BRANCHING OUT: Woodturning a Bowl from Elm's Best Bits

[@tomburns7544]

I always love when people don't hide their mistakes but instead show how they deal with/overcome them. Your solution was so well done and this piece turned out so beautiful. Thanks, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Tom, I always try to keep this as real as possible, this way we can all learn together.

[@TigerTimOakham]

Nice to see even you make mistakes occasionally - makes me feel a bit better!

[@MikeHolton]

@@TigerTimOakham I'm no different to anyone else 😁

[@taysider01]

The funnel group is growing everyday, I joined around 3 years ago. There is something about a natural edge bowl that just looks beautiful from any angle, yours is no exception. Great work Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David, love the way this one turned out 😃

[@brycegenevaostler9359]

Love the bowl. Funnel and all. You should give this bowl away. It's a great prize to have the famous Mike Holton Funnel. Thanks again

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Bryce, not a bad idea lol 😃

[@katelinnett9020]

Mistakes are valuable lessons that promote humility and keep us from getting too cocky! My grand-dad turned his first (and only) funnel into a trophy cup on a pedestal, and titled it "Monument to Incompetence". It had a place of honor on his desk, and he kept walnuts in it! 😆

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Kate, I love that story 😃

[@barryrankin587]

We all make mistakes, and what defines us is wether you give up or find a solution. What a perfect solution. Love the live edge, and the bulls eye.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! Giving up is the quickest way to stop learning so I prefer to carry on wherever possible😃

[@MarieToth-m2q]

It’s good to know I’m not the only one that has an occasional “oomphs”. Nice fix.

[@MikeHolton]

Happens to us all Marie 😃

[@philgallagher1]

Congratulations, Mike! It took you long enough, but you have finally joined the "Funnel Club"!! Despite that, the bowl you have produced is fantastic!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Phil 😀

[@davidbaxter5132]

Welcome into the Funnel Club, Mike; I would say that you have done well to have made so many pieces without that particular 'mishap' - but it seems somewhat rude to write that! I will admit to being a two-time member; one I remedied with a plug, the other went to the scrap bin - I couldn't hide my disappointment in myself! This is a lovely bowl, super natural edge and goes to show that a few worm holes and cracks can be handled along the way. Great job, Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David, I have come very close before but being a coward I don't like to make think bowls 😃

[@vincenthardman7691]

Nature never fails to amaze me with the variety of patterns it creates all on it's own. Another great looking piece and I think the "plug" adds extra character. Thank you for sharing Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Vincent 😃

[@johnbrereton4756]

Good save.. What a stunning bowl , thanks for teaching that mistakes are not the end of a project.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much John, there is always something you can do to get a piece over the finish line 😀

[@biggi3601]

Embracing mistakes and turning them into something nice and wonderful. This is a good lesson to learn. Thank you.

[@MikeHolton]

You're very welcome and thanks 😀

[@williamkaplan9288]

The repair adds character to the bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William 😃

[@charmainerohde8575]

Creative people are problem-solvers. Watching your solution take shape, we learn so much more. LOVE that you kept the bit of moss. You've crafted another stunning piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Charmaine, I guess you are right, problem solving is one of my better skills 😃

[@TheLoxxxton]

The fact you spent time at the end talking but doing nothing but feeling, rotating and enjoying the feel of the wood and the bowl said more than words.

[@MikeHolton]

I'm a very tactile person, the feeling of something is as important as how it looks 😃

[@colinwatmore7041]

Welcome to the club, I joined quite early in my turning endeavours. It was called the golfing bowl (a hole in one). Still got it, hole and all. I told my wife that it was in case any fruit went off so the juice could run out. She never used it except for keeping the dogs collar in. I have often thought of plugging it but it is a nice conversation piece and causes a laugh. Love the elm bowl by the way.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Colin, can you turn it into a lampshade?

[@raydriver7300]

Good morning Mike and welcome to the funnel club. One of the great joys of this community is the willingness of people to share everything, mistakes included. I took the opportunity of chatting with Dan of Yandles on Sunday at makers central as well as meeting Nick Zametti and Jim Overton for the first time. Have a good week and an even better weekend. I’ll look for your podcast. As always, thank you for taking the time to share 🌞

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Ray, sounds like a good event, I have had an email exchange with Jim but never met Nick. I'll try and get down next year if I can find the time 😃

[@davidjowett8195]

Great recovery from a mistake. And yes, the repair fits well into the finished item. Thanks, again, for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it David 😁

[@davidjowett8195]

@@MikeHolton Very much so. I miss my lathe

[@DesignbyDek]

I really appreciate the fact that you not only show the mistake, but make it a feature of the bowl. I honestly can't say that I would've handled that nearly as well as you did. That turned out wonderfully. I would certainly love to get that one in a give-away.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Dek

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Great bowl. You made the repair perfectly, IMHO. It is impossible to “match” the grain, so it always stands out as a repair. A contrasting wood or something in a different grain orientation is the way to go. The brighter sap wood, darker heart wood, and change of grain direction makes this a feature rather than a glaring repair. Super work!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Doug 😃

[@DavePlutto]

Owning up to one’s mistakes speak volumes. Another beautiful turning.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dave, if I can share the good and the bad then we can all learn together 😃

[@kensmith1522]

All right, Mike good save. The bowl is a beauty! If that bowl was in the give away I would want it, I love it. It’s got a great story and is unique… I would give it a name “The Redemption Bowl” 😄

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Ken, great name, I may just use it for this piece 😃

[@BarbaraShelton-xz9vn]

That plug only adds to the uniqueness of the bowl, it doesn't take away a thing. Problem solving on the fly is a gift.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Barbara, problem solving is one of my better skills 😃

[@Mx-Alba]

Well, welcome to the Funnel Club! I love the edge on this piece by the way...

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@waynehilling5645]

I’d be more than happy to have that as the give away prize. When my daughter joined that club we added resin to the base and made it a feature. When I did it I made a stand and used the whole to join the 2 pieces together.

[@MikeHolton]

Both good ideas 😊

[@nikkia9506]

There I was, thinking, "With all those worm holes he needs to be careful he doesn't travel through to another dimension " Then you did!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha 😂

[@stephenaxford1505]

Love what comes out hidden within a piece of wood. I agree with your idea that mistakes should not be hidden but become part of the story of that piece of wood. Looking forward to watching the Yandles channel tomorrow. It’s where I get my wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Stephen, hope you enjoy it 😃

[@Angela-en6oh]

Hello Mike. I love your “labur-n-elm” bowl. It really looks very classy. To my mind, this sort of “event” should always be referred to as a design feature, never a mistake. Have a great week and enjoy this piece of artistry.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha great name! Love it 😃 and thanks

[@MrJeremySF]

She's a beaut. Good save.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! 😃

[@rustyzx9562]

Overcoming adversity!!! Love it... This piece turned out beautifully.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@troybaldwin5329]

Always remember little mistakes lead to wonderful discoveries and beautiful opportunities 🥰

[@MikeHolton]

Absolutely!! 😁

[@BrendaK-b9s]

Watching how you fixed your “mistake” was the most intriguing part of the whole video. You are a real pro, Mike. Loved the whole thing and, of course, love this unique piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Brenda 😃

[@williamriley-le9zo]

Hello Mike, You made a great looking bowl with a nice finish. You didn't make a mistake. You experienced a learning lesson. Now if you do not learn from this lesson, then you have made a mistake. Nice save with the Liburnum. It looks very good. Take care and keep turning. Bill Riley

[@MikeHolton]

You are so right Bill, very clear distinction!

[@mollynakamori]

First, I can't imagine a piece any nicer than this one. It's magnificent! Second, you have captured the essence of Wabi Sabi. VERY well done!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@constancegobert3785]

Beautiful bowl, you never cease to amaze me.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@rogerpearson6232]

Welcome to the club. Plugs are our friends😁. Great save. And that elm is pretty.

[@MikeHolton]

thanks Roger, elm is just so beautiful 😃

[@loranwfry-zu9pu]

Very nice work Mike

[@nicholaskrest]

Beautiful - as we always expect. As I learned from my child’s primary school teacher “ Sometimes we make marvellous mistakes”

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Nicholas, mistakes are just a great way to learn 😃

[@mikehorning4060]

WOW, even the experts make mistakes (very seldom that I have seen) and then you demonstrate how to fix AND be confidentally proud of the finished work of art. Stunning sir! Thank you once again.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Mike, everyone makes mistakes 😃

[@joeribak]

One might not be proud of a mistake, but you can be proud of the solution. This bowl has so much going for it, including the “bullseye” bottom! Great job as always Mike! Cheers! Joe CA

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Joe, that's a good sentiment! 😃

[@thenash4822]

That bowl has a lot of character Mike. I love how you kept the live edge and the grain is beautiful. Your recovery was nicely done, and adds to the bowl's story. Nice work!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it my friend, thanks 😃

[@jeanlong4285]

Welcome to the club, great save. The bowl turned out great. Love Howard's Feed and Wax.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too Jean and thanks 😃

[@cobberpete1]

Well... I'm surprised you are only just joining the funnel club. I have a few gold medals LOL. Just this week, a member of our club who has been turning for 50 years added a trophy to his shelf 🤪. Nice recovery.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, I'm sure it won't be my last and like you I am surprised to have lasted this long 😂

[@marybethhuson295]

Stunning Elm bowl with Happy Little Accident, Mike 💕 I love the live edge and the natural beauty.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Mary 😊

[@stephanielovatt2787]

This is a lovely bowl! I haven't seen much elm turned, so it was a bit of a treat. Well done on your recovery,of the unexpected ventilation. Don't worry about membership of the funnel club: It becomes something of a rite of passage....Helps to keep us humble. 😀

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Stephanie and I guess you are right 😃

[@michalcoston3949]

as a fellow member of the funnel club welcome ! I love the feal that Howard's feed and wax gives the wood . you can still feel the wood , and it looks so natural .wonderful bowl

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Michal, I agree especially on the darker woods 😃

[@cynthiahamptonprince9449]

Love the way the "mistake" becomes a lovely feature on this bowl. I think it's beautiful! I'd proudly display this in my home. Congrats on the podcast, and have fun!! 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Cynthia, quite happy with the way the fix went 😃

[@lisagriger5261]

As you were hollowing it out I was thinking to myself " I hope he knows how far to go." So close! Beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha oh well 😁

[@jordanarmstrong4839]

I love turning elm. I have never turned a boring piece. the grain is always cool.

[@MikeHolton]

Agreed, it really is a beautiful wood 😃

[@racheldray1057]

I would be more than happy for that bowl as a giveaway, it is stunning and the laburnum goes so well because of the natural edge and bark inclusions. The elm is beautiful. As you know I created a funnel with one of my very first bowls, It's heartbreaking, but welcome to the club. Thank you for showing us process of fixing it. That helps so much for all sorts of problems us turner's face. You were so dignified! I would have been swearing so much. Such an amazing bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rachel, problems happen and we just deal with them 😊

[@racheldray1057]

@@MikeHolton Not always as well as you did then

[@brunomerk7635]

Well done, welcome to the club. I really think everybody who is working on natural edge pieces has the experience once going through the bottom. I did it on a really cool piece of eucalyptus and fixed it, but I can tell you you won't forget it and every time you take the piece in your hands....

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bruno, not you are right, I will never forget this one 😃

[@markmeltser1094]

Mike, greetings from Warwick in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Nearly all of the towns in this area take their names from cities in England. I’m not a turner nor a woodworker of any sort, but I thoroughly enjoy watching how you allow the wood to dictate the final shape. Whether it’s cracks, knots, or a Forstner a bit deeper than planned, your finally product is always gorgeous. I would more than welcome an opportunity to win that bowl in a future drawing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Mark, so many people have said this so I may just offer it up 😃

[@stevefaber1]

The finish has produced such a beautiful colour to some gorgeous wood. It was great to see the wood plug being used, rather than gluing on a new base or some other solution.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Steve, the plug is the strongest and easiest way to fix this little issue 😃

[@MGDesignsWoodworking]

Welcome to the prestigious funnel club! Really nice save. It looks great. I like to use a piece of painters tape to mark the depth on my drilling. It is very visible and easy to remove so you don’t need to worry about past markings.

[@MikeHolton]

I've done that myself and I have loads of tape handy, hindsight is a wonderful thing lol 😃

[@robertwells1650]

A great looking bowl Mike! Love how you recovered from your oops on the bottom. I think all woodworkers have done something similar in their lives. WE can all learn from our mistakes. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

So true Robert 😁

[@stevescott8655]

Lovely bowl, Mike! I know it smarts, especially on camera, but I love the way you make lemonade out of lemons, and this one is an exceptional batch of lemonade! Sometimes the sourest lemons make the best lemonade. Cheers!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@lorainenatalino5534]

Love the natural edge…pretty little bowl…boo-boo and all…lol…👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks very much 😀

[@johnnesbitt9337]

Englands new keeper. Brilliant save!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks John 😃

[@RenaLarson61]

Great save with the base, elm really is quite beautiful, love the grain. I'm really glad you left it as it was, a beautiful natural edge bowl Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Rena 😃

[@theresafreeman6426]

Beautiful piece, and love that you embraced the “mistake”

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@dawnjanacek]

Even your funnels are lovely! 😛🤍

[@MikeHolton]

haha thanks Dawn 😃

[@markdesautels4764]

Funnel Club...first time I've heard that, got a good chuckle out of it. At least it was an easy fix. Love the live edge pieces. Beautiful bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Mark 😃

[@petershipman7314]

Great job ,stunning piece,love the plug😂😂🎉❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 🤗

[@larryjefferson2146]

Time spent following a mistake is the “burning of artistic adrenaline”. What a lasting sensation! Not bad but definitely lasting. Enjoyed this video as much as any of the others and I’ve seen them all! Keep sharing with us, especially your elders, your joy of creation.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Larry, really appreciate your words 🙏

[@RoyWCanada]

Hi Mike, another stunning piece even with the error an easy mistake it proves you are human and humans make mistakes. Honesty is always the best way to solutions. Thanks for the video and the training you could call this one the holey Moley or just marvellous.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Roy, I always try to show everything, the good, the bad and the just plain stupid lol 😃

[@vdubboy85225]

It's the prettiest funnel I've ever seen. 😅 Beautiful as always Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@paulplager9498]

Mike check into a DeWalt angle drill for sanding the inside of bowls. They have not let me down yet.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Paul, I was thinking about something like that 😄

[@baconsoda]

That is a good save. I love when I can rescue a piece... well, I've had plenty of practice! Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Brendan, me too 😃

[@mikeearl7588]

Elm is a beautiful wood and you did it justice , as usual!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Ms.W529]

I think this is beautiful. I even like the plug. It makes it more interesting.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! It certainly helps tell a story 😃

[@davidarcher6954]

Good day to you sir Mike there are no mistakes........it is creative freedom

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David 😃

[@silverback484]

Turned out stunning and anyone can make a mistake, that's how we learn.

[@MikeHolton]

I could not have said it better myself 😃

[@marycranford708]

AWESOME!!!!! My very favorite is natural, raw edge .

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mary, mine too 😃

[@gregdownunderinOz]

Nice repair Mike. Always great to see how repairs are made, either leaving an obvious or seamless finish

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Greg👍

[@beniborukhov9436]

I like these pieces with lots of character.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend, I do too 😃

[@cudamank]

I appreciate you always sharing design opportunities as they come up. A good solution and another amazing piece of art!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Mark 😃

[@lizacole9520]

Brilliant! You are such a cool dude. Well done for showing your mistake so that everyone can learn from it. But also we'll done for making such a fabulous job of repairing it. Bravo! ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Liza 😄

[@countrytxrose]

I really like the look of the bowl named the edge, rim the way you lift it. Very good look. The color, wood is beautifully.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@jmb3450]

Beautiful job! I love it when an "oops" moment is used to add artistic character. I've got some crotch pieces sitting around and will try something similar. I also find sandind deep bowls a challenge, particularly when they are uneven such as this one. Thanks for the knowledge gained and inspiration.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jim 😁

[@susanburrows5288]

This has a beautiful natural edge, great to show the bits of burl grain at the top. Your fix for your unintended feature looks good, the bulls-eye pattern makes in look more intentional.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Susan, the fix looked better than I could have hoped for 😃

[@TimAhlstrom]

Love the fix with the plug - looks very natural.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@hansmuster1572]

Mistake? There was no mistake. You made a beautyfull Elm Bowl with a Labernum Socket. All went exactly as planned ;-)

[@MikeHolton]

haha and I will keep telling myself that 😃

[@jjudy5869]

@@MikeHolton In quilting it is called a 'design choice'. 😉

[@rodevans602]

Brilliant! The plug looks as if it was meant to be there !

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! It turned out better than I had hoped 😃

[@barbfilion5646]

Great funnel, I must say. The more you do the more that can happen...good and bad. Still a lovely bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Barb 😃

[@Radcon-2222]

Welcome to the funnel club. That’s a nice save and it looks really good..

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I'm surprised how well it turned out 😁

[@patembry6625]

While watching the progress on the bowl, I was just wondering how you know when you are close to going through the bottom…when you we thought. But you did a magnificent job of the repair. I commend you not trying to hide the repair. Great job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Pat, I try to be honest and open about everything that happens, I'm as capable of making a mistake as everyone else and if showing how I fix issues helps someone else then it's all worth while 🙂

[@colinball1960]

Welcome to the "club" Mike. Lovely bowl at the end of it.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Colin 😃

[@kristikey8320]

A serendipitous bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Very much so, thanks Kirsty 😀

[@vtalbot2744]

Love watching the process. That edge is fantastic. I really enjoy how you let the piece evolve. VERY lovely!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much!

[@Tseringlhatso]

It's really beautiful, wormholes, funnel and all! And personally, I'd love it as a give away 😊

[@MikeHolton]

So many people have said this, I may just do it 😃

[@jamescollins798]

Great video, Mike! I applaud your openness. If all of your mistakes turn out this well, then relax and make a few more.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks James, it's been a few weeks since I made my last one 😃

[@79Firegirl]

Nice one again.. love pieces with burls. And a very nice solution for the funnel, obvious but not to obvious 👌

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Wendy 😃

[@Rwizard206]

Another beautiful bowl. You do awesome work. Glad to see the mistake and how you were able to repair it. Looks great with that slightly different piece in the bottom. Great job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@mikew2468]

A lovely result Mike and a super solution to a minor hurdle!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mike 😃

[@RattiDave]

Mike - Even your "mistakes" come out beautifully. That Viburnum plug looks intentional!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dave, it's called laburnum 😃

[@Firebird1005]

Didn't see this one coming. Absolutely fine piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! This one was fun 😃

[@RavensViewStudio]

Nice save, Mike! Welcome to the funnel club! Turned out very well. Love the laburnum touch, the red/purple looks great alongside the golden brown elm. Bravo! For sanding the inside, if I'm working a live/natural edge that has a real knuckle-biting edge, I tend to use my 50mm pad, but with a 125mm disc, with cuts from the edge to the vent holes to give it a series of flaps. That way, small movements on the drill allow the flaps to curve with the bowl edges... Kinda like a Sand-o-flex, but without the bulky parts. Works well for narrow hollows too.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I think I get what you mean, if you have time can you send me a pic please? ([e-mail])

[@RavensViewStudio]

@@MikeHolton Sent! But, I've been told my emails sometimes end up in spam :-\

[@MikeHolton]

@@RavensViewStudio not this time 😃

[@geoffreywood5808]

I love the bowl. Also fascinated by the optical illusion that you’re “turning air” when you first start up the sides. The sounds of the cutting is heard, but you can’t actually see the wood, just the gouge hanging in midair!

[@geoffreywood5808]

Great recovery from the “oopsie”. As Bob Ross used to say, “There are no mistakes, only “Happy Accidents”. I think the plug adds a lot of character to the piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Geoffrey, the 'air cutting' really messes with the mind, you have to look at the opposite corner to watch the effect the tool is having as you can't actually see what you are cutting

[@colinmacdonald404]

Thanks 👍I think the plug adds character.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Colin 😃

[@William_Kenny]

A great turn and a great save well done Mike 👏 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Will, what do you use to sand deep steep sided bowls?

[@DoloresJNurss]

I must say that the end result was worth all of the tribulations along the way! Funny how the most troublesome wood yields the best results for those patient enough to work with it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, I love working with odd pieces like this 😃