Spalted Maple Candle Holders

Perhaps you have never heard of spalted wood.  I know I was unfamiliar with the term until just recently.  From Wikipedia: “Spalting is any form of wood coloration caused by fungi.  Although primarily found in dead trees, spalting can also occur under stressed tree conditions or even in living trees.  Although spalting can cause weight loss and strength loss in the wood, the unique coloration and patterns of spalted wood are sought after by woodworkers.”

A few years ago Darryl and I cut a maple tree that had blown down into logs, planning to mill them into lumber.  But, time passed and we didn’t get the milling done.  Late this winter we finally decided to check out the logs and decided that the wood was not as solid as it was when the tree fell.  Consequently we cut up part of the logs for firewood and I have burned quite a bit of it.  However, I noticed the discoloration in the pieces of wood and after some research found that it was spalting.

I decided to try turning some of it with my Craftsman Router Crafter.  The resulting candle holders are quite beautiful—not my work necessarily but the wood itself.  Here are a few photos.


These two are 4-3/4 inches tall and have been drilled out on top for a tea light candle or a small votive type candle.  Below is another view.


Pictured below are three candle holders I turned from another piece of maple from the firewood pile.


The tallest of the three is 4-3/4 inches tall.  Here is a view of it by itself.


The next tallest one is 3-1/4 inches tall and the shortest one is 2-1/4 inches tall.  These three are drilled to hold a regular taper candle.

 



The finish on these candle holders is clear spray shellac and then a polishing compound.