Description
This is a medium-size Spalted Maple bowl, measuring 9.5″ in diameter. (“Spalted” refers to the distinctive coloration and markings. Maple like this is also sometimes referred to as “Ambrosia Maple”.)
This bowl was carefully crafted by hand on my lathe. It has a non-toxic, food-safe oil finish, and could be used as a serving bowl, a small fruit bowl, or it could hold your popcorn on Netflix night. It would also make a lovely gift, or an objet d’art for your coffee table or bookshelf.
The wood grain and figure is quite lovely and characteristic of spalted / Ambrosia maple. With proper care, this bowl will last for generations.
This bowl was finished with five coats of hand-rubbed, food-safe, oil/wax finish, and then buffed out with a light coat of Carnauba wax. With proper care, this bowl will last for generations. (See care instructions below…)
Bowl size: 9.5″ diameter, 4″ high
Bowl capacity: a tad more than 2 quarts (~9 cups)
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(click on image to view full size…)
MAPLE (Acer saccharum) is native to northeastern North America. It has grain that is generally straight, but may be wavy, with a fine, even texture. Maple works fairly easily with both hand and machine tools. Instances of birdseye, curly, or quilted grain is highly prized, as are maple burls and spalted maple.
Caring for Wooden Bowls
The food-safe finishes I use are water-resistant – not water-proof. Wash wooden bowls with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and towel dry immediately.
Wooden kitchenware is not dishwasher safe and should never be left in water to soak. Excess water for prolonged periods can cause the wood to swell and crack. Also, do not put wooden bowls in the microwave. They will super-heat, split, or even catch fire!
If the wood starts to look faded or dry, rejuvenate it with a quality butcher block / cutting board oil or conditioner, such as Howard Butcher Block Conditioner or Mahoney’s Walnut Oil. You can find these and other good choices on Amazon or at your local Lowe’s, Home Depot, Woodcraft, Walmart, etc. (A free sample is included with your purchase.)
NOTE: If your bowl sees only light use, an occasional buffing with a clean cotton cloth is all that’s needed to keep it looking great.
History
This wood was given to me by a woman from Wilmington, Delaware. The tree was a large, beautiful specimen that had been on her property for decades. Unfortunately it had to be taken down for safety reasons.
Sustainability
This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, nor is it on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Epilogue
I hope you enjoy this bowl as much as I have enjoyed creating it and telling you about it. The process of turning a piece of fallen tree into a beautiful and functional bowl involves many steps and can take up to a year (the wood has to dry slowly…).
I know it takes a leap of faith when you can’t see a piece in person and hold it in your hands. All of my work is satisfaction guaranteed. If the piece is not what you were expecting, please reach out to me as soon as possible to arrange a return.
And finally, if you’re in the area (Delaware) and would like to see a piece in person, please contact me to arrange a studio visit.
(The 40 second time-lapse video below is not this particular bowl, but the process is essentially the same…)
