Release the BEAST! - Woodturning a Monster Vase from Laburnum Wood

In this video, I tackle a massive piece of Laburnum wood and turn it into a striking vase that resembles the legendary Kraken! Watch as I take this challenging project from raw wood to a detailed and impressive finished piece, embracing the unpredictable nature of the wood grain to bring out its natural beauty. If you love woodturning, unique designs, or just enjoy watching creativity unleashed, this video is for you. Don’t miss the transformation of this beastly wood into a Kraken-inspired masterpiece!
Thanks for watching and feel free to leave comments in the chat below.
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The methods I demonstrate are not to be used as a guide for best practice. Thanks

[@raydriver7300]

Good evening Mike. I have returned from France today and, instead of unpacking, decided to catch up with you and I’m pleased I did. It’s a lovely Laburnum vase. Guess who is one of 20 participants who will be attending Yandles for a day for the Pro Comfort launch? Have a lovely weekend with your wife and family 🌞

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Ray, hope you had a nice time and thanks. I guess you are one of the 20 lol 😀 that should be fun, let me know how it goes

[@weshemken6101]

I was not sure about this piece during the "planning" stages, but wow, you never fail to amaze me. Beautiful grain (of course), but the shape you ended up with is simply breath taking.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Wes, this type of shape has to be uncovered lol 😀

[@iamclarasentience250]

Who Else sees E.T. in the wood grain?

[@stephaniecarisse7132]

I thought that as soon as I saw the thumbnail lol

[@MikeHolton]

Me me I do 🤣

[@Vinimarshall450]

Me 👍

[@TheBlacklion52]

Rango

[@Lindasue3451]

👍🏼Yes, that’s E.T. 😄

[@thenash4822]

That is a one of your best creations yet Mike! Absolutely gorgeous! Each of your choices were spot on. I enjoyed watching your journey from beginning to end, and your decisions along the way. The transition detail was the perfect addition to highlight the two sections. This is truly an amazing piece of art.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you very much! I love starting to turn something with no idea how it will end up 😀

[@katelinnett9020]

I can't get over what a difference that last little detail made to this piece...it really changed the whole design into an optical illusion! Very clever idea, Mike...that's what I like to call a "light bulb moment"!

[@MikeHolton]

I totally agree Kate, it was a nerve wracking cut but we did it 😀

[@gretarubendall9]

That wood grain is absolutely mesmerizing

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Greta, it certainly is 😀

[@wessnyder6345]

One of your more interesting projects. Always enjoy watching your artistic progression with each piece. As you allow the wood to talk to you, you respond with a result that is stunning. Thanks again Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Wes, I love starting something with no idea how it will look at the end 😀

[@sylviamaunder3409]

Wow, that’s some piece. That wood deserved to be made into something different and it certainly was. I’m just in love with the beauty of the wood. The grain is amazing.

[@simonreily7143]

I love this Mike you made all the right decisions

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Simon! 😀

[@peterthornton8520]

That piece of wood could have become loads of different objects. You do have a good eye for shapes and that has proved it self with this really elegant yet quite rustic vase. Very nice Mike. Would look good in most rooms filled with Flowers. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Peter, loved turning this one and very happy with the way it turned out 😀

[@theresafreeman6426]

Holy smokes, that piece is stunning! The grain 😍😍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Theresa 😀

[@brucegoatly]

For some reason the opening seemed to be saying "FEED ME!". But then I always adored Audrey 2. Beautiful figuring too.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Bruce 😀

[@rhiannonpoole6019]

The grain is just gorgeous, well done. I do appreciate the clear way you explain both what you're thinking and what you're doing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Rhiannon 😀

[@kristikey8320]

It is absolutely gorgeous! It does look like a mushroom with its cap gone. I love it!

[@MikeHolton]

Wow yes it does, thanks Kersti 😀

[@brianwilson193]

Laburnum never fails to surprise, absolutely beautiful!!👍👍

[@MikeHolton]

I just love this wood 😀

[@KimIngram-zh2gh]

I love the grain of this piece. It looks like honey. Another unique and beautiful piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Kim 😀

[@louisjackson4634]

Absolutely stunning Mike! Every time you work with Laburnum I get an itch to cut down the tree I have in my garden.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha part of me is saying just do it 😜

[@billc.6381]

Another stunning piece! The little detail groove really sells the illusion.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much 😀

[@DPerney1]

Listening to your gut is really paying off lately. Absolutely beautiful. Just wonderful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dawn, I've decided just to go with it lol 😀

[@JamEWalsh]

Beautiful vase! I like the running commentary as you talk through your ideas and subsequent choices.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@AngelaColeman-b6i]

Hello Mike. Your enthusiasm for Laburnum is really catching. I am now a true convert. But it also helps that you have created something exquisite as well. Have a great week and I am looking forward to more “oohing and ahhing” in the next video.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Angela same to you 😊

[@charlesconway2259]

Such beautiful grain! I appreciate you taking the time to explain everything. My son and I always learn do much by watching you!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Charles, I really appreciate your comments 😀

[@William_Kenny]

Wow, that piece made you work for it. It's such a beautiful piece of wood and a stunning vase, super well done, Will👍🙂

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Will, I just love starting a piece with no idea how it will end 😊

[@robinkerr1624]

Stunning grain!!! You worked it beautifully Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thanks Robin 😀

[@brucethebassbrand4564]

I was very glad that you listened to your inner self..... and chose the route that you did to make once again, a truly amazing, unique piece. Keep up the good work.😮😅😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much and I'm glad too. I just have to make sure I listen to the right voice 😀

[@micah06v8]

The finished piece reminds me sooo much of an orchid sheath as it's beginning to bloom! Beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I agree it does 😀

[@pturner6175]

This tree never disappoints, another stunning piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@jimvorheis1137]

Beautiful! It looks like a vase escaping from a vase.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jim, I was hoping for something like that 😀

[@ralphgraler4223]

Sir, it's a masterpiece of woodturning... a very amazing shape of a magic vase... with absolut stunning greins in.... each view on it will offer other impressions... epic work!!! Chapeau 🎩

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much, I really enjoyed this one, it's liberating to start a project with no real idea how it will end 😀

[@dakotamax2]

Looks interesting from every angle. A real statement piece that stands alone.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Max 😀

[@gentlebear2722]

Spectacular wood, beautiful grain.

[@MikeHolton]

It really is, I love it 😀

[@advisorspadespf8192]

Super piece of work, Mike. Absolutely stunning. Thank you. Rob.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Rob 😀

[@paulevans180]

Wow, when the finish went on, the colour of the wood really popped

[@MikeHolton]

I know, looks like it's on fire 😀

[@brendafinnegan2182]

Stunning work! And I enjoy listening as you puzzle thru what to do with different elements that are challenging.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoy it Brenda 😄

[@colinmitchell6676]

Absolutely stunning piece, Mike. Even considering the time it took, as you say, Laburnum never disappoints.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Colin, this wood is always worth the effort 😁

[@resurgam_b7]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@JohnBare-l2j]

Maybe the best of everything I've watched so far! Keep up the great work, Mike!!

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thanks John, I'll try 😀

[@kerstin4516]

Wonderful! You created a lotus flower 🎉

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Kerstin, it does look like one 😀

[@MightyWizardTim]

Cool design. I like the vase shape and that last cut really made all the difference.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Tim 😀

[@DanWhelchel-e7h]

Beautiful grain patterns. Spectacular finished piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dan! 😀

[@racheldray1057]

The jigsaw moment was a worry, but it worked! I love the vase and agree, it's definitely a kraken when on it's side, but an elegant and intriguing vase when upright. I think the line separating the two sections was a great move. Love it

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rachel, this was a whole lot of fun, especially the 90 minutes of sanding! 😀

[@RoyWCanada]

Hi Mike, I did not think this was going to work, then what do I know. You proved me wrong and designed a very beautifully Vase with a really distinct attitude which Laburnum has. Thanks, till next time.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Roy, I love starting a piece not knowing how it will end up 😀

[@haroldhoskison7239]

Amazing piece of wood turned into a beautibul piece of art!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Harold 😀

[@ericparramore5136]

The grain is beautiful. Good job on the shape also

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Eric😀

[@nameless6252]

Spectacular result, a work of art.

[@MikeHolton]

So kind, thank you 😀

[@theidlehandsworkshop3884]

WOW that's incredible Sir !!!! The figure, the design, it all comes together so perfectly and looks so stunning. Very well done !!!

[@MikeHolton]

So kind, thanks so much 😀

[@stanshearer7343]

I've noticed that you say "we" and "we are" quite a bit. It's like you are bringing us along on the journey. Thank you for the instructions that you give. Most turning videos are all silent. I like this format much better.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Stan, thanks so much, this is honestly what I hoped to achieve, I just want everyone to feel they are sat next to me as we take the journey together 😀

[@williamfawkes8379]

Good comment. Exactly my opinion as well. It's important to share your thoughts as you work through problems, as that's the closest thing to doing it yourself as you can achieve in an instructional video. Great stuff. Good fun. Err, had to fix my bad typing. 😊

[@kathrynseaman6482]

Beautiful! Love the grain you brought out, it's stunning!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Kathryn😀

[@nikkiewhite476]

This is beautiful. I always love seeing the wood taking shape in your hands. You seem to just know where the best grain and figure is in the wood. I was a bit disappointed you took off the bark at first but you proved it was the right choice once again!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Nikkie😀

[@martincotterill2132]

Wow, that truly is amazing. It’s beautiful. I really do love the way you’ve done that with the emerging form out of the middle. The fantastic grain on this piece really just finish it off perfectly..

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Martin 😀

[@paulplager9498]

Beautiful work Mike. Great design on the piece. Thanks.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Paul 😀

[@loisstump5990]

Love it! What a glow!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Lois 😁

[@stanbreda7222]

Another fine piece with my favorite wood! The grain is stunning as usual! Very interesting shape!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like it Stan 😀

[@Ms.W529]

Mike, that is absolutely stunning!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Terry! 😀

[@turningwiththewoods]

Lovely and challenging

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@susanburrows5288]

Somehow I clicked in partway through and thought what turned out to be the top was the bottom and you were making a huge chess piece. I definitely see why you love this wood so much. The grain is just fantastic! I like the end shape a lot, and I think removing the bark for a natural edge vs a live edge worked better for this piece. LOVE it!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Susan 😀

[@FiregirlHandmadebyWendy]

Beautiful Mike.. it has so much character.. 👌

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Wendy, I had fun with this one 😀

[@trinciacakewalk]

As usual a totally fascinating work. That wood is stunning with all the waves and eyes in it. And your way of using the shape of the piece of wood to create something very different and beautiful is just amazing. 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@damianlee8149]

What an amazing piece. Definitely the right choice to remove the bark from the top section, that plus the groove really adds to the illusion of two different vases.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Damian 😀

[@mysteryms55]

Interesting shape of wood, and I like what you did with it. Beautiful grain. Interesting flower-like top shape. ❤❤❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Lori 😀

[@joeribak]

That detail adding to the illusion, brilliant! I kept thinking a vase within a vase. Then you brought it home with that detail! Very well done, and beautiful result! Cheers 🥂 Joe CA

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Joe 😀

[@lizacole9520]

I love laburnum! ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Me too Liza 😀

[@marykayhansen775]

Another beautiful piece. Great job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Mary 😊

[@lonegunwomen]

Beautiful grain. Well done.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly Margaret 😊

[@aaronneumeyer5572]

Love it! A dozen or two of tulips would look great in that vase.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Aaron, I think you are right 😀

[@mollynakamori]

Also - I had my doubts early on, but WOW - what a great result!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Molly, I had my doubts as well 😀

[@Janet-oj1dy]

Another beautiful piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Janet 😀

[@tfturning]

Tis the season to turn laburnum!! Fantastic work Mike, such a cool looking piece! Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much for watching Tim 😀

[@stucook8622]

That piece turned out great. Thank you for another interesting video.

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Stu 😀

[@Xenos996]

What a work of art, I like it very much. I 've probably said this before but I'll say it again, you are a very talented person!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate it 😀

[@DavidBird-uu8km]

Very nice the grain in the wood really stands out, a very pretty piece of art.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David 😀

[@simon54131]

Another great piece, with a vastly different look. Keep up the great work.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Simon 😀

[@peterbarriscale7857]

Wow! Worth every bit of the time and great effort you put into creating it, Mike. That grain!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Peter 😀

[@williamweaver4946]

I love the way that this vase turned out. Beautiful work Mike. I'm glad you were able to keep so much of the wood's character.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much William ☺️

[@dougcross8609]

That's a lovely piece in a very pretty wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Doug 😀

[@marybethhuson295]

Wow 🤩 what a cool design! It’s amazing how you can come up with these designs.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mary, I'm just lucky 😀

[@davidarcher6954]

Simply a gorgeous work of art......as always Mike fantastic job

[@MikeHolton]

So kind David, thanks 😀

[@RavensViewStudio]

Beauty of a piece, Mike. Bravo!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend 😀

[@mcyuki-s3h]

Yet again you head a direction I'm not comortable with and produce a stunning piece, nice one Mike ;]

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I did have my doubts as well lol 😀

[@82ndairbornevet]

Mike, what a uniquely shaped laburnum crotch piece. I like the idea that you went with when turning out the vase, it really adds to the overall uniqueness of the piece instead of just being a straight body vase. As usual the grain patterns of the laburnum do not disappoint! Great job! Cheers mate! 😎

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend 😀

[@wendycassel3429]

That turned out really well

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Wendy 😀

[@alanneel2749]

That’s a beauty!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Alan 😀

[@shelleygreer915]

Seattle Kraken, our pro hockey team... Stunningly gorgeous! That's by far the most amazing wood grain I've ever seen! Wow! Love what you came up with for the shape.😊❤😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Shelley, it really is a beautiful wood to turn 😀

[@mikew2468]

Beautiful Mike, lovely design

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly Mike 😀

[@matthijskik2832]

Love it!! Again.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks again Matt 😀

[@lisaliechty159]

That is so beautiful and unique!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Lisa 😀

[@BadJawa]

Such beautiful grain. ❤

[@MikeHolton]

I agree 100% 😀

[@megala510]

Beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Mega ☺️

[@stephencarey6114]

Mesmerising wood grain..release the kraken

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks 😂

[@rosannamize6622]

OMGOODNESS! What spectacular woodgrain! The first thing that came to mind during the rough in phase was a Lotus flower. However, after you finished, to me it looked more like a Calla Lilly. Stunning piece!❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Rosanna 😀

[@williamswhistlepipes]

Well done the whole thing works well. As most of us will know artistic flare doesn’t always work out how you would like. It’s a definite keeper👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you William 😊

[@ianlee9755]

Love the grain in this one Mike another lovely piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ian 😀

[@LouisaLee63]

Lovely!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Louisa 😀

[@robertwells1650]

Beautiful Vase Mike! Love the shape that it ended up as. Also love the grain how it turned out with just a shellac finish. Keep the videos coming. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Robert, I'll do my best 😀

[@aliciadare2572]

Love the shape & the grain…laburnum never disappoints.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Alicia, this is such a beautiful wood to turn 😀

[@Tseringlhatso]

Another stunner! and I can absolutely see the Kraken :-)

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Tsering 😁

[@LOTGiscool]

You've got another winner there!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend 😀

[@mattgraham4025]

Other strange idea that turned out amazing! I would love to be as creative as you are. Great job yet again!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Matt, I'm just lucky😊

[@jbjeep8324]

Such stunning wood. Very nice job Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much JB 😀

[@susanackerman217]

Beautiful woodgrain!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Susana 😀