Another Mesquite NE hf

[Kathy Marshall]

Similar to one I posted last year (the one accepted for the Tohono Chul mesquite Exibit), but I think the form on the original was better. The sapwood on this log was very thick and I should have made the neck and opening smaller but the cambium layer was very stringy and after lots of CA and lots of light cuts I finally got a decent cut and quit while I was ahead. I also think I ended up with too much slope on the top of the shoulder, it would have been better with a more horizontal top.
It's about 5 x 6" and just has a coat of DO.

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Thanks for looking!
Comments and critiques are welcome.

[John Keeton]

Kathy, while I like this one, I do think the previous one was better. Without a straight on profile shot it is hard to tell, but I think the concern I would have relates to the shoulder slope/placement, and perhaps a little too much abruptness in the upward turn at the neck.

[Roger Chandler]

Technically, this one is more difficult than your last.............even though I like natural edges, this one, with the form you have chosen, would benefit, I think, with the opening just about where the bark begins, and then it would have a better shape for this particular form you have chosen to put on that piece.

That mesquite is just plum purdy! Nice one K!

[Jason Ritchie]

Very nice! What beautiful wood! I used to use a lot of Walnut and Osage Orange segmented together for my pens and this wood reminds me of that combination albeit naturally.

[Eric Gourieux]

I like that a lot, Kathy. It's difficult to keep the bark on a NE HF like this. You did well.

[Doug W Swanson]

I don't think this one is bad at all. I think the other might be a little better but this is no slouch!

[Steve Schlumpf]

Looks pretty good to me! If you do any research into the variety of forms that can be considered Southwest... old and new - you will see that the shoulder/neck area you created on this one fits right in with the style!

Keep up the good work!

[Eric Holmquist]

Quite nice. Is it just an optical illusion caused by the wavy sap / heartwood line that makes it look like it would be oval shaped if viewed from above?

[steven carter]

Another nice one Kathy! I wouldn't necessarily say the other one was better, just different, I like them both.

[Ken Glass]

Kathy,
Very nice. I see nothing wrong with the form. Colors are wonderful and finish looks good too. Well done.

[Roland Martin]

I have to say that the first turning suits my taste more than this one, but this is very nice also.

[Baxter Smith]

Although I will agree on the shape, it still looks good to me and the wood your usual georgeous stuff!