Many wooden hollow forms look wonderful with nothing more than just a wax or oil finish to seal and enhance the surface. However, sometimes the right combination of colours can create something even more eye-catching and unusual.
Colouring to enhance the figure
As seen in the photos, the natural figure in masur birch creates a unique effect when dyed. The figure in the wood leads to different rates of absorption of the dyes by the wood. Different combinations of colours working with the figure in the wood create the final result. The final effect left by the coloured dyes is breathtaking and unique. The figure in the wood causes the colours to change when viewed from different angles. The photos don’t do justice to the feather like iridescence or chatoyance found in the masur birch. The vases have to be held and seen in person to get the full effect!
Other types of wood can also incorporate texture and colour. Ash is another popular choice for Paul but he uses a few others too.
If you see something you like, check the woodturning shop for current stock or enquire for prices and availability.
Masur birch
Masur birch is not a specific wood species. It is a member of the birch (Betula pendula) family which grows in areas of Scandinavia, Russia and Belarus. The wood has a distinct figure caused by the Agromyzia carbonaria beetle. The beetle larvae burrow into the cambium (the tissue between the sapwood and the bark) of the tree, leading to damage to the wood. The tree repairs the damage caused by the beetle larvae as it grows. The abnormal growth results in pith flecks and dark markings. This creates a highly sought after decorative figure.
Masur birch is also referred to as Karelian birch burl (or burr) which takes its name from the Karelia area in Finland where trees with this type of figure are more prevalent. Strictly speaking, masur birch isn’t a burr like that you would find on other species of tree. Although not a burr in the normal sense, the unique figure makes the wood highly desirable.
Combined techniques
The woodturning processes used to create the turned and coloured wooden hollow forms comprise a combination of colouring and texturing stages to achieve the final result. Paul makes hollow forms with different combinations of colour so if you would like a particular combination of colours for a vase to match your decor feel free to enquire to discuss possibilities.