QUITE Unexpected! : The Spalted Elm Burl Woodturning Journey

[@andyfirthbespoke]

That's a cracking little dish Mike, love it. Enjoy the tool wall and thanks for the plug😊 Have a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful New Year my friend.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Andy, I really appreciate you getting this done before the id day, have a great break! 😀

[@fionacrouch1732]

@MikeHolton oooh yes, I forgot to say how awesome the tool wall looks. Great job Andy

[@flatflo]

@andyfirthbespoke I do love me a French cleat!

[@williamfawkes8379]

That platter has so many eyes, there's nowhere to hide from it. Marvelous looking. Hey, just a little tidbit for you, the black lines of spalted wood are called "zone lines." They are a barrier created by the fungus to protect its territory from neighboring fungi. It looks amazing, and it has a purpose too. Just like the platter that you made from it. Once again, Elm shows us why it's not to be dismissed as firewood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William and thanks so much for the information! All the best, Mike 😀

[@paulraines5152]

That's what always fascinated me about spalting. Just one specie and you end up with a white rot log on the forest floor. More than one and the battle lines form, the fungi keep each other in check until a balance is reached, and the tree gets to continue. I see spalting and I see a war fought to a stalemate.

[@roamingchemist2514]

Nice tool wall! A tip for mounting shallow pieces that I use frequently when turning platters: Glue a sacrificial block of hardwood the size of a small faceplate onto the center of the wood and mount onto that for the initial turning (or just drill the mortise into the block for expansion jaws). When you reverse the piece, you simply turn the block away. With a thicker block you can use a worm screw instead. I use wood glue; I don't trust hot melt glue.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, if I had more time I would have done it but this is a very busy time of the year lol 😀

[@mysteryms55]

My god that wood pattern is psycadellic. A nice close up of that grain, and some colored lights, and it's back to the early 1970s! I'm running out of adjectives. Stunning! ♥️ ❤ ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks so much 😅

[@beniborukhov9436]

The way those swirls popped out when you applied the sealer was really something. Merry Christmas.

[@MikeHolton]

I know Ben I was stunned! Merry Christmas 😀

[@pippin1ful]

A remarkable piece of elm. It has always interested me with its fantastic grain, then the burls! Papa Noël will be very pleased with your result, Mike. I missed this at Christmas, so, all the best for 2025. A wonderful result!

[@damianlee8149]

The time you spent stopping and checking this piece has meant that you have managed to get the absolute best out of a truly beautiful piece of wood. Congratulations and merry Christmas to you and your family

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Damien and the same to you and yours 😁

[@terryostype9099]

Absolutely beautiful, I love how you work with the natural shape and grain of the wood...it almost ends up as a collaboration between you and the tree! Merry Christmas and I hope your channel climbs to even greater heights in 2025

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Terry, I try to let the wood decide what it wants to be, that way I always have something else to blame 😁

[@scottcates]

The spalting is nice and the swirling burl patterns are fascinating. The beauty in this piece really shines. P.S. The Shady Acres reference was a nice callout.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Scott 😀

[@Popinki-x2r]

Next Christmas, you'll have to make sure and leave Santa some nice cookies on that platter to thank him for the nice gift 🎁

[@MikeHolton]

Great idea, I'll do just that 😀

[@pennyperry9561]

Perfect Christmas for an artist, new toys, tools and beautiful raw materials! Great job using them all to bring out the fantastic natural beauty of the piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Penny ☺️

[@kathleencarpentier3397]

Oh my, the color contrast in the burl is spectacular! Still love the live edge, even without the bark. We thank Santa as well❣️

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Kathleen 😊

[@edwardukleja4583]

Another attractive piece. The main reason I enjoy your videos is that you use “lumps” of wood to create beautiful pieces rather than a bowl blank. Fortunately I have a ready supply of odd lumps but have not been able to “see” the possibilities. Thank you for showing me what is possible.

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Edward ☺️

[@Symplegades]

The piece is stunning as usual, but that tool rack is legendary.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and I completely agree 😀

[@cherylswanson5503]

Your Christmas present wood is just gorgeous. I marvel at your ability to picture things in your mind and have them turn out so beautifully. Thanks so much for sharing it online. I really enjoy it. I'm a senior citizen and a lot of times I don't have a lot to do, but I enjoy watching your program.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Cheryl 😊

[@j.graham8068]

Santa has good taste, that's a beautiful piece of wood. I really like your sympathetic turning that allows it to really shine. Also have to say that new tool rack is great!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much, the tool rach is just what I wanted 😁

[@yonderhillwildlife]

Whole worlds to be seen in that one! Could get lost in it for hours.

[@MikeHolton]

I know exactly what you mean 😊

[@carolsmith4377]

That's a beauty, I'm sure Rudolph and Phil would agree! Happy holidays.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Carol 😀

[@BadJawa]

Every piece still amazes me from beginning to end. ❤❤❤ the spalting just adds so much more character.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@kathrynseaman6482]

Santa knows you well and that's a very beautiful bowl! Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Kathryn you too! ☺️

[@elainecooksey5338]

Merry Christmas, Mike and family. And a Happy New Year. Such a lovely bowl. Father, Christmas is a lovely man, too have left you that beautiful piece of wood, and a lovely job you have made of it. 🎉🎅🎄🎊🎁🎉 .xxx

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Elaine and the same to you and yours, all the best, Mike 😁

[@WoodWizardrybyColin]

now that is a fantastic storage solution That table is amazing.Stunning piece of wood and as always an awesome result

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Colin 😁

[@theidlehandsworkshop3884]

What an astonishing piece, that's the kind of thing you put on a table and stare at for hours and still not see every detail it has hiding in plain sight. Very well done and very good eye Santa !!! Loving everyone getting new toys, as I was watching this I was making some Doctor Who coasters with my new laser engraver lol.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha that sounds cool! You will have to send me a pic if you don't mind? ([e-mail])

[@cheryldavies5078]

Don’t know which is more impressive - the tool wall, the desk, the drill or the finished product!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Cheryl, for me it's the tool wall lol 😀

[@chrisjohnston2449]

Have a look at the 3:22 mark of the video. Santa may have delivered it, but the Grinch is showing his shape in the spalting. Too bad he was turned away. Spectacular finished piece. Well done

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Chris, good spot! 😀

[@nameless6252]

That wood is incredible! This video is a great Christmas gift to all your viewers -thank you! Happy New Year 🎉🥳🎉

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and the very same to you 😀

[@miryamweisberg5053]

I’m currently sitting here waiting for my first very own lathe to arrive on the truck. This is a real inspiration. Thanks.

[@MikeHolton]

Brilliant Miryam, hope it arrives safe 😀 Merry Christmas

[@archiehebron8944]

Yes! You got the sanding flap thing!🎉

[@MikeHolton]

Haha it worked great 😀

[@williamweaver4946]

That is one off the most beautiful pieces of wood that I've seen. That spalting and the burl is such an amazing combination in this piece. Great work MIke!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much William and I have to agree the wood is just amazing!😀

[@JonathanSargent-q7v]

That tool wall is incredible. I would watch a video on just that!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jonathan, I'll see if it can be arranged lol 😆

[@alisonhesswilliams5791]

I think that's my second favorite piece of wood! Especially on the back, but also on the front it looks like a nebula busy birthing thousands of new suns!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Alison, the grain is pretty amazing! 😀

[@flatflo]

That grain looks like Van Gogh painted it, while the colors are so golden it reminds me of Klimt! You did an amazing job of celebrating the character of that wood. Warmest holiday wishes, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and the same to you! You have mentioned two of my favourite artists lol 😀

[@philb8437]

The round patterns really make me think to Van Gogh's Starry Night. I really like the look of it

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Phil, a few people have said the same 🙂

[@leonieseliger1722]

As beautiful as the burl wood is, the real present is that amazing tool rack! The expression on your face said it all. Thank you for giving us all a video present on Christmas Even and have a Happy Christmas!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Leonie, I must admit I do love that tool wall!! Merry Christmas to you and yours and I hope you have a wonderful new year 😀

[@simon54131]

An amazing piece released from the blank by an expert.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Simon 😀

[@marybethhuson295]

Wow! Santa brought you 3 presents! What a lucky guy😊 What you created with that stunning piece of nature is a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Mary and the same to you 😁

[@LadyKatJPhillips]

🎉🎉🎉GLORIUS! The middle of the bowl is perfection! Love your work Mr. Holton.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Kat 😀

[@BarbaraShelton-xz9vn]

All those little swirls and Eddie's make me think of turbulence, like flying through a storm. Beautiful and primal. Thank you for sharing with us. Have a very Merry Christmas.😺

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Barbara, and you too 😁

[@ThePapa1947]

When you put the finish on it this burl came to life. That was a real Wow Factory! We have a very large Siberian Elm that is full of huge burls. They have that same pattern but it does not go deep into the wood. And I do not have permission to cut any off. Well not if I do not want to sleep in the dog house. And we do not have a dog LOL

[@MikeHolton]

Haha I know just what you mean Gary, sometimes it's better to keep our better halves happy 😁. Saying that I would be very tempted 🤣

[@kensmith1522]

What a lovely piece of wood Santa provided, father Christmas is very generous. I agree with you on the simplicity of the turn, exquisite beauty! Merry Christmas, Mike…

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Ken and the same to you 😀

[@sylviamaunder3409]

Oh my, Santa has certainly been very good to you this year, motorised table, tool wall and an exceptional piece of wood to turn. It’s absolutely beautiful. You’ve done a marvellous job of it. The grain and patterns on that platter could keep me mesmerised for ages.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Sylvia, I'm a very lucky boy 😁 Merry Christmas 😁

[@Amy_McFarland]

That is stunning! You are a true artisan!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Amy 😀

[@PaulStaples-h2f]

Your cinematography and effects of the video are amazing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Paul, I keep trying to get better 😀

[@barryrankin587]

Someone must have been a good boy this year for Santa to leave such a nice gift. 😇 You made Santa and Phil proud with leaving the natural edge. Must be trying to get some browny point with Rudolph. 😜 That’s a very nice tool rack, and frees up a lot of space. Merry Christmas to you and your family and Happy New Year.

[@MikeHolton]

Happy holidays Barry and thanks so much 😀

[@brianbilz5364]

Cool platter there. The figure in that wood is gorgeous.

[@MikeHolton]

It sure is Brian, quite stunning 😊

[@amandadavis139]

What a beautiful piece! You really managed to turn it and keep all the unique beauty. It almost reminds me of Egyptian writing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Amanda 😀

[@gertthesquirt3924]

OMG I cackled when FC does the 'sshh' after clanging about with a dirty great bell 🤣 Very nice piece of wood and nicely worked.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha I did wonder if someone would mention that 😀

[@FiregirlHandmadebyWendy]

Very unique piece Santa has given you.. all those swirls 🌀, beautiful and complemented with the spalting, just wow 🤩. You made a stunning platter 👌. Enjoy your Christmas 💙🩵💜

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Wendy, you too 😁

[@GregH-b5n]

Very nice. Good job on the depth of the dish so that the spalting remained.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Greg, last thing I wanted was to loose it 😊

[@jimneely4527]

Very nice treatment of this gnarly piece of wood. It's amazing what nature can do and even more amazing in the hands of a skilled turner.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jim 😀

[@thejammiebricker2327]

Merry Christmas😊. The grain has so many images in it, including a swirly sky of stars. When I was sick as a child, I spent a lot of time stairing at the grain of my bedroom door picking out lots of fun images that I still remember, including the big, fat crocodile in the mud puddle😄

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks so much! Merry Christmas 😀

[@joeribak]

You definitely have the vision, skill, and finesse it takes to find the fine balance between keeping the attractive features in the wood, and developing a beautiful design. I’ll continue to keep striving for that ideal. Have a Joyful Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2025! Cheers 🥂 Joe CA

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Joe and all the best to you and yours 😁

[@Xenos996]

Thank you for posting another entertaining video, I also want to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Also, I want to thank you for always replying to my comments, it means a lot to me. 🎄

[@MikeHolton]

You're more than welcome my friend and thanks so much. Hope you and your loved ones have an wonderful Christmas and a happy new year 😀

[@NomaD_203]

The way the grain just bloomed when you added the shellac 😍. Gorgeous! Merry Christmas to you and yours. Have a wonderful holiday!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Michelle You too 😀

[@springbay1]

Woo, Santa is just the best when it comes to giving DIY presents. I guess Rudolf is more into travel vloggers like Steve Marsh. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎄🎆

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much and the same to you and yours 😁

[@jonathan-il1ky]

Yaaay i saw Santa. Another lovely piece. I just want to thank you for all your videos throughout this year. The time and effort you put in. has given me some great relaxing time. Lastly i want to wish you and all your family a very merry Christmas.

[@MikeHolton]

You are so welcome Jonathan and thanks so much for your support, all the best to you and yours, Mike

[@shelleysnailparlour2392]

Mike, Your art is totally beautiful and the hard work you put into making the videos is outstanding. The quality improves each week. My hubby always watches with me and we both appreciate just how much hard work you put into your channel, content, filming and editing. You prove week after week your passion and dedication you give to us. The many camera angles give so much clarity to what you are creating at every step. You know we love your art, but I thought I would tell you that I love the quality of your video production as well. ❤😊 Have a wonderful Christmas with your lovely family and wishing you a very blessed New Year. xxx❤😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Shelley, your kind words mean so much. I always keep trying to improve every aspect of the video and always will, currently considering adding a 5th camera lol. Thanks again and all my wishes for a happy Christmas and a wonderful new year to you and your loves ones. 😀

[@davidbaxter5132]

Thank you Mike, for our Christmas present, this video of you with yours! That is a lovely dish from a wonderful piece of burr. You most certainly have deserved your place on Santa's 'good' list and what a lucky boy you have been with your gifts ... and the tool wall warrants a video of its own, I suggest. Merry Christmas, my friend, to you and your family.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much David and the same to you and yours 😀

[@tippitytwitchit]

Really lovely piece of wood. I like what you chose to do with it, you highlighted the beauty of the burl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@c.a.chambers68]

Have a Magical Christmas 🎄 I’m off to my sons, with a 4 yr old Wyrion who’s running round like a fizzy bottle of pop this year - what a beautiful piece this turned out to be ☃️🎄☃️

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much and have a great Christmas 😀

[@stevestradley9565]

That was a great platter Mike. I really enjoy watching all your content. There’s quite a few things I watch over and over. You really helped me learn I appreciate it. Thanks, Steve.

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Steve and thanks! 😀

[@johnbrereton4756]

Thanks mike. You have started to make me look again at each piece of wood with a new eye . I no longer automatically think bowl but try and bring the natural shape that the wood will look at it's best . keep up the teaching. Stunning platter. Merry Christmas.

[@MikeHolton]

That is awesome John and thanks. One you get the hang of it it can lead to some very interesting turns 😀

[@kevbryant7199]

Well what a great prezzy from Santa. Rudolf should broaden his horizons although I couldn't choose between you and Phil. The platter turned out gorgeous. Great decision on your mounting method. And the finish is beautiful. Well done Mike hope you had a lovely Christmas and have a happy and prosperous 2025.

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Keve and the very same to you and yours 😁

[@fionacrouch1732]

Love the title 😋 Beautiful piece Mike, and I think someone used the word, mesmerizing. It is a piece you could keep looking at. I wish you, Mrs H and your beautiful family, a very blessed and happiness filled Christmas. May it be filled with love and laughter, and hopefully some more presents from Santa 🎅 Thank you for an amazing year of videos and such exquisite creations. Thank you for taking us on your journey of discovering what each piece calls out to you, to be. Merry Christmas Mike 😘

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Fiona and thanks especially for all the wonderful comments you have left this year, even the funny ones lol. Have a great Christmas and a wonderful new year 😘

[@Ebba-June]

Oooo... lots of pre-Christmas and Christmas goodies to play with. That wall for tools is fabulous. I see lots and lots of use out of that for many years. Love that desk as well. I did go over and have a look. I have expensive tastes (on a 'pint budget') but it was fun to price out one for myself. And that piece of wood.... gotta go watch what you do with that now! BRB That is beautiful! The patterns in the wood are so unique to that one piece. Santa did good giving this piece of wood to you. Happy Christmas! May 2025 bring you wonderful days and loads of love, peace, joy, and good health. ♥

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much and the very same to you and yours, all the best, Mike 😀

[@Fr4mmers]

Simple piece, perfect, let nature do the talking on this one. I have said it before but you really do have the vision to get the best out of your work. Hope you and all the fans have an amazing Christmas…🙂

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jason, Merry Christmas 😀

[@Mx-Alba]

I don't know what amazes me more, your new modular tool rack or this beautiful platter!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and they are like kids, you can't say you have a favourite but secretly you do (tool rack)😀

[@MillerWB87]

Absolutely stunning! You did a fabulous job showing all the character of that piece with your design choices.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Brian 😀

[@GavinConwayWoodworkBBQ]

Love the new tool wall 😄 The wood burr is brilliant that you used. Well done Mike. Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing your ideas so freely.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Gavin and it's my pleasure 😁

[@lisaliechty159]

That piece of wood is so beautiful, and rhe platter you made really showcases it!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Lisa 😀

[@valeriehenschel1590]

Nicely done, Mike. That’s definitely my kind of wood! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@MikeHolton]

Mine too, thanks Valerie 😀

[@ivancotterill6059]

Stunning piece of Elm. Love the way you examine the wood to determine the final design. Once again I will be looking at my stock with more of an open eye. Thanks again and merry Christmas

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Ivan , glad my approach helps 😀

[@Reziac]

Woah, that figure is insane. You could spend way too much time gazing into it! Thanks, Santa, and Merry Christmas! Here in Montana there's a sort of fungus that gets into pine deadfalls and makes swaths of pink and grey in the wood. For a while it was in some demand as a decorative finish wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow I did not know that! thanks and the same to you and yours 😀

[@lisawheeler53]

Santa was very nice to you this year Mike! That is a spectacular bowl. The burl and spalting is incredible. Thanks for sharing. Happy Holidays!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Lisa, I must have been a good boy this year lol 😀

[@christopherjohnson6890]

I love spalted wood, can have the most gorgeous markings, you never know what you’re going to end up with! Merry Christmas and happy new year! Interesting to see what 2025 brings.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Christopher You too! 🙂

[@jbjeep8324]

That tool rack is a heck of a Christmas present too! Such an unassuming piece of wood, its absolutely stunning with finish. Another beautiful piece. Merry Christmas Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks JB, hope you have a wonderful holiday 😀

[@waynejones6215]

Very nice turning and Phil will be proud for your natural edge turning,😊stunning wood

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Wayne 😀

[@RaspberryBerets]

That piece is amazing. It has so much character. I would never get tired of looking at it. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much and the same to you 😀

[@robertwells1650]

Nice looking piece Mike! Love how the spalting is intermingled with the burl. I can see it filled with chocolates on a table somewhere. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wishing you and your family all the best in 2025. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Robert and the same to you and yours 😀

[@mrmiley2006]

That piece is absolutely stunning... Beautiful bit of wood, beautifully turned. I loved the intro too, made me chuckle 😁 Hope you and the family had a great Christmas and new year.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Miles and the same to you and yours 😀

[@richardcramer8311]

I didn't think the blank was large enough to be worth turning. You proved me wrong. Nice work Mike. Very nice. And Happy New Year!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Richard 😀

[@bryanmcgowan8450]

Absolutely stunning patterns on this piece, almost looks like a wooden moon... Love it!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Bryan 😊

[@dlh567]

That's a beautiful piece of wood that Santa brought you 😊. Terrific job on making the most of it. Happy holidays to you and your family!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Daniel and the same to you and yours 😀

[@cynthiahamptonprince9449]

What an exciting episode. A new drill press, new motorized table, and new tool rack...and an amazing block of wood. It's like Christmas morning! 🎉🎁 It's a joy to watch you work because you love what you do. That passion comes through with every piece. Beautiful result with this elm, as always. Stunning color and grain! Have an amazing, peaceful holiday season! 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Cynthia and thanks so much for your amazing support this year. Merry Christmas 🤩

[@edwardashford9569]

It's lovely figuring in the elm. The finish really brings it out nicely. I love the table! Must make changing the drill speeds easy, assuming it's like my old Sealey press with pulleys and a rubber band.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Edward, it does make it easier, before I had to stand on a stool lol 😆

[@Vidmir69]

You have given me an appreciation of the asymmetrical - thank you, Mike. This one is a traditional Sami religious offering platter from Northern Finland. Happy Christmas

[@MikeHolton]

I'll have to look that one up, thanks! 😀

[@Vidmir69]

...maybe. Just my imagination running away. All of your pieces have an ethic look to them of late... And a happy New year

[@MikeHolton]

@@Vidmir69 Haha don't blame me, I just do what the wood tells me to do lol

[@Vidmir69]

You have a great feal for the wood, an intuition that goes beyond just another bowl.

[@dawnjanacek]

Happiest of holidays and give those puppies pets from me!

[@MikeHolton]

Happy holidays Dawn and I will do 😀

[@debramacnabb1704]

dishgood to see that you were on the right santa list beautiful

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Debra, was there ever any doubt? 🤣

[@shelleygreer915]

Wow! Total stunner! Thank you for showing us how to make all the right decisions with such a piece. Lots of eyes... Happy Yule, Happy New Year, and Blessed Be.😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Shelley You too! 😀

[@randyfritchman2867]

Great present. The tool wall looks good also. That table will come in handy also.

[@MikeHolton]

I think so too, thanks Randy 😀

[@hayleyedgar7480]

Absolutely stunning What a lucky boy you are getting such a perfect gift from Santa. You must've been really really good this year

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Hayley, not sure how though 😂

[@chrispark3758]

A very nice platter. The pattern is just amazing. Loved watching.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Chris 😊

[@yvonnepagan9912]

Merry Christmas Mike, and to Andy Firth, whom you whizzed through just then! I thought your place looked pretty top-notch before, but now it’s”professional “ to the max! Loved the intro but I think Santa was someone I’ve seen before😉. I went “Wow” when I saw that piece of wood he left you! “That’s gonna be a beauty”, I thought! Love those little interesting circles! Personality plus!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks so much Yvonne, the workshop is slowly getting there 😀

[@stevepeacock208]

So glad your channel keeps going from strength to strength. You do fantastic work. Hope you and the family have a great Christmas

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Steve it's all because of people like you and I really appreciate it, all the best, Mike 😀

[@deborahhall6861]

Merry Christmas, Mike, and to your family and all your viewers.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Deborah and the same to you and yours 😁

[@DavidHumphrey-fu5gb]

Fantastic piece. Tomorrow I will be trawling the local hedge rows and woods for Elm that succumbed to Dutch disease.

[@MikeHolton]

Good luck with your hunt! 😁

[@camilletomer]

What a gorgeous piece! Merry Christmas to you as well! I've enjoyed watching your content for the last several months! (Which is how long I've known about you!) You've made some incredible treasures in that time, and I wait in happy anticipation for more! 😊❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Camille! Hope you have a great new year 😀

[@Radar323]

Love this platter, especially the whorls in the "bowl" section. Glad to see that you got some new "toys" for your shop. I enjoy your videos, although I would never be able to do this sort of thing, myself. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, I never thought I could till I tried 😀

[@pastyman3247]

Incredible grain. Very unusual design you worked to. Love your workmanship

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@davidpatterson2093]

Saved watching this till Christmas evening once everyone had gone home, enjoyed it gonna have to get one of them floppy disc things, have a great Christmas all the best Dave

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much David and all the best to you and yours 😀