As I was trimming some small dead limbs from a Red Maple, I noticed the end grain looked colorful. I turned down some small pieces and it was beautiful. The limb was 6 feet long and the largest diameter was about 2”. I let it dry and turned about 15 tree ornaments. They are pretty and will make great Christmas gifts. I did have problems with rot but I used 2 part epoxy as a finish to stabilize and enhance the beauty of these pieces 

Wow, Ron, you certainly did justice to that beautiful wood!

I agree with Lew.  You certainly have an eye for potential beauty in what the rest of us would throw away without a second glance.  I also like the sentiment on the piece in the background.  Is that stone, or a highly pigmented board?

Somehow missed this post.

Most excellent Ron. Ornaments are awesome. Display stand is pretty snazzy too.

Thanks for showcasing your talents.

On 10/27/2023 at 12:04 PM, PostalTom said:

I agree with Lew.  You certainly have an eye for potential beauty in what the rest of us would throw away without a second glance.  I also like the sentiment on the piece in the background.  Is that stone, or a highly pigmented board?

All of those ornaments were made from a dead Red Elm (I think) limb in my back yard. I was cleaning up branches that a nearby tornado blew out. After the initial cut, I looked at the inside of the cut and saw. a mixed up composition of rot, dark dead spots, etc. I had to turn it down and see what secrets it held. I finish with 2 part 30 minute epoxy, while the piece is very slowly turning. It cures into a glassy finish. The strength of the epoxy fortifies the piece and gives it a very beautiful finish. Epoxy is tricky, much depends on the temperature in which it cures and the rpm it turns while it is curing. It takes a delicate balance. Now that the weather is turning cold………so is my unheated garage…….which again effects the cure.

 These ornaments are Christmas gifts for my family.