Cottonwood Jar

[Curt Fuller]

This is just another lidded jar but I thought the wood was really something. I sure wish Cottonwood was always this pretty. This small piece has great color, some curl, some spalt, just about everything you could ask for in a piece of wood. I had to take a pic of all four sides just to show the wood. It's about 7" tall, 3 1/2" wide. The lid is recessed intentionally because I just kind of like them that way. The knob is walnut. The finish is just Watco danish oil so far. If it keeps the soft look that's probably how it will stay. All comments and critiques welcomed.
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[Hayes Rutherford]

Very nice lidded jar and the cottonwood really does have a variety of color and figure. I wonder if it is the same cottonwood as up here in north Idaho (populus trichocarpa)

[Roger Chandler]

That is a beauty Curt! Very nice indeed! Mahoney had better be lookin' over his shoulder! :D

[Dennis Nagle]

That is way cool Curt. The line, colors, lid, finial.....all work together very well.

[Harvey M. Taylor]

Man, if the cottonwoods on my place looked like that, I would be a millionaire in short order. Nice, very nice. Max.

[Michael Stafford]

Curt, the wood shows great figure on all four sides. ;) I like the recessed lid and the form of the body. Great looking knob as well. I guess you could say I like everything about it.

[Michelle Rich]

it's a lovely jar..I love the shape & the wood is stunning.

[Dale Miner]

Curt, the wood shows great figure on all four sides. ;) I like the recessed lid and the form of the body. Great looking knob as well. I guess you could say I like everything about it.

Hi Curt,

I am pretty much on board with Michael. Great wood of course, and the flow from top to bottom is as smooth as can be. I depart from Mike in the knob though. I like the round ball as it blends well with the curves of the jar. The element below the round knob seems out of charater with the rest of the jar, and to my mind, the knob would be better without that element. The lid works very well with the slight inset below the rim.

It must have been a real 'treat' to try and cut cottonwood smooth down in the bottom of the jar. Overall, this piece rocks.

[charlie knighton]

very nice, Curt....like the form, great wood, the lid works for me

[Thom Sturgill]

Love it. Great wood and very nice form.

[jwjerry w kowalski]

Man that is some beautiful looking wood, and your form and woodturning skill is top notch as always.

[Dave Fritz]

That is stunning. Really nice.

Dave F.

[steven carter]

This is a really nice jar, I love the wood and the form is spot on. I have a cottonwood tree that snapped off about 10 feet above ground level, very bland wood in what broke off. The 10' section is still standing, as has been for over a year. I hope when I get around to cutting the rest down I have some wood that is half as good looking.

[Justin Hemphill]

This made me stop lurking and post for the first time... Wow. This post, and others like it, are the reason I went out and bought my old lathe and started putting it together. Joined the local wood-turners club and basically became obsessed!

I still have yet to turn anything on my own lathe, but I've gotten to play at the open shops. I dream of the day I can do things like this. Thank you very much for sharing and keep up the inspiring work!

[Sid Matheny]

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Sid

[Curt Fuller]

Thanks everyone for taking time to comment. I appreciate it!


Hi Curt,

I am pretty much on board with Michael. Great wood of course, and the flow from top to bottom is as smooth as can be. I depart from Mike in the knob though. I like the round ball as it blends well with the curves of the jar. The element below the round knob seems out of charater with the rest of the jar, and to my mind, the knob would be better without that element. The lid works very well with the slight inset below the rim.

It must have been a real 'treat' to try and cut cottonwood smooth down in the bottom of the jar. Overall, this piece rocks.

Dale, thanks for the comment on the knob. I'm glad you looked at it that close. I had mixed feelings about it too. It seems like such a minor thing but I originally put one on with just a round knob and didn't like it that well. It was kind of hard to hold onto and maybe too small. So I made this one that the round knob sits up off the lid. It's easier to hold onto but I'm seeing what you're saying about the rest of it not matching the rest of the piece.


This made me stop lurking and post for the first time... Wow. This post, and others like it, are the reason I went out and bought my old lathe and started putting it together. Joined the local wood-turners club and basically became obsessed!

I still have yet to turn anything on my own lathe, but I've gotten to play at the open shops. I dream of the day I can do things like this. Thank you very much for sharing and keep up the inspiring work!
Justin, that might be the most rewarding comment I've ever gotten. Thanks so much! Now fire up that lathe and make some shavings. There's nothing like hands on experience and making mistakes to teach you. We all started at ground zero just like you and we're all growing with every new piece we try.

[Bernie Weishapl]

That is a beauty Curt as is the wood.

[Kathy Marshall]

Beautiful jar Curt! That's some awesome cottonwood, love the figure and contrast! Love the form and the inset lid, and I think the knob looks just right.

[robert baccus]

So simple but so everything. Utah must be good for woodturners--cottonwood is. Was that a crotch or anything unusual.