About
Pete's Woodcraft Art
Welcome to Pete's Woodcraft Art, nestled on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Here, local woods like magnolia, walnut, cypress, pear, cherry, Osage orange, oak, and sweet gum reveal their unique grain, color, and character. Every species turns differently, guiding me toward the form that best showcases its natural beauty. I also work with wood and epoxy castings, decorative inlays, and other materials to expand the creative possibilities with vibrant colors and striking patterns.
Fallen trees are given a second life through craftsmanship, imagination, and a deep respect for nature's work. What others see as storm-felled timber or forgotten limbs, I see as potential — a graceful bowl, an elegant vase, or a one-of-a-kind free-form turning waiting to emerge.
With over 50 years of woodworking experience, I am still in awe of the magnificence of this natural material. My body of work is intentionally small, shaped by the care and attention given to every individual piece.
The Process
From fallen tree to finished art
The journey from raw wood to finished piece often spans a year or more. The raw pieces cut from the tree must be carefully dried over a period of many months to prevent splits and cracks — and the angle of that very first cut starts to determine what the piece will become.
After drying, when moisture content is perfect, each creation then begins. The blank is rough-shaped on the bandsaw, paying close attention to the grain patterns and particular uniqueness of that piece. Then onto the lathe, where its hidden grain and character gradually come to life. I often begin turning without knowing what the final form will be; each piece has an innate character that must be discovered and revealed.
The piece is then stabilized and sanded through up to nine grades of sandpaper, from coarse to super-fine, then polished with an abrasive paste and given several coats of a proprietary, food-safe finish. A final coat of Carnauba wax adds protection and luster. With a little care, each piece will last a lifetime.
Care
Care and Maintenance tips
If the invoice on your piece says “Epoxy Finish,” there is no maintenance necessary. Epoxy finishes are very durable and food-safe.
All other bowls are finished with my own tung oil & Carnauba wax finish that brings out the beauty and luster of the wood and is also food-safe. These can be hand-washed in warm water with mild soap and toweled dry. Re-oiling with walnut oil or cutting board oil will restore their luster. Not intended for use with soups or other liquids.