Wood grain that grabs the eye and pulls one in is part of the magic of woodworking. The incredible depth and design of various woods helps to define the type of wood. It also gives unbelievable dimension to every seeker of beauty.

As if hand painted by the Master, the lines and patterns mesmerize. Those who seek are allowed to look inside and see what once was hidden beneath bark. We see nature’s patterns in rocks, leaves, flowers, and even in snowflakes. However, those of of us who are wood lovers revel most in the wood grains.

I give my awe and greatest attention to the various wood grains. It could be as simple like balsa wood, or it could be complex like Limba. I always seek to emphasize the grains which surprise me time and again. Their ability to inspire my work and create dramatic results is amazing.

Limba Wood Grain

For example, my wife instantly fell in love with a piece of Black Limba leaning against the wall while searching for additional slabs on one of our wood “hunts.” “Doug, you’ve got to see this one,” she called to me, and I instantly responded with equal enthusiasm. The grain was the draw as it was unusual from its neighbors.

Black Limba PlatterI was already looking forward to creating bowls and platters from this piece, but they had to wait their “turn” to be turned. The day came at last when the gluing was complete. I had added purple heart stripes for an additional creative touch. The gluing process had revealed additional grain patterns explicitly combined, and the wood was magnificent to work with.

Many folks study the platter as they hold it up due to its captivating look. They turn it over and check out the curved edges as they view the various changing wood grain patterns. The bowl I created from the Limba is one of my most unusual yet though.

What’s the old saying about “going against the grain?” It infers that we aren’t going with the flow. In the case of the Limba wood, it seems like I’d gone WITH the grain. As a result, the results flowed into perfecting, preserving, and respecting God’s handiwork beyond, and a love for wood grain is in’grained’ within my soul.