The Icelandic FIRE bowl - Easy Woodturning Project

Take a look at this Icelandic design project - the Koben bowl! Made with fire, and brown oak, this bowl is a beautiful addition to any home.
If you're interested in woodturning, or even just want to see some beautiful Icelandic design, be sure to check out this bowl made with fire. With its unique, easy woodturning design, you won't be able to resist adding this bowl to your collection!
Thanks for watching and feel free to leave comments in the chat below.
GIVEAWAY: Our next giveaway will be on the 16th March on the 1 year anniversary of the channel, every subscribed member who was commented on a video released after the 6th of Janaury will be ellegible to win.
Facebook: / mike-holton-hand-made-...
Instagram: mikeholton_...
Website: mikeholton.net/
Thumbnail fire and ice image - Apisit Suwannaka
And special thanks for the intro music goes to: Clemintine Sound Design
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DISCLAIMER :
All of my videos are designed to be entertainment only. Please follow all required safety measures when using tools or machinery and always read and understand the manufacturer's guidelines and safety instructions.
The methods I demonstrate are not to be used as a guide for best practice. Thanks

[@user-jh7ji3lq3c]

Those lines! That contrast! The wood tone! My brain!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Mary, that brown oak is just beautiful 😃

[@PeteBeardsley]

I have no doubts that you will be the envy of your colleagues with that sat on your desk full of sweeties, errr, I mean healthy snacks. A beautifully simple piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend, I was thinking of making a range of these to sell, some burnt some natural. What do you think?

[@PeteBeardsley]

@@MikeHolton I think there would definitely be interest in something as unusual as that, the problem would be finding that market.

[@MikeHolton]

@@PeteBeardsley Thanks and very true, I'm good at making things, terrible at marketing and selling, hence I don't even try. This is why I have boxes of bowls I've made and I've run out of relations to give them to 🤣. I'll give it another go at some point.

[@lornacy]

​@@MikeHoltonIs it easier to sell things now with your channel growing?

[@MikeHolton]

@@lornacy that is very true, thanks

[@Angela-en6oh]

Hello Mike. My goodness, when that beautiful piece of wood decided to try being a frisbee I was truly worried that the time and money you had extended had gone to waste. But, like a real trooper, you rescued it and made it even more gorgeous. And the wood, coming from Africa, reminded me of those satellite pictures of the Saharan sand dunes - even down to the colour! Fantastic work. Well done!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Angela and I know what you mean by the colour 😊

[@Ted_P]

Wow! This came out so beautifully! You are right, the contrast is stunning. Now, about those healthy snacks…

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, thanks Ted, the healthy snacks may or may not be finding a home in that bowl. I'll have to see how much grief my students are giving me 😜

[@montyhatch9142]

Beautiful and simple turning. Some times the simplest make the best projects.

[@MikeHolton]

Absolutely! I love simple designs and plan to make more of these.

[@susanburrows5288]

It turned out so well! And so nice that it was what you were going for. I agree that the contrast between the black burn and stain is gorgeous against the dark brown of the stained interior.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Susan, this is still sat on my desk at work and sometimes it does actually have fruit in it 😃

[@lornacy]

I love that you made something for yourself. ❤ It's really beautiful - simple and elegant.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@davidmorgan7522]

Enjoy your gift to you! That will look very good on your desk! Take care, Dave

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David, it looks great and on occasion has housed a healthy snack 😋

[@lisagladu651]

Love it!! Just beautiful...the contrast brings this bowl to a higher level.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Lisa, I do want to make more of these.

[@brycegenevaostler9359]

Never thought about using fire as part of a finish . Nice job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bryce, give it a go, it's easy to do and works well :)

[@82ndairbornevet]

Mike, I really love that bowl! The black on the outside really makes the grain on the inside pop! It is really nice..after you got that second turn on the inside I could just see that grain popping out saying hello! lol A really beautiful piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, Brown oak is just beautiful, luckily I have a few more pieces of this 😊

[@michaelbuckingham716]

Nice and simple, the black makes the inside pop. That's one fancy (healthy) snack bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Michael, I feel like I need to make more of these to sell.

[@michaelbuckingham716]

@@MikeHolton i would for sure. Make 4 or 5 and see how they do, no harm in trying.

[@donaldadams5342]

Better late than never to catch up on some more of your videos Mike. I love the simple lines of this bowl & the contrast between inside & outside is brilliant as is the finish. It is also good that you felt free to make something for yourself to use. Cheers, Don from South Australia.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Don, this piece is still sat on my desk at work and still getting used and I still love it 😀

[@mattmiller5673]

I am so glad I got to watch your ideas come to reality!!! You have made me think about what I might do for my next turning. Thank you.

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Matt, have fun 😀

[@davidpeterson620]

Very nice! And just the right amount of video, without stretching it out with unnecessary filler! Subscribed!

[@MikeHolton]

Awesome, thank you David, I work hard at the editing to keep it relevant and to the point but I do know some can go on a bit long, especially if there are lots of processes involved.

[@kensmith1522]

A true classic

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I do like this one 😁

[@sat968]

I was doubfult at first; oh no, another trendy fire burning video. But the results speak for themselves. The finishing technique is spot on for this style bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, it really does suit it.

[@jenniferlewis9864]

Love the different looks of the wood with the black

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jennifer, the contrast is beautiful, I was not sure about the brown oak at the start but looks amazing with a finish on it.

[@tomburns7544]

Stunning, Mike. Excellent technique with that firing. And everyone knows that brown oak fares much better with Walker's Crisps in it than with healthy food so you'd best avoid anything with vitamins and/or roughage. Carry on.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks, I'll take that as doctors orders 😅

[@ianholmes9361]

lovely bowl Mike, the black on the outside is a lovely contrast to the brown of the oak

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ian, it really works, I'm running out of spirit stain so may try Indian ink on the next one.

[@susannah4Him]

It did turn out quite nicely. Again- love the teaching.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Susannah 😀

[@charlesstewart9246]

A fruit bowl for healthy snacks, a fruit bowl that's " brown" and black. It's the way the grain pops out after a burn and sanding is amazing. Love the show. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😃👌🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Charles so glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for your support.

[@rabmatthew8793]

Love the shape of the piece. I can’t make up my mind if I preferred the look of the piece after burning and sanding but without the stain. Guess I’ll just have to try it for myself. Great inspiration - thsnks.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rab, there are so many variations you can do with this, it would keep you busy for days, have fun :)

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

B-E-A-Utiful Mike!!!😅

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Robbie 😀

[@StepRobinson]

That turned out BEAUTIFUL!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Step 😀

[@debroberts1296]

Nice bowl, Mike. I personally liked the exterior before the black finish but I know you were going for a traditional look. Still very pretty.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Deb, this style can be done without the effect and would still look nice but I really wanted to try it this way first.

[@peterthornton8520]

Really different shape. I can see this as a fruit bowl. Very nice. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Peter, this is sitting on my desk at work and used as exactly that, although sometimes also for sweets 😅

[@nanalefevre3670]

That is down right pretty. Perfect for your fruit bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Nana, I love it and am thinking of making a range of these to sell 😃

[@nanalefevre3670]

@@MikeHolton I better start saving up!! Blue one??

[@MikeHolton]

@@nanalefevre3670 lol not sure if I will be colouring but I will see 😁

[@dalebrittenham1823]

Simply beautiful... Shape and colors....

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@TC-bj8pu]

Stunning contrasts! Wow….!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@MoeSaab3000]

This is the first video I have seen from your channel, and I highly doubt it will be my last.. the finished piece is fantastic!

[@MikeHolton]

Awesome! Thank you Moe, I really appreciate the support :)

[@MoeSaab3000]

@@MikeHolton my pleasure! Keep up the great work!

[@deehenry1983]

the colours compliment each other very well. enjoy your present!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dee, it's on my office desk with some grapes in :D

[@simonrourke9817]

Simple but elegant, love the bowl. Might give one a go.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Simon, it's simple to make and loads of fun, let me know how you get on if you do.

[@timponder7487]

Mike as always you've produced another beautiful piece. I love the contrast from black to natural 😍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tim, I've always loved this look and it was time to make one of my own.

[@raydriver7300]

Hi again Mike. I seem to be working backwards through your videos as KZbin recommend them to me. That bowl is lovely 🌞

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ray, I made this one especially for me, it's one of my favourite styles of bowl so I just had to make one for myself 😁

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Beautiful results. Well done!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@surfcoastwoodcraft]

Stunning bowl! Love combining the fire charred look with natural wood!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! I was pleased with the way this came out

[@surfcoastwoodcraft]

@@MikeHolton You should - wish I was able to get a finish like that! :)

[@MikeHolton]

@@surfcoastwoodcraft give it a go, it's not as hard as it may look.

[@jsprankel4712]

She's stunning Mike! Keep up the beautiful work! Jim

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jim, I loved making this one and I love the shape, I think I may make another so I can have one at for my desk at work and one for home :)

[@DV8.1]

The Contrast between the different colours set's it off wonderfully keep up with the ideas 💡 as they are broadening my repertoire.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William, so glad I have inspired you. Thanks so much for your support Mike

[@johnbuchanan578]

Beautiful, the contrast is stunning.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you John, I love this bowl and gets lots of use in my office 😀

[@williamweaver4946]

That is an absolutely gorgeous bowl. I would love having something like that in my home to display. Great work!!!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William, I have 4 more brown oak banks if you want to commission one 😊

[@williamweaver4946]

@@MikeHolton I would love to, but I'd have to explain to my wife that I'm spending money and she can be a bit scary when that happens.

[@MikeHolton]

@williamweaver4946 life was easier for my when my work would allow staff to have personal items delivered there, now it's stopped I have to try and sort delivery for when she is out lol.

[@deborahthompson258]

I would love to have a bowl like that and it’s food grade as well. Nice job. 😊❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you, I still have this on my desk at work and sometimes put fruit in it 😋

[@allenspain]

Wasn't sure about the black at first but it turned out great!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Allan, the contrast with the brown oak works well I think.

[@davidpatterson2093]

Love it great shape and contrast, I'd have a bucket of water 3 extinguishers and a hose pipe, I was a Fireman for 30y there's no way I'd be calling 999 and getting the mickey took out of me when they turned up. haha

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, I can imagine, they would never let you forget. To be honest the dangers are minimal but always better safe than sorry. Glad you like it. Mike

[@andyaveyard]

That turned out nicely Mike, I do like the shape of your finished bowl. 👍🙂

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Andy, I usually let the wood decide what shape it wants to be but in this case I had a very clear idea what I wanted.

[@andrewhall1693]

Nice design Mike ....I'm shocked that a year has passed .....keep up the good work and thanks for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Andrew, I know what you mean, it passed in a flash!! 😂

[@LOTGiscool]

That's a real beauty! Very lovely!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I'm sat in my office at work looking at it right now lol

[@tfturning]

Awesome piece Mike both inside and out!! Great work mate!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tim, these are great fun to make, I'll be making a few more variations over the next few months.

[@michaelfelixb1316]

Toll sieht klasse aus 👏👍 haben Sie wieder sehr schön gemacht. Viel Freude damit👌

[@MikeHolton]

Danke, mein Freund 😃

[@martharoberts8533]

Absolutely stunning piece of art ,I love it!!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Martha 😀

[@karengilchrist9774]

Very nice! I love the shape and the colour contrast.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Karen 😀

[@anaphylaxis2548]

Beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! This is still one of my favourite bowls.

[@mikew2468]

A lovely shape Mike and an interesting finish on the outside, I’ll have to get a blowtorch!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mike, it's great fun to do.

[@MossmanMoss]

A beautiful piece of work. Well done Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Moss, I was thinking of making a range of these or something similar to sell when I get my shop sorted. All the best, Mike

[@oneturnatatime6309]

I do like the shape and the color contrast. Nice work 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like it and thanks for watching :)

[@SilverBack.]

Mike that is a stunning bowl, well done !

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Douglas, must admit, I love it! and want to keep on making them.

[@earlearl8850]

Truly inspiring.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Earl, this is still sat on my desk at work, love it 😃

[@davidtyers4903]

That contrast is beautiful as is the classic shape. Thank you for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

My pleasure David, thanks for watching :)

[@scottfonner]

Beautiful job Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Scott, glad you like it!

[@jaylijoi2060]

Thanks for the different shape and design.

[@MikeHolton]

No problem! Thanks for watching. 😃

[@gloriamccallum5447]

That turned out very nice!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Gloria, I do like this one and am thinking of making a few more to sell.

[@spindlesworkshop9744]

great looking piece nice work

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@HolzUlfi1896]

Really great Design, Great work! The Kontrast is Great!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@racheldray1057]

Fantastic design

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rachel, this is still sat on my office desk and sometimes even has fruit in it 😀

[@racheldray1057]

Reaaly love this design

[@AndyFisher1965]

Really nice finish and shape

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Andrew

[@LuannYoumans-ec5fc]

Beautiful

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you 😃

[@WoodWizardrybyColin]

Thats really nice Mike I love the shape of it

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Colin :)

[@sylvainlajoie1311]

Very nice job. You give me a good dose of inspiration.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad to hear it Sylvain, do try this it's great fun.

[@mikehooper3392]

Very nice

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mike

[@TournageDubois]

That's a reall6 cool project, Mike! Gonna have to do one of those myself now!

[@MikeHolton]

You should, they are great fun to make, I really want to make more.

[@chanspirit1]

Very Beautiful❤️

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@chanspirit1]

@@MikeHolton I was just watching your video of the Singing finial 😄 I have your playlist running in the background on my tv, “east woodturning tutorial -make a burl oak box, when I sat down before reading the title I thought wow that looks like an acorn but it changed😄 maybe in the future you could make a nut bowl out of oak in the form of an acorn go figure lol Very beautiful and loved your amusement over the singing finial lol

[@MikeHolton]

@@chanspirit1 Thanks so much and I love your idea for the nut bowl! I'm a bit of a big kid and easily amused, I could have played with that finial for ages 🤣

[@vinimarshall7301]

Its very nice , but i dont like burning hard woods , sequoia , larch , chestnut , douglas come out really nice though in my humble opinion,nice work Mike⭐️

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Vini, this is my first time burning Oak and I think I could have burned for longer to get a better texture but that increases the chance of splitting.

[@lv_woodturner3899]

I love the bowl and the colour and grain of the brown oak. A nice straightforward project. Well done. Good that you are making something for yourself. Dave.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dave, the brown oak is far nicer than I thought it would be. I have another 4 blanks of this so I may make a few more :)

[@GabiFodorrasRO]

Nice work,big like !

[@MikeHolton]

Big thanks Gabi😀

[@terryflynn2791]

Very beautiful the black and the natural timber is very impressive. I might have a go at it.Terry downunder

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Terry, it is a lot of fun to make, let me know how you get on. All the best, Mike

[@dchilliard09]

I've not typically been fond of adding color to a bowl, but this is well done. Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

I know what you mean, I was dead against it for ages now I embrace it for what it can do.

[@joegrimwade9036]

just found you on youtube, this is amazing and inspiring thanks

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you liked it Joe, good to have you on board :)

[@billysanders7043]

I'm going outside and turn one😊 thanks

[@MikeHolton]

Cool! Let me know how you get on 😀

[@fionacrouch1732]

I'm thinking my favourite's list is close to being longer than the not favourites (although I do love all of them, just so you know! 🙂) Stunning piece Mike, and good on you for making something for yourself. And as beautiful as I imagine it would look with fruit, I think sweets will do just fine 😋 Thanks for sharing, Mike 🤗

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Fiona, I have grapes in this quite often, but I am greedy for grapes so they don't last long 😀

[@fionacrouch1732]

@MikeHolton I love grapes, green or red?

[@MikeHolton]

@@fionacrouch1732 tried to reply on my phone last night but it kept failing, usually red but I love both 😀

[@fionacrouch1732]

@MikeHolton and here I thought you were ignoring me! "dramatic sigh" 🤣🤣 I was always green but have acquired a liking for red in last few years. Even better when in liquid form and aged in barrels 🤭😋

[@MikeHolton]

@@fionacrouch1732 haha that's where we differ, I can't drink wine, I find white wine disgusting, red is a little better but gives me very strange dreams, so now I just don't bother. Beer or vodka is pretty much the only thing I drink and even then only around the holidays or on vacation.

[@colinmacdonald404]

Thanks 👍I was given a Zebrano blank last year and I’ve been wondering what to do with it,now I know. Cheers.

[@MikeHolton]

I have a a piece of it as well to try, not sure if I would burn it though.

[@colinmacdonald404]

Yes. I was thinking about that after I left the comment. I’m going to use it to make a bowl for myself similar to yours and not burn it. Thanks

[@MikeHolton]

@@colinmacdonald404 Zebrano would look beautiful in this style!

[@randydarden57]

Really like the contrast between the black and brown. Could you give more information on the black stain used?

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Randy, it's a black spirit stain made by a company called Chestnuts, although you can also use black Indian ink, or any other black stain.

[@jimpike3489]

Hey Mike, the grain in the bowl is stunning, the texture with the burnt wood really offsets the piece. As you said, if you like it then make it. Have you got a video on your Linseed oil and bees wax mix? If no, possible future video. Thanks for sharing Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Jim, thanks for watching and I'm glad you like it. If you watch the oak shot glass video about 3/4 weeks ago you will be able to watch me make that linseed oil and beeswax finish. Any questions, please feel free to contact me.

[@jimpike3489]

@@MikeHolton Thanks Mike, Having a bad day today, but your video purked me up. I will watch the oak shot glass video. If you send me your address I would like to send you a nice slab, don't use this for the address.

[@jimpike3489]

Hi Mike, check your emails, Jim

[@MikeHolton]

@@jimpike3489 hi Jim, sorry to hear your not doing well. just seen the message. I've replied to your email.

[@johnbrereton4756]

Beuteful work as usual, question, is there any difference in scorching wet wood to dry wood

[@MikeHolton]

Scorching wet wood would or could cause cracking as it would dry out very quickly.

[@michaellionart4841]

Simple and loverly. Looks mint. Gonna give that a try thank you. #yougottaloveburningwood

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Michael, sorry for the delay on answering this. Your message was held back by the system because of the tag and I never noticed. All the best, Mike

[@katelinnett9020]

Stunning, as usual, Mike! Where's Hooch?

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Kate, many thanks, this video was made before Hooch came on the scene 😀

[@LadyKatJPhillips]

I believe!!!😂😂😂😊😊😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Lady Kat 😃

[@tonyturnswood]

Stunning look and finish! Can you elaborate on black spirit dyes? I am not familiar with this! I will pop out to the turning shed and get busy making my own!

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Anthony, the stain is made by Chestnuts, and the range is called spirit stains. Hope this helps 😀

[@ww9923]

Hi Mike, Beautiful bowl and I loved the video. A couple of questions... How did you apply the holding pressure with you chuck? Was it done on the outside of the foot, or the inside of the foot? How deep was the foot that fit into the chuck? Thanks for your time.

[@MikeHolton]

Hi, it was done on the inside of the foot and the depth was about 1/8" or 2-3mm something like that. Hope this helps, Mike

[@davidbaxter5132]

Hi Mike, another beautiful bowl; you keep coming up with videos that give me more ideas to try! I have not seen this design before, but made a similar shaped one a little while ago, much smaller, you know how it goes, some of the wood just needs to be turned away and what's left is the bowl - I didn't know I was copying an Icelandic design; me, into International influenced pieces, who would have thought it!?! You have used ebonising liquid before to get a black finish on oak, did you choose to burn it just to get a more textured finish?

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, yes indeed some wood you don't get a choice on the design lol. With regards to the burning, yes the only reason for burning was to give the wood a beautiful texture. Thanks as ever for your support, it really is appreciated.

[@davidbaxter5132]

@@MikeHolton Thanks, I understand that stage. Could you have used ebonising liquid (as the wood is oak) instead of the wood dye?

[@MikeHolton]

@@davidbaxter5132 Hi David, yes of course, I have used ebonising fluid as I have done on projects in the past but I wanted this to be as black as possible which is not guaranteed with ebonising fluid.

[@golf2actual375]

Another nice bowl -- well done. You've probably already done it but I missed it, could you explain your receipe for the beeswax finish sometime?

[@MikeHolton]

You can find the how to for the finish here kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZm3h5aeZ7d_eJo it was at the end of the oak shot glass finish :) so easy to make.

[@golf2actual375]

@@MikeHolton Thanks

[@jaxxlawson4545]

Coorrr... That's a sexy piece.. !!

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Jaxx, it is indeed, like I mention in the video, I've loved this design for years so just had to have a go and I'm so glad I did.

[@kerstin4516]

I wonder why you burt the outside when you planned staining it

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Kerstin, burning first raises the grain to give it a great texture. Thanks for watching 😊

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

What is the hardness of the wood? Species?

[@MikeHolton]

Its about its about 1360 on the janka scale

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

@MikeHolton Thanks Mike!

[@Cletus.223]

If you were just gonna stain it black why burn it?...All you did was hide that gorgeous shou sugi ban finish..

[@MikeHolton]

The burning gives the amazing texture, adding black just ensures that after sanding the bowl remained black. All the best, Mike

[@darrenoneil2455]

Very nice

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Darren 😀