Maple Burl to Bowl

In April I received a call asking if I was interested in a maple burl from a tree that was taken down in Muskoka. I met with the people and removed the burl with my chainsaw. We never know what we will find beneath the bark-covered growth on the side of the tree and this burl has beautiful figuring.
After a period of drying I turned the burl on my lathe and shaped the bowl, leaving the natural live edge. A week of sanding, polishing and oiling revealed the complex figuring, variations in colour and bark inclusions that make the bowl a work of art.
The rustic simplicity of burl art connects you to the forest and the food safe finish creates a serving piece to use in your home. The owners of the original lost maple tree now have the opportunity to display the piece as a valued burl from their property. The sadness of losing a tree results in a prized and unique bowl that will be treasured by the family.

The work of a woodturner often begins with a chainsaw.

Not all maple burls have this unique figuring. I knew immediately that it would make a beautiful bowl.

I attached a faceplate to the top of the burl and began to create a bowl.

The burl rotated on the lathe and I used my gouge to shape the bottom of the bowl.

The chuck was threaded onto the lathe so that the inside could be turned.

The natural bark edge is maintained and I applied many coats of a food-safe oil for a lustrous finish.

The Maple Burl Bowl has a graceful shape and a rustic quality that connects you to nature.

The dramatic details of colour, figuring and a live bark edge make this Maple Burl Bowl a treasured piece of natural art.