Category Archives: trees

First Snow

Posted on January 21, 2019 by

This weekend brought us our first significant snowfall of the winter, about a foot waiting for my snowshoes.  Here are a few photos from yesterday’s walk, along with an excerpt from the poem First Snow by Mary Oliver who passed … Continue reading →

Posted in nature, photography, quotes and excerpts, trees, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Slippery Elm Bowls

Posted on August 13, 2018 by

There’s no better way to understand the working properties of a wood species than to carve a chunk of it.  Its character is revealed through experience with it,  including subtle nuances that are difficult to communicate.  Different trees within the … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, finding wood, paint, trees, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Greenwoodworking in White Oak

Posted on July 11, 2018 by

“One word, no spaces,” specified Jennie Alexander when she requested this sign.  Not only was I not going to argue with the one who coined the term, I was thrilled for the opportunity to make something so meaningful for someone … Continue reading →

Posted in books, green woodworking, layout, sketch, teaching, trees, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 28 Comments

Memorial Bowl

Posted on April 4, 2018 by

This tulip poplar log came to me with a history.  John’s son-in-law explained to me that John watched this tree grow and would often comment on its simple beauty and growth when they were together.  A couple years ago, John … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, Lettering, nature, trees, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

“When I am Among the Trees”

Posted on March 11, 2018 by

Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile.” The light flows from their branches. —Mary Oliver, from the poem “When I am Among the Trees”

Posted in nature, quotes and excerpts, trees, Uncategorized | Tagged | 7 Comments

Putting the Wood in the Driver’s Seat

Posted on February 26, 2018 by

One of the things I enjoy most about greenwood carving is the challenge of making the most out of the wood that becomes available.  The individual characteristics of the log or branch drive the design, while I navigate among the … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, carving, drying, finding wood, Lettering, spoons, trees, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 16 Comments

True Hope is Swift

Posted on December 5, 2017 by

True hope is swift, and flies with swallow’s wings. Kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings.           — William Shakespeare, Richard III, Act V, Scene ii I knew I had to carve that first line … Continue reading →

Posted in bird bowls, bowls, carving, cherry, finding wood, green woodworking, Lettering, quotes and excerpts, trees, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 24 Comments