This is my first foray outside of basic utility bowls. My daughter gave me a piece of Tasmanian sassafras for Christmas and I approached it slowly and stayed out of the firing line. This is the result so far. Outside fairly well sanded and inside to 80 grit. Loose bark inclusions have been removed but some inclusions with a bit of softness and a few small areas of mildly pinky wood remain. I'm searching for ideas as to how to finish this. Leave the holes or make more by pulling out more bark or punk or fill artistically (with what and how)? I was wondering about a drench in shellac to firm up fibers and sand again and was also wondering about drench in CA to firm up the punk and stabilize the remaining inclusions but worry about discoloration and eventual finish.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Jake