2nd Spoon

[craeg]

This is my 2nd spoon. It is a piece of decorative tree branch from my back garden and it started life as a normal spoon but due to the fact that I cut through the bowl I decided to change tack.

I then carved a shallow bowl in what was the handle and have made it into salt spoon for my small coarse sea-salt pot. It was carved as thin as I dared for aesthetics and finished with very fine glass paper. I love the natural curve of the branch and it makes a good little salt spoon I think.

Our tree has deep purple/red leaves and before I use it I wondered if anyone could identify it for me. The leaves are not 'waxy' so I think it will be fine?? Any comments or advice welcome!

Unknown Tree Species - Can you identify it?
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f371/craeg67/CIMG2514.jpg
Leaf Close-up
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f371/craeg67/CIMG2515.jpg

Spoon

Front
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f371/craeg67/2ndSpoon-front.jpg
Side
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f371/craeg67/2ndSpoon-side.jpg
Back
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f371/craeg67/ndSpoon-back.jpg

I love the different colours of grain within the wood and I would like to make a bigger one if it is safe to use.

I haven't oiled it yet as I am buying some walnut oil tomorrow. What is the best method of treating it with oil?

Looking for another pice of timber now!

Craeg.

[Schwert]

Nice. I like the hole turned into a handle.

Not sure what that tree is.

I generally soak my spoons in flaxseed oil for three days. I have a narrow tall bag I made out of vacuum seal bag material that I fill with oil for the soak.

[DoctorSpoon]

There's some lovely colours in your bit of wood. Well done for carrying on whittling rather than just binning it when you went through the bottom. The more you do, the more you learn so nothing's ever a waste of time in my opinion. I use bits out of the garden too - it's quite fun to look out for interesting curves - but I'm rubbish at identifying plants unless you can eat them so can't identify yours I'm afraid!

To oil it I'd give it a day or so until the wood is quite dry then just put some on a piece of kitchen roll and wipe it on generously. Leave it for a few minutes to absorb then wipe it with a clean bit of kitchen roll to get rid of any surplus. For bigger pieces which you want to absorb plenty of oil it can be worthwhile standing the bottle of oil in a jug of hot water for a bit first so the oil gets warmer and thinner, but for little spoons I don't bother.

Nicola

[Mesquite]

I think the leaves look like it's an ornamental tree from the Prunus family.

[craeg]

I think the leaves look like it's an ornamental tree from the Prunus family.

Cheers Mesquite! I was thinking along those lines but as it has no fruit or flowers I don't know. I think it's safe to use anyway.

[brancho]

Very interesting I like it

Can you make the pictures smaller though

[SOAR]

Nice spoon, looks like a good shape, cherry does have some nice colours in the wood, and the foliage looks similar.