Maple Platter

[Bernie Weishapl]

Here is another platter I have been working on for a while. Lots of burning but a labor of love. This barn was built by my great grandfather sometime around 1890. The land has been handed down to my uncle who passed away and now the kids are selling it. I did get some lumber from it and a handful of square nails. I went down and got some pictures of it and the home place before it sold. Anyway the platter is maple andis 15" across. It is finished with several coats of poly.

[John Keeton]

Bernie - some of your best pyro work to date!!!! Excellent, and a great story, too.

[paul vechart]

Very nice... the pyro work really makes it special, how long does it take you to burn a piece like that?

[Mike Tilley]

Bernie nice platter it will make a really nice keepsake

[Roger Chandler]

Just really fine work Bernie...........your pyro skills are really shining and of course that is a very nice platter you have turned. The hits just keep on coming with you lately..........of course they always do! ;):)

[Steve Mawson]

Great job Bernie. Growing up on a farm and spending a lot of time in the barn caring for livestock, putting up hay etc I can relate to the picture. Quite the keepsake as many of these types of barns are falling into disrepair and many are being torn down. Farmers just don't use them any more and they are expensive to maintain. Great work and story.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Thanks to all. I was completely taken of guard when I posted on facebook in my album. My aunt called and wants to buy it at whatever the price. She was my uncles second marriage of 32 yrs. She has always had a special place in my heart and she is quite a artist herself with her paintings which she sells in several galleries in Nebraska and Kansas. So we just might make a trade. She has a couple I have had my eye on for some time now.

Paul it took me about 4 to 5 hrs to burn this. I take my time and don't rush things.

[Paul Douglass]

Bernie, I don't post much here because everyone is way over my level and i just look and learn, but I want to comment here. That is just flat awesome to me. I love old barns and use to go around photographing them. That is a great platter and has a lot of meaning. Nice work. Makes me want to get out my wood burning gear my wife bought me several year ago and it has very little use. Again great piece.

[Hayes Rutherford]

Bernie, this is my favorite piece of your work so far. I love old barns and this one reminds me of Eric Sloane's series of books. Thanks for posting.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Thanks again. Paul I think you should get out your burning machine. I love old barns to and Hayes spent a lot of time in this one. Almost got a whipping from grandpa because I had climbed to the peak inside.

[Kathy Marshall]

Another beauty Bernie! and a nice story to go along with it!

[Michelle Rich]

you have been making some nice platters lately..thanks for sharing

[steven carter]

Great job on the platter and artwork. Sure to be a family heirloom.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Thanks again. Just a side note I called my aunt last night and we have a deal. We have swapped the platter for two of her pictures and $50. I am a happy camper and she is excited to add it to her collection. So will do another platter with the barn burned on it for myself.

[Jim Burr]

Great way to keep the memory going Bernie...platter ain't to bad either!

[Joe Meirhaeghe]

Nice work Bernie, & a great tribute to your Grandfathers barn.

[Baxter Smith]

Nice platter Bernie but a great picture and story. Both my grandparents had big timberframe barns. Just walking around in them and looking up were some of my favorite things to do whenever I visited.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Thanks Joe and Baxter. Baxter I am still in awe when I go down and walk thru it. It just amazes me that something built in 1880's can still be standing and to look at the craftsmanship of the building is just amazing.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Most excellent Bernie! My Mom was born on her family's dairy farm - barn had been built around the same time as yours! Great memories!

Congrats on your sale/trade! It is important to keep the family history alive and your platter does the job beautifully! Very nice work Bernie!