Peacock blue square plate

[Dave Smith]

I turned this plate from a scrap of big leaf maple board. I started turning these square plates last year in an effort to use scrap lumber. The very first one I made is still on the coffee table in the front room with a 3" pillar candle on it. I only trashed 2 of the first 20 I attempted to make. The 20th one was much easier and faster than the first.

This is a departure from my normal style of leaving the wood natural. It is an interesting result and only time will tell if I have been ruined as a pure turner. The figure of the blue dyed maple made me think of a peacock.

Height 1/2"
Width 6" square.
Foot 3".
Thickness 1/8".
Dye: Transfast Turquoise Blue, Alcohol soluble
Finish: Rockler's Gel Polyurethane, several coats.

<p><img src="http://www.woodnheart.com//WC/katrina/pea/pea1.jpg"><p/>
<p><img src="http://www.woodnheart.com//WC/katrina/pea/pea3.jpg"><p/>
Profile shows the up turned corners of the plate. From the table to the corner tip is 1/2".
<p><img src="http://www.woodnheart.com//WC/katrina/pea/pea4.jpg"><p/>
The foot is 3" for stability with a 3" pillar candle on top.

Dave Smith

I have seen the future and it is turquoise blue in Longview, WA.

[Charles E. Martin V]

I love it. Sometimes color is the way to go.

[Keith Burns]

Great piece. Nothing wrong with the color, I like it.

[Jason Roehl]

That's pretty wild, Dave! I'd have to say I'm normally into the natural color of wood, but there's definitely a place for bold colors like that from time to time. I like it!

[Jim Becker]

Dave, very nice. That dye really took to the wood nicely, too.

Question...are you using Steve Worchester's method of waste wood to turn in the round or "turning square" from the get-go?

[Mark Cothren]

Nice piece, Dave. Each time I look at it I like it more.

Thanks for the picture!

[Dave Smith]

It is being auctioned for Katrina relief. Closes at midnight.

[Charles E. Martin V]

Where's the auction? I think I should put in a bid.

[Jim Becker]

Charles, the auction is at Wood Central...you'll need to google the URL as links to other forums are not allowed per the SMC TOS.

[Charles E. Martin V]

I hope I win since I'm off to bed now, but then again, 90% of the people in this hobby probably went to bed 3 hours ago. :D

[Glenn Hodges]

Dave I have been wanting to use dye, but have not. What brand of dye do you use? Do you paint it on or soak the wood in it? This is a beautiful color, the wood asorbed it evenly, nice turning also.

[Michael Stafford]

David, I actually love the rich color. The future is turquoise blue in Longview, eh? With your optimistic outlook on life I think it is rosy red as well. It goes quite nicely with the rest of your portfolio and I say brighten the world when you have a chance!!! :D

[Wes Bischel]

Dave,
The color looks great especially with the grain - it really pops. I'm inspired to play with some color as well.
Thanks,

Wes

[Dave Smith]

Charles you have a big heart. Thanks for having the winning bid on the turquoise blue plate. The money is going for a good cause and should make a small difference in a big problem.

[Dave Smith]

Glenn I listed the dye type in the auction offering message. Look in the Benefit Auctions on Wood Central for details.

Thanks to everyone for all the kind comments. This is the first use of a dramatic color for me and I will doing more in the furutre. Big leaf maple with figure is a nice wood to dye. I have a lot of it so you will be seeing a few more pieces soon.

Dave Smith

Giving is a lot of fun in Longview, WA

[Charles E. Martin V]

It was my pleasure Dave.