Wine Cork Inlay...

As most of your know, I love to find new materials to use for Inlay.  The other day while looking through my supplies, I found some Bottle Stopper Cork.  My mind instantly started working up a way to use it for inlay.

I choose a piece of Claro Walnut Burl.  The dark color of the Walnut contrast well with this base color of the Cork.  After finishing, the Cork, has a stronger surface so that it does not scratch as easy.  It does make the ring very light.

After finishing this ring I thought how it would make a great gift for Wine Lovers.   I know that many wine connoisseurs collect the corks from their favorite wines.  If provided with one of these corks, I could turn it into a custom ring with great meaning for the wearer.

Claro Walnut with Wine Cork Inlay



If you have any ideas that you would like to see me turn into an Inlay, please let me know.

Mystery Wood Heading to Fiji...

Recently I was contacted by a couple wanting a Wedding Set.  They were planning on eloping to Fiji over Christmas.  They were wanting to go as non-traditional as possible, so they decided on a set of wooden rings.

After some discussion they agreed on a design that they liked.  I happened to have a couple pieces of mystery wood that I thought would contrast well, and come close to the design sent.

I started with a Dark Wood Base, and used a Lighter Contrasting Veneer. The grain was set running across the ring, instead of around the ring.  It makes it appear that there are many small pieces of wood placed around the ring.

Please feel free to comment below, and let me know what you think.

Padauk Ring and Necklace Set

One of my friends recently requested a matching set to include a Necklace and Ring. These were to be made out of Padauk Wood with Lapis Lazuli Inlay.

The color of the Padauk is just amazing, and it gives the Lapis a darker tint, that pops very well.  The pictures do not do this set justice.

Padauk Wood Ring with Lapis Lazuli Inlay

Padauk Wood Pendant with Lapis Lazuli Inlay

Materials - Katalox

Katalox Wood
Dark Wood
Color: Purple/Black color with a creamy/golden sapwood
Strength: Strong
Notes: Katalox, or Mexican Royal Ebony, is a dense Central American hardwood. It is listed in several USDA publications as a suitable substitute for African Gabon Ebony in stringed instruments. The dark purple/black color accents well with the creamy/golden sapwood to create contrast that can be well utilized for a unique look in your projects.

Examples:

Katalox Wood w/ Mother of Pearl Inlay

A Mother of a Ring...

This ring I finished recently as a present for my MIL.  This is the first time I have used Katalox, and the finish is just wonderful.  It has the texture and finish of Ebony.  Paired with the Katalox, is Mother of Pearl Shell.  Together they make a great piece.

Katalox Wood Ring with Mother of Pearl Inlay

Walnut Wood with a Spalt...

I have been working on some Christmas Orders recently, 2 Walnut Pens with Satin Silver finish on the hardware.  I just happened to have a Spalted Walnut blank that would do 2 complete pens, or so I thought.

I started out preparing the blanks, and getting them ready to turn.  Everything was going great and then I got a catch with my skew.  The entire blank blew apart.  Now this is something that can happen regularly when turning pens.  The wood is so thin at times, and if there is a defect or crack in the blank it can explode.




Spalted Walnut Key chain w/ Chrome Hardware



No worries though.   Since my slimline pens are made from 2 separate blanks, and those blanks are the same size as a key chain blank. I was able to finish out the other side, and turn it into a key chain.

The spalting does not show up as well on this key chain, but it does still have a great color.

Cocobolo with Powdered Lapis Lazuli

It still amazes me how often this happens. I can have a specific Design idea, but the wood/ring wants to be something different.

This ring started out to be for a customer that wanted a dark wood with Amber Inlay. I got the ring sized, and was ready to start placing the stone. After placing the first couple pieces of stone, I realized that they looked clear. The Amber was so transparent, and the wood underneath was so dark, that you could not see any of the beautiful honey color. I stopped instantly and contacted the customer. We ended up deciding on going with Cherry for a base with the Amber.

So now what to do with this nice Cocobolo Base.

New Design Element...

Recently I had a customer approach me about a design element she would like.  This element simulates the look of having a stone setting in the ring.  Similar to an Engagement Ring.  On this ring I made a standard Centered Groove for Inlay, but then made one area that was rounded out to form a bulge.  After inlaying the Stone and finishing, it appears that there is a Stone setting as a focal point. 

This design could be used with contrasting colors, or could possibly be done with a small gemstone or diamond.  I will be playing with this design, to develop it.

Now on to the ring...

It is made from Honduras Rosewood with Crushed Turquoise Inlay and a Simulated Stone setting out of Crushed Turquoise.

Walnut Wood Ring with Abalone Shell Inlay

I just love how this Abalone Shell looks when paired with a Dark Color Wood.  After picking up this Walnut to go with it, I decided to do a more domed shape for the ring.  I am very pleased with the results, and love how the Abalone flashes in the light.

Teak Wood w/ Copper Inlay Wedding Ring Set

This Teak Wood Wedding Ring Set was one of the first sets I made after we moved into our new house.  My wife and I needed an updated set of Rings, and I was wanting to try out a new design idea.

We ended up with the set you see here.  It is Teak Wood with a Copper Wire Inlayed and turned flat to match the contour of the ring.

Materials - Honduras Rosewood

Honduras Rosewood
Dark Wood
Color: Ranges of Red
Strength: Strong and Durable
Notes: Colors range from light violets to light reds. Honduras Rosewood works well and finishes to a high natural polish. For a period of time, it was considered the only suitable Brazilian Rosewood substitute.

Examples:

Honduras Rosewood w/ Turquoise Inlay and Setting

Materials - Padauk Wood

Padauk
Dark Wood
Color: Deep Red
Strength: Strong and Durable


Examples:



Padauk Slimline Pen w/ Brass Hardware

Materials - Cocobolo Wood

Cocobolo
Dark Wood
Color: Dark Brown
Strength: Strong and Durable.  Tends to chip around edges due to grain pattern.
Notes:  Natural oils will shine wood over time.

Examples:




Cocobolo w/ Orange Calcite Inlay

 

Cherry w/ Cocobolo Inserts



Cocobolo Wood w/ Powdered Lapis Lazuli Inlay



Materials - Teak Wood

Teak
Dark Wood
Color: Ranges from Medium to Dark Brown
Strength: Strong and Durable

Examples:



Teak w/ Turquoise Inlay



Teak w/ Crushed Red Pepper Inlay




Teak Wedding Set w/ Copper Inlay