Oak Oval Bowl in Tavern Green/Linen
Oak bowl in Tavern Green overlaid with Linen milk paint, finished in food safe walnut oil/beeswax butter. 220mm x 205mm D x 70mm H. This bowl is more rustic than most of my others inside, with definite hook tool marks left to give it added character! The added oak leaf pyrographed on the outside decorates the final chop of the hatchet I deliberately allowed to remain when preparing the bowl blank for the lathe.
Hand turned on 100% non electric foot operated spring pole lathe using blacksmith hand forged bowl hooks to shape the spinning piece of wood. I use "green" or fresh wood with the sap and moisture still in it, so once it is turned, the bowl is put into wood shavings and allowed to dry slowly. This process gives the bowl a distinct, unique oval shape and undulating rim, since different parts of the tree shrink at different rates. I then put two layers of milk paint on it and finish with food safe flax seed oil.
Care Instructions
Just wash unpainted part in warm soapy water, or brush under running cold tap, rinse and immediately towel dry (not dishwasher safe). To rejuvenate the wood once or twice a year wipe on a generous coat of mineral, flaxseed/linseed oil (NOT boiled linseed), tung or walnut oil. Let soak overnight before polishing off any excess. Do not use vegetable oil it will become rancid.