I have been keeping a secret - about our Ian's birthday present. Today has been his birthday and now I can reveal all.
Thirty seven years ago, Ian picked up a conker. He was only three years old. We planted that conker in a plant pot and it germinated. Soon we had a tiny horse chestnut tree. Thirty four years ago I planted that little tree in our garden and it grew year by year till it towered above the ground. I estimate that the topmost branches were, in the end, forty feet high.
Then two years ago, for several reasons, we decided to have the tree felled. Most of the wood was taken away by the tree surgeons but I kept back a few logs. I put them under our house close to the gas boiler. I thought if I put them there they would hopefully season quite nicely after two years.
And so that is what happened. The heavy logs lost their moisture.
I hunted around to try to find a skilled wood turner and came across this man who lives south of Chesterfield:-
What a fabulous gift ... or is it a re-gift from a by-product of the first gift?
ReplyDeleteEither way, gorgeous, and a great thoughtful gift.
They are wonderful, such a great idea and keepsakes forever.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful grain in the wood. My turner friend cuts the log in have and lets it dry that way. Somewhere in the process he coats the wood with wax so it dries slowly and does not crack.
ReplyDeleteA unique, beautiful and meaningful gift!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea and gift! Ian will treasure them all his life, and maybe pass them on to little Zach one day. Just lovely, Neil.
ReplyDeleteThe bowls are beautiful!! Such lovely wood. Ian will treasure those forever.
ReplyDeleteShame about the fate of the tree; the bowls are beautiful and a wonderful present.
ReplyDeleteIt really is "a gift that keeps on giving". You had an inspired idea, and found someone who turned it into reality. None of it would have happened without the little boy who found the conker so many years ago.
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy Birthday, Ian! I trust you know what a great Dad you have.
That's a perfect recycle and brilliant as a gift to your son.
ReplyDeleteSuch a story those bowls tell. It was indeed a fabulous idea and i'm pleased it all worked well for you.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to Ian!
How wonderful....and beautiful bowls too!
ReplyDeleteA very thoughtful 40th birthday present for your Ian, that he will always remind him of you, I am sure.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift, with such a personal history. I hope the bowls will be treasured by Ian's descendents.
ReplyDeleteA nice grain and that would be a tree Ian knew well.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, what an absolutely great idea. The bowls are so beautiful and I am sure Ian will treasure them always.
ReplyDeleteHorse chestnut makes attractive bowls.
ReplyDeleteThey are very beautiful bowls! I have saved wood from trees over the years and turned them into things. I am not a wood turner though so no bowls, mostly boxes or furniture.
ReplyDeleteThere is something about wooden bowls - they are so very tactile. A beautiful gift idea.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous and such a wonderful gift!
ReplyDeleteNow see- that is the perfect gift. Absolutely! It could not be a more meaningful and beautiful present. Well done, you!
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful bowls, Neil, and the story behind them is lovely. What treasures for Ian to keep! Great idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift.
ReplyDeleteWow. I am gobsmacked. That is a truly remarkable and special gift -- and they're so beautiful to boot. You outdid yourself with this one, YP!
ReplyDeleteI love wood. I love turned wood. I think that was an absolutely wonderful idea and such a meaningful gift.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely keepsake with so much history and sentimental value. I am sure Ian will treasure them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great gift. My son was 33 today and I bought him a Paul Smith polo shirt, I shall put my thinking cap on over the next seven years to come up with something a little more memorable.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful gift. And the bowls are lovely.
ReplyDeleteWow, an amazing and memorable gift.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, gracious!! Those bowls are such works of art!!! Wow! Your son will never forget that tree or what you did with that wood and how thoughtful you were. I can imagine him as a grandfather (say, in the year 2065) explaining to his grandchildren (I see four) the history and love in those bowls! I am so proud of you!!!
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