I use water base aniline dyes. This technique the dye is applied using 20 cent sponge brushes and cheap paper towels. I typically work from the darkest colors to the lightest, creating layers of color.

This piece is turned from fiddle back maple. My apologies for not taking a photograph prior to applying any dyes.

The first coat is black. I apply the dye liberally inside and out. I then wipe the outside with a paper towel saturated with clean water and allow the piece to dry.

After this coat has dried, I sand the outside aggressively with 180 grit sandpaper.

The second coat is applied with a sponge brush to the outside of the vessel and wiped down with a wet paper towel. I used red for the second color.

After the red has dried, I sand semi-aggressively with 320 grit sandpaper.

Yellow dye is then applied as the final layer of color.

After the vessel has dried, I will then apply several coats of wipe-on poly.

You can view my project here.

The quality of responses is just another example of the creativity this community represents. It is evident a lot of thought and consideration went into the majority of entries. Picking the winner was one of the most difficult decisions that I have made in a long time. I wish I could give a prize to each and every one of you.

I hope, with your help, that I can continue to grow as an artist, a worker of wood, and most importantly – a person. The inspiration and feedback received from this community has been the nucleus of my growth.

I have chosen Aine, submitted by Cyan3y3z. The mystic of the Celtic goddess really moved me. I found myself wondering into her world, a beautiful place far away.

Thank you all!

Joe

I turned my first bowl March 4, 2008. I have posted most of my turnings over the last year. Lumberjocks has been a great resource and inspiration to me. The kind words (even when I did not deserve them) and the insightful critiques (I deserve more critique) has allowed me to grow as an artist, a woodworker, and a person. For that I say “Thank You!”

I have always named all my pieces. The names have been chosen for a variety of reasons. I often get asked for the meaning and/or the source of the names. Some have deep meanings, some are practical, and some are just for fun.

I will donate this hollow form to the Lumberjock who comes up with the best name. The name, and reason for the name, must be posted on this blog. The naming contest will end at 10 pm CST on March 4, 2009. I will choose the winner and make the announcement on March 5, 2009. The winner will be required to provide me a name and shipping address via personal message.

Be creative and have fun!

The first step is selecting the wood and marking the centers. I then mount the blank on the lathe between the spur drive and the live center.

The piece is then turned round.

A tenon is then made for mounting into the chuck jaws.

The piece is then mounted into the jaws of my chuck. At this point, I am still using my live center in the tail stock for stability.

The shaping begins, always trying to cut downhill when possible.

When the majority of the outside shaping is complete, I sand the piece to 180 grit. Notice I have not done the final shaping on the base. I will leave some bulk down there for stability while hollowing the inside. While the live center is still in place, I will begin to open the vase with my bowl gouge.

The tail stock is then removed from the piece and the lathe and the tenon nub is removed.

Next, I drill a 3/8” hole through the center to the proper depth.

The first step is to hollow the center core all the way to the bottom, stopping frequently to blow out the shavings with compressed air. Every time I stop, I also view my progress by use an LED pin light for illumination. I also finish the opening to the proper thickness.

I then keep hollowing the inside, taking a little at a time starting with the thickest parts first. I methodically hollow and shape the inside until it mimics the outside with my desired thickness.

Once the hollowing is done, I sand the opening down as far as I can reach. The base is then turned to the final shape.

I do the final sanding and then part the piece until it begins to wobble. I stop the lathe and cut the piece of with a coping saw. I remove the remaining tenon with my reciprocating carver and power sander. I finish hand sanding the entire piece.

The finish is then applied. Since this piece was a demonstration piece and I was not too thrilled with the foot. I decided to experiment with mine new airbrush and aniline dyes. The final finish is satin lacquer sprayed on.

You can view the project here.

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Timber Pointe Outdoor Center is the premier resource in the state of Illinois, providing specialized and inclusive camping and respite programming for individuals with disabilities or special needs and their families in a safe, accessible and beautiful environment. Owned and operated by Easter Seals, Peoria and Bloomington, IL.

Timber Pointe offers special needs and inclusive camp sessions for children and adults ages 6 and up. Campers participate in traditional camp activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, arts & crafts, target sports, music, and horseback riding. It is an experience of outdoor life for kids whose health issues make these activities often seem impossible. It is a chance for campers to develop independence and confidence. There were six week long Easter Seals sessions this summer, including camps for adults with disabilities, youth/young adults with physical disabilities, youth/young adults with developmental disabilities, and youth with ADD/ADHD. In addition, they offer weekend respite camps during the school year.

I encourage others to donate their time, talent, and resources to the charity their choice.

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The next step was to apply two coats of Fiebing’s black leather dye. You could also use this technique to ebonize a piece.

I then spray two coats of lacquer to seal the dye.

The next step is applying the liming wax. After the wax has dried it is buffed with 0000 steel wool and top coated with Briwax.

Please ask any questions and I will attempt to answer them.

You can view Midnight Serenade posted in my projects.

I need help from my fellow Lumberjocks. I need to select 2 pieces to be entered for judging. Any suggestions on which of my pieces might show best would be greatly appreciated. I also welcome all suggestions on booth set-up or any other tips for the big day. Thanks in advance for your assistance.