This set of trivets is a revision of a project I started years ago. I tried relief carving the words in a piece of red oak. Unfortunately I didn't have the right tools and it just wasn't coming out right. The result has been sitting in my scrap box waiting for more time, more tools, and more experience.

 

About a week ago I found out my granddaughter was moving into an apartment with several other girls for their senior year at college. Her mom had asked me at Christmas if she could have a small trivet I had chip carved and I said yes but delayed it so I could also make something for her two brothers. When I heard she was moving into an apartment, I thought maybe I could salvage that old project and make it something unique and interesting that would be useful in the apartment. I took the old lettering, divided it into two trivets - one smaller for bowls and pots, one larger for casseroles and baking pans. Instead of carving the words, I decided to try scrolling the fancy letters. Just finished the scroll work over the weekend. Doing final coats of finish this week. Granddaughter will be home next week to receive her "apartment warming" present.

 

I  have used 3/4" poplar and Arm-R-Seal before for trivets. So I know they both withstand the heat. GF gel coat in nutmeg works very well with poplar, especially if there is a nice grain pattern. Top coat is spray shellac, followed by three or more coats of Arm-R-Seal. The Arm-R-Seal holds up extremely well against both heat and spills of all kinds.

 

Cool, and thanks for the finishing info.

Al, having a daughter in college myself, I understand how wonderful it is for these kids to have something from home, specially something like this from Grandpa.

Especially the "Hot Stuff", that is so retro college, her friends will get a big kick as well!

I did not know GF would hold up to heat like you stated, that is really good to know, I'll keep that bit of knowledge on the sidelines when needed, thanks!

Nice projects! Thanks for the heads up on the finish

Lew,  I originally went with the Arm-R-Seal because of a series of tests performed by someone on another forum who does a lot of finishing. My own experience has been similar. I also did my own spot test when I was making my first trivets several years ago - I placed a single sheet of typing paper on top of the trivet, then held an iron at its hottest setting on top of the paper for 2 minutes (far worse treatment than a trivet would normally receive). Results: slight scorch to the paper; no softening, scorching, or other damage to the trivet's wood (poplar) or its finish. I have kept track of a number of my trivets and five years later they are all in remarkably good shape. Even normal wear-and-tear abrasion from usage has been minimal. If I can find the original test review I will pass it along to you.

4 hours ago, John Morris said:

 

Especially the "Hot Stuff", that is so retro college, her friends will get a big kick as well!

 

I wanted something different and catchy, but also something that would answer "What is this thing?" And to say its purpose is to be used -  it's not some fancy kitchen decoration. Call it tongue-in-cheek humor, cynicism, or understated wackiness. Those who know me know I have a warped sense of humor and have to be prepared for off-the-wall humor.

Well, keep them coming. No matter how off the wall and wacky. 

And, thanks for the finish info. 

Very creative project!!!!

Outstanding!  I love the font.

gopher - thanks for the info on Arm-R-Seal.  

1 hour ago, Ron Dudelston said:

Outstanding!  I love the font.

The font and text were laid out probably 15+ years ago. I don't remember where I found the font. I suspect it was traced from one of Wayne Martin's chip carving books. I'll look around.

 

Yes, for all the years I spent publishing materials for the school where I worked, I quickly get bored with the mundane standard type faces. Eye catching typography draws you in and helps get the message across.

Very nice. Good job.