The Art of Madeline Usher

my account cart

Several years ago I rescued some pieces cottonwood from my alley after the electrical company brutally trimmed the trees around the power lines. It's not a very good wood for wood-working. 😜 Even with sharp tools, it tears out easily and different parts of the grain get all fuzzy. So I put the wood aside for many years. Recently I decided I wanted a challenge, though, and decided to see if the skills I've learned over the years would help me work this wood. And I found that it's still not a very good wood. oh well. I ended up having to do a lot of sanding to get a smooth surface, free of fuzz and tear-out. Still, after all the sanding, it is a nice little bowl!