If we were having coffee, I’d tell you I can’t believe it’s September already! I suppose a lot of people are feeling that way. The weather has been pleasantly cooler this week, but I know there are still hot days to come before autumn settles in.
Autumn is my favorite time of year, and I have plenty of indoor projects lined up for the rainy season. More painting. More demolishing portions of the house and hoping I can reinstate them. And maybe more whittling:
If we were having coffee, I’d show you my “found art sculpture” that I’ve been whittling on and have decided is finished now. It is a section of wood that I pruned out of a tree, formed by two branches that grew together into a permanent knot.
Knotted branch pre-whittling.
I didn’t notice the unusual growth until I was gathering the cut branches to put them in the compost bin. Had I seen it before cutting it down, I may have left it to grow, to continue its bonding of two into one. But at least I spotted it in time to save it from being chipped up for mulch.
Knotted branch post-whittling.
I was going to put a coat of polyurethane on the wood to protect it, but I coated a sample piece of the same type of wood and I don’t like the look or feel of it. So this piece is going to stay au naturale.
I showed it to my sister in-law and she commented on how the feel of the smooth wood is calming. I hadn’t thought of it that way before she mentioned it, but I agree. And I’m glad I stuck to using only my utility knife for the project, instead of sanding it smooth. I think perhaps that affects the feel.
So maybe this is not a piece to be stuck on display and allowed to gather dust. Maybe it’s meant to be interactive. Handled now and again for textile calming and comfort. Admired for the complexity/simplicity of nature.
I know, I know. It’s just a piece of wood. But in that vein, one could also say that Michelangelo’s marble statue of David is just a rock.
And now that I’ve likened myself to Michelangelo, I suppose it’s time to come back to mundane reality. There are dishes to be washed, laundry to be folded, and whittling scraps to be swept up.
Thanks for stopping by and listening to my dissertation on the sublime qualities of a chunk of wood. Feel free to run your hand over the smooth branches on your way out, and have a calm, peaceful weekend.
#WeekendCoffeeShare is generously hosted by Diana at PartTimeMonsterBlog.com.
What Rhymes with Stanza? 
It would make a great centerpiece at Thanksgiving when all the relatives around some tables can get tense! Love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great idea! I can hear it now: “Please pass the gravy.” “Please pass the wood knot.”
LikeLike
I have been enjoying getting together with you for coffee virtually. My dad was a woodworker and I agree: the feel of a piece of wood in one’s hands can be extremely calming. A reminder that I may need to find one to keep on my desk!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My mother always carried a smooth rock; her “worry stone.” I am definitely more of a wood person. I hope you find a good piece!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful! It almost looks like antlers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does, doesn’t it? Since it has no specified “up” or “down,” it seems to look different every time I move it, depending on how it’s positioned when I set it back down.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That wood does look beautiful. I think its a good idea to leave it natural.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I’m glad I did a trial before applying anything to it. I would have regretted it, I’m sure.
LikeLike
I love this piece. My boyfriend and I were wondering how you were able to give it such a smooth look. (then I scrolled down lol). I absolutely love it! Great work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m so glad I found it before it got ruined.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe what an interesting post on.. wood. It does sound very therapeutic, I wish I could handle the wood right now. Wishing you a great week ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Maybe I should start a wood-for-loan program. Ship it off to whomever feels the need. It would probably become a very well-traveled stick.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The knotted branch is very cool, great find. Good eye!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! It was a fun project for me.
LikeLike