Most of these are made from Bois d'Arc (Osage Orange,) often with other woods included as accent or contrast. I've come to love the beauty and durability of this wood, especially when it has been exposed to the weather for decades in the form of fence posts or driftwood. Take a look at the following pictures...see the beauty that lies within the mundane fences that we drive past nearly every day, and never give a thought to. |
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I hand craft each of these pieces, and I make many of the fittings. Lamp finials, risers, caps, and such I turn from brass or stainless steel bar stock or tube. Lamp sockets and wiring components are of the highest quality that I have been able to find. Many of my lamps feature custom, hand blown glass shades made to order here in Dallas, TX. Others feature stained glass shades, either moulded or leaded, and always of the highest quality by local artists. Occasionally I will use a vintage or antique shade, if it appeals to me and works well with the base. I much prefer the look and feel of hand rubbed Tung Oil. Some of my pieces don't lend themselves to oil finishing, so I'll use a top quality clear lacquer. I do not EVER stain wood. All wood is perfect just as it comes from the tree, and doesn't need to be stained or faked. I enjoy making these. I enjoy delving into a piece of gnarly old wood and discovering and unlocking the treasure within. I hope that you will enjoy my creations as much as I have enjoyed the creating. |
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How old is this piece of wood? Who was on the land when this tree first sprouted? | ||||
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Detail of hand made finial and spun cap. Lacquered brass, of course | ||||
A small candle holder, also of Bois d'Arc driftwood. Drilled 7/8 inch to accept common tapered candles. I've left a lot of the rough skin, while also revealing the stunning grain within. | ||||
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When a Bois d'Arc fence post has been out in the weather for perhaps 50 years or more, the decades of rain and insect attack leave their traces, usually in the form of dark stained cracks and nesting holes chewed out by carpenter bees. As far as I know, carpenter bees are the only insects who can successfully atack this wood. | ||||
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A night light, also from a Bois d'Arc fence post. The copper flange is hand spun, flame colored and lacquered. The shade is a nice piece, hand blown, crackled and hand painted, but I don't remember where it came from. | ||||
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An Obelisk. This sculpture exists solely for it's own beauty. From driftwood; notice the mineral streaking. | ||||
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If you see something you like, get in touch. I'm always making more stuff, so bookmark this page and check back with us often. | ||||
Our Bois d'Arc page | ||||
A Candle Holder, from driftwood that was once a fence post | ||||
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Turned from two pieces of fence post. The shade is custom hand blown glass, and the brass fittings are hand made.
This lamp has been sold. I still have the glass shade, and it will show up on these pages again. |
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I gave this lamp a shiny Tung Oil finish. This takes well over a week to do, laying up multiple coats and letting them dry. | ||||
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Here is something new I've been working on. These are small vessels made from Bois d'Arc. These two shown below are from driftwood that was once a fence post...who knows how long ago? | ||||
This bowl is about 7 inches long and 3-1/2 wide. The oval bowl portion is 4 inches by 2-1/2 Notice the carpenter bee hole. |
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These photos cannot possibly do justice to the shimmer and translucence of the grain. | ||||
Another bowl, also from Bois d'Arc drift wood of unknown age. To me, it's always a joy to cut in to the rough wood and find the treasure hidden within. Every piece is unique, every piece is different. | ||||
This bowl has been sold | ||||
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A subdued finish, hand rubbed Tung Oil. A nice balance of wood grain and "rind." | |||
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Exquisite, one-of-a-kind hand blown shade. |
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These are from a fence post; note the carpenter bee holes. | ||||
The rings tell their own story; the good years, and the bad. | ||||
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A beautiful piece of wood should not be hidden, overlooked or forgotten. It should be in front, where it can be admired. | ||||
Aaron Tate is an accomplished, professional glass blower working in Dallas, Texas. I've come to respect his skill and vision, and especially his ability to take a sad excuse for a sketch, and a few minutes discussion, and turn it all into a work of art that works. And, of course, were it not for my wife, Tracee, none of this would ever have happened. |
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My Bois d'Arc page | ||||
Let's go back Home | ||||