Dan creates these surprisingly lightweight pieces by first shaping and then hollowing the body of each ornament. He then turns the finials from contrasting woods, designing each to fit snuggly into the body. Many include captured rings, which he skillfully cuts from the same block of wood as the finial as it spins on his lathe.
When satisfied with his work, he gives the pieces that are turned from plainer woods to his wife, Elaine, who may use a variety of media to embellish an ornament. She often uses a woodburner to define her designs, Prismacolor markers to add color without masking the wood grain, and small dots of iridescent paint. Finally, she sprays the piece with a UV protectant before returning it to Dan, who then applies several layers of polyurethane, giving the ornament a finish that is both attractive and durable.
When satisfied with his work, he gives the pieces that are turned from plainer woods to his wife, Elaine, who may use a variety of media to embellish an ornament. She often uses a woodburner to define her designs, Prismacolor markers to add color without masking the wood grain, and small dots of iridescent paint. Finally, she sprays the piece with a UV protectant before returning it to Dan, who then applies several layers of polyurethane, giving the ornament a finish that is both attractive and durable.
