Image Courtesy of Hearne Hardwoods Tasmanian Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) represents an intriguing paradox in the world of fine woodworking. While native to Australia, this adaptable species now grows successfully in many parts of the world. Sometimes even too successfully – it's considered invasive in several regions outside its native range. This widespread availability, combined with its excellent working properties, makes it an increasingly popular choice for sustainable wooden jewelry. Understanding Tasmanian Blackwood's Natural Character Image Courtesy of Hearne Hardwoods For those familiar with Hawaiian Koa wood, Tasmanian Blackwood offers remarkably similar characteristics. In fact, they're often considered close cousins in...
Image by Pana Trees When it comes to creating stunning wooden jewelry, few materials capture the imagination quite like ziricote. This remarkable Mexican hardwood, scientifically known as Cordia dodecandra, transforms nature's artwork into wearable masterpieces. The wood's distinctive characteristics and rich cultural heritage make it particularly well-suited for crafting unique, high-end accessories. Understanding Ziricote's Unique Patterns The visual appeal of ziricote begins with its dramatic grain patterns, which often resemble abstract landscapes or topographical maps. The wood typically displays a dark chocolate-brown background interwoven with black streaks that create mesmerizing spider-web or landscape-like figures. These natural patterns are actually the...
Black Palm Wood Necklace with Diamond As an artist who loves to work with natural materials, I'm always on the lookout for unique and beautiful woods to incorporate into my jewelry designs. Lately, I've become enamored with black palm wood. This incredible material has a rich, deep color and an intricate grain that makes each piece utterly unique. In this blog, I'll share my experiences working with black palm and why it has become one of my favorite mediums. Origins and Characteristics Antler Point Necklace with Black Palm Wood Black palm is not your typical wood; it's a fibrous material...
Few materials hold the allure and charm that ebony wood exudes. I find myself irresistibly drawn to the timeless beauty and exceptional qualities of this dark, lustrous timber. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the captivating world of ebony wood, exploring its history, unique characteristics, and the artistry it inspires in crafting one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. The Rich History of Ebony Wood Ebony wood boasts an illustrious history that spans continents and centuries. Originating primarily from tropical regions in Africa, Sri Lanka, India, and Southeast Asia, ebony has been cherished for its exquisite, deep black hue...
As an artisan who is passionate about handmade wooden jewelry, I am constantly on the lookout for unique materials that captivate the imagination and bring forth exquisite creations. One such remarkable wood that has captured my heart and challenged my craftsmanship is Purpleheart. Renowned for its vibrant purple hue, Purpleheart wood possesses both beauty and formidable difficulty in woodworking. In this article, I delve into the allure of Purpleheart wood, exploring its distinctive properties, its challenges, and how it brings out the true artistry in crafting handmade wooden jewelry. Unveiling Purpleheart Wood Purpleheart (Peltogyne spp.) is a tropical hardwood native...
I have had the pleasure of working with a variety of woods over the years, but there is one particular wood that always stands out to me - lignum vitae. Lignum vitae, which translates to "wood of life" in Latin, is a dense and oily wood that is native to the Caribbean and northern South America. It has a rich history, having been used for centuries for a wide range of applications, from clocks to bearings to musical instruments. When it comes to making jewelry, I find that lignum vitae is an excellent choice for a few reasons. First and...
