a spindle of Mopane wood from Andy at www.woodmapoftheworld.com specifically for this job.
First job was to make the tool handle. As I looked at the mopane I realised how pretty and special the wood was and what a waste it would be to make a handle from it. Luckily my friend Al had been by and dropped off a few scraps of an old mahogany door frame so, one got mounted and 20 minutes later my handle was mounted on the tool (see pics at the end).
I then decided to try salt and pepper shakers again, this time using the mopane. It is BY FAR the hardest and heaviest wood I have ever worked with. I persevered and made a reasonable matching pair of shakers. Still imperfect but getting better. I also experimented with some gloss lacquer from Chestnut for the first time. Turned out quite well. Suffice to say, I’m pretty sick of trying to make shakers for now.
Next up was a decorative/ornamental bowl. I chose a pale wood (elm) and made a bowl shape with some flat bits to try my new texturing tool. I then got inspired and actually made it a decorative tea light candle holder with some polished stones. It’s a bit unusual but I think it’s quite nice. Fair to say, I really like the texturing tool but I suspect its something you can easily over use.
I then went for a new oak cannister shape, meant as a makeup holder. Making a 6 inch deep hollow cylinder is not so easy, but I felt inspired to make it with a pretty pewter lid from Turners Retreat. This item was requested by my sister actually, so I sent her the pic of the finished item and she loved it…. I just need to get it to her home in Cyprus now! 🙂
Next up was a lovely thick, curved sided bowl made from Ash to sit in an entrance hall and throw keys in. Plain, simple, beautiful piece of wood. It’s new owner was very pleased indeed.
Finally, I wrapped the week up with a new bowl from an old piece of spalted beech. Considering its been a week of experiments I went with some new beed work around the edge and a smooth base with no tenon. Worked out fine in the end, but judge for yourself below. Quite a creative week really in addition to my full time day job!
