Big Dilemma

I had an idea for my next "stoppered bottle" that involves a specific "color scheme". The plan was to dye the form itself with a light "translucent" shade of the desired color and then do the lid/finial with a much deeper shade of the same color. But as I began to get into this piece of maple burl, the natural colors that emerged are pretty nice. And there is enough subtile variation that I'm afraid that even a light, translucent dye might kill the different tones. So now I'm trying to decide whether i should proceed with "the plan" or just leave this au natural. I have to decide soon because the lid/finial would probably not be made out of the same material I would use if I color it. Decisions, decisions…


Here are some pics of the piece on the lathe. Still a lot of shaping to do and these are crappy, blurry cell phone pics. But even these show the colors in the wood pretty well.

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IMHO: You can "live to dye" another day, David. Go with the natural beauty while you have it spinning in front of you!

David - I like adding color to a lot of my work but I think the natural colors you have here would look great as is. Looking forward to seeing it once completed!

When in doubt, leave it. I prefer the natural warmth of wood, but if you're trying to accomplish something for a series of pieces...you have to make that call. You know you'll turn beautiful pieces of wood again.

David, I've got two gallons of wood bleach. Every time I go to turn some maple with the intention of bleaching and dying it, I get a piece that's like that. IMHO that's already got the depth of color, and contrast of grain patterns. It's a stunning piece, I wouldn't be able to do it... though maybe one day soon I will get over it. (hopefully before my bleach evaporates/ dyes dry up)

blah let the bleach and dye curl up and dry unused , the wood has more than enough without any help just my 2 cents

Hit it with mineral spirits or to bring out the existing colors and see what you think. I'd be inclined to save the dye for a more plain piece.

Dan

DON'T FOOL WITH MOTHER NATURE. Her color schemes are hard to beat.

Well, normally I'd be in the camp of let the natural beauty show...however, one only has to look at before and after of todays WoW cover by Andy DiPietrol to change that opinion. The subtleties and depth of the figure really popped after applying dye to the gorgeous pieces he started with.

I say, you can't go wrong either way...and the color will make for a bolder piece. Look forward to seeing this piece come off!

I'm willing to wager you will find a color scheme that enhances the pink in the burl. It is pretty but so far, the colors and schemes you dye your pieces are a big enhancement to them. Either way, you will make it a beauty. Do you turn dry burl or turn twice. I'm curious since you are such a stickler for matching shape to your plan and thinking that unless the wood is almost perfectly dry, the shape will change anyway.
faust

I think you have uncovered a natural beauty. Maybe run with this one as it is.

I would be tempted to enhance the natural colors in a subtle manner with some dye, just don't get too carried away!

If I do try dying this, I think the trick is going to be not so much getting the color right as getting the right level of translucence in the dye. I think if I can get that right, the variations in the wood tone should come through. I've been playing around with photoshop:

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I guess I am thinking more of a "Marvin the Martian" rocket scheme when I look at this. You'll have to reshape the top a bit, but you're not too far off...

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I thinking that since there is still a lot of material to be removed, I will smooth this off now and try the color on it. The dye will be pretty light so if I don't like it, I can remove it as I bring the piece down to it's final shape.

Smart artist dude.

I like the way your photoshop'ed version looks. I say go for it.

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I thinking that since there is still a lot of material to be removed, I will smooth this off now and try the color on it. The dye will be pretty light so if I don't like it, I can remove it as I bring the piece down to it's final shape.

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Smart artist dude.

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+1.............

Don't make a sow's ear out of that silk purse.

Sid

I like it natural, but I'm interested to see it finished either way. Bleaching before coloring might result in a better dyed look if you choose that route.

I vote for leave it aunatural.

"Don't make a sow's ear out of that silk purse..."

Now that's what I call a vote of confidence!

BTW, I have an "ace up my sleeve" in that I still have the other half of that hunk of maple burl so I can make one of each...

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Originally Posted by David DeCristoforo

BTW, I have an "ace up my sleeve" in that I still have the other half of that hunk of maple burl so I can make one of each...

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That's almost cheating to have TWO pieces of wood like that. Looks to be very nice how ever you choose make them.

I started out in the let the natural colors speak for themselves camp, but I'm kinda liking the photoshop version. I'm thinking just a light wash to accentuate and highlight the natural colors might look pretty cool.
Either way, I think you've got a winner there and I look forward to seeing it finished!

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Originally Posted by David DeCristoforo

BTW, I have an "ace up my sleeve" in that I still have the other half of that hunk of maple burl so I can make one of each...

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Are you looking through my porch windows? This is the exact same situation I settled on. The question is will I be able to make myself dye the second one? lol

Probably too late on this one, but my vote is to leave it as is...