Cherry sapwood on bowls of varying age
As we make our official transition into another calendar year, maybe it is an appropriate time to think about mellowing. It is reassuring to know that many things in life sweeten and become more beautiful with time. Wood can be one of them.
I primarily work with green wood, so I can’t discount the advantages of freshness and newness. The crisp smell and coolness of a just-split green log are wonderful sensations, and the wood is a joy to work. But the journey of a newly finished piece has only just begun.
I saw this clearly as I finished a small goose-inspired bowl this week. Some woods, such as cherry and walnut, feature a distinct color difference between the sapwood and the heartwood. I sometimes use sapwood as a design element or, in the case of the goose bowl, because the branch is nearly all sapwood. At first, the color difference is quite sharp, but over time, things mellow.
The other two bowls in the photo have been part of our household; both cherry also. The one in the background was made about a year ago. The heartwood has deepened in color and the sapwood has begun to become more subtle. The smaller bird bowl in the lower right was made in 2009. The sapwood has taken on a rich brown tone, more in harmony with the heartwood.
Storing (aging) logs for some months before use, can help to mellow the wood, making it less brash and more relaxed. At least it seems that way. I like to think of it sort of like a ripening process. It is not necessary, and for decay-prone species it may mean rotten wood. But if you haven’t gotten to that log yet, it might be good news. I have also noticed that the sapwood takes on a hint of color similar to the heartwood if in storage long enough. Keep the moisture in the log, though.
Happy mellow new year!
David Fisher, Carving Explorations 
look forward to your new blog. iam a big fan of your carvings. your work is beautiful. shaun
LikeLike
Dave = I’m very glad to see you take the plunge for a blog. Cherry in particular mellows nicely in color, doesn’t it. I have carved spoons from it, and waited after carving before oiling – its heartwood color deepens very quickly. Look forward to hearing more from your shop..
PF
LikeLike
as a (very) amateur bowl carver, i’m looking forward to learning more from your blog. Have already enjoyed the handful of videos on your site. Feliz Ano Nuevo!
LikeLike
Looking forward to reading your blogs.
LikeLike
Thanks for doing this, David. Your site has been helpful to me as I learn bowl carving, and your work has a great beauty to it. Inspiring!
LikeLike
What a grand new addition to your site! Thank you.. I will look forward every entry.
PF brings up an interesting point regarding allowing cherry to darken before applying oil and I’d be interested in hearing what anyone might have to say about that.
Best in 2015 to all!
Scott
LikeLike
Congratulations on the new blog, Dave! A welcome addition to those of us who follow and greatly admire your work!
LikeLike
Thanks, everyone, for the encouragement and interest.
LikeLike