My first Christmas Ornament

[John Spitters]

Playing with color once again.! Maybe it's a bit on the " dark side " but has a real appeal when held.
8 1/2"L x 2 11/16"w Maple First dyed black, sanded back then a deep dark red and several coats of W.O.P. Icicle and top portion are finished with a black lacquer.
C & C welcome

[Baxter Smith]

A real looker! It may "disappear" into the tree being that dark but it would look great hanging on its own.

[John Keeton]

As delicate as these things are - and, especially this one, I would hesitate to hang any of them on a tree!! They deserve a more prominent showing IMO.

Very well done!

[Bernie Weishapl]

That is a really nice ornament and have to agree with John K.

[Nate Davey]

John,

I think you left a hypodermic syringe on the bottom of your globe. Beautiful job, as always, on the dye job and the icicle is unbelievable.

[Tony De Masi]

Very very nice John. Looks like the red planet too.

[Harry Robinette]

Very nice ornament John and love the bottom finial.

[Steve Schlumpf]

That is pretty nice work John - especially for a first! Great job on the extended icicle!

[Kathy Marshall]

Very nice! I like the dye job and great job on the icicle!

[steven carter]

Very nice ornament! With a first like this one, you've made it hard on youself to improve:D.

[John Spitters]

Thanks everyone,
For what seems like a simple project they are actually quite challenging given their scale.
If I was to do more of these though I would need to make up some proper micro hollowing tools.
What I used is a set from Grizzly, though they did work they are not the best, as their shape is quite limiting for such small globes. And if you do buy them be aware that the tool bit is held in by epoxy I believe and be ready for it to come out while in the process of turning your globe. After I re-attached it with CA all was fine though.
P.S. Make sure that you re-profile those cutting tips.
http://cdn0.grizzly.com/pics/jpeg500/h/h5979.jpg