I turn my wooden bowls from select material I hand pick from close to its source. These raw logs and burls come mostly from local Vermont forests which are carefully managed. Working with these primal cuts of raw wood I am free extract the pieces within so their character shines in the finished piece - diamonds in the rough.

The Finish:
I finish the bowls with a food safe tung oil. I prefer this finish for many reasons, but mostly because it is most in accord with the soul of each turned piece - locally sourced with low embodied energy.

This oil...

• Allows the feel of the the wood to come through its surface.
• Is entirely plant derived and contains no petrochemicals or heavy metal dryers
• Serves as the basis for a finish that can be maintained by the user.
• Is pleasant and safe for me and the end user to work with, even in its uncured state.  In fact, it smells more like food rather than an oil spill.

Use and care:
Bowls are great for salads, fruit, and nuts or as purely decorative pieces.  Like most good things they may require a bit care. 

• For bowls used for food:
  • After using, scrub thoroughlly wash well with warm water, soap, and a sponge to remove all food oils.
  • Rinse, and towel dry thoroughly.  As with all wooden kitchenware, avoid soaking and the dishwasher.
  • Occasionally, such as when the bowl looks dry or loses its sheen, oil with a polymerized tung oil. I use and recommend Millie's Botanical oil made by Sutherland WellesŪ for the reasons stated above.
  • Dampen the entire surface with the oil on a small patch of cloth or paper towel.  Not so much that it is dripping off of the bowl but fairly generously.  Work this in thoroughly on small sections at a time  making sure to miss any areas. 
  • Allow the oil to stand for five minutes then wipe off any remaining oil with a clean cloth or paper towel. 
  • Buff the surface to an even sheen with another clean towel
  • Allow to cure for two days.
  • In curing, the citrus solvent will evaporate from the finish leaving the tung oil.  The tung oil, in presence of oxygen, will begin to link into long chains.  This is polymerization and is what makes this type of finish unique and one of the most naturally durable.
  • Be patient, this may take a while because there are no heavy metal chemical dryers. 
  • Realize that most oiled woods will naturally darken with time and use.  The change is especially noticeable with light colored woods. This can be seen in antique wooden bowls that have been cared for through hundreds of years of service
    
• For decorative bowls or those used with dry, non oilyfoods:
  • They will require minimal care. 
  • to develop more sheen bowls can be oiled as per above directions.