the Ugly Bug Ball - Woodturning Experiment, laburnum woodturning project

They say that beauty is only skin deep - well lets find out as I turn what has to be the ugliest piece of laburnum I've ever seen. Splits and rot won't stop me trying to find the beauty within. Join me at the UGLY BUG BALL
Thanks for watching and feel free to leave comments in the chat below.
Support the channel and buy merchandise: ko-fi.com/mike...
Interested in the RingSkins ring protector?: www.amazon.co....
My Lathe: www.recordpowe...
Facebook: / mike-holton-hand-made-...
Instagram: www.instagram....
Website: mikeholton.net/
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/mike...
And special thanks for the intro music goes to: Clemintine Sound Design
www.facebook.c...
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

[@Greg-io1ip]

Great eye to see the beauty underneath. The years in the grain - surviving the elements, just existing - are amazing. We humans are nothing without The Trees.

[@MikeHolton]

I could not agree more Greg, I consider myself very lucky to be able to work with them.

[@erk6700]

This is AMAZING, AWESOME. I'm 83 years old. My Dad showed how to use the lathe on a ShopSmith when I was 10 yrs old. Now I'm addicted to this channel. My brother now has the ShopSmith, and uses it regularly. Great channel

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much! So glad you enjoy my work, I nearly bought an old ShopSmith lathe when I started!! All the best, Mike

[@SteveandSusiesHomestead]

They always look great when they start off ugly . Love the knots and branches.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, thanks Steve, me too 😀

[@ceciliarunnoe1463]

Oh my!!! The grain of this wood is fabulous! You are so adventurous. Seeming to gravitate towards unusual bits, roots, burls, and all kinds of challenges to turn that are a risk but produce such unique results.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Cecilia, I work hard to find unusual things tot turn 😀

[@mmgross144]

Crotch grain is almost always the produces the most astounding figure! Great job and nice finishing!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and you are right, the grain does amazing things in that area 😃

[@lettledford7624]

Absolutely Stunning!!You have an amazing talent & I am blessed to get to see your work!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much for watching and your support, Mike 😀

[@TWTexasA1]

Slow and steady wins the race…and that’s why your turnings come out looking so fantastic 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊 rushing achieves nothing

[@karengilchrist9774]

I've never seen laburnum before. What a beautiful wood! Gorgeous piece.

[@MikeHolton]

It really is Karen, I've turned it quite a few times and it's always amazing 😄

[@eileencollins3126]

I appreciate you talking about what you are doing as you go. It makes it a better video!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you think so! I get some comments about how I should shut up and get on with it but there are a thousand other channels doing that and I want to offer something different. All the best, Mike

[@Christo77054]

I don't know anything at all about woodturning, yet I find your videos so interesting I've been binge watching your channel the past couple of days. Your work is truly beautiful! Wishing your channel much success!

[@MikeHolton]

Awesome, thank you. It's nice to hear the appeal is not just to turners.

[@MilesBaldwin-j1d]

Great video technique. You explain your intent, show us the cutting technique, then fast forward or skip the boring content. One of the best turners on KZbin!.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow thanks Miles!! Not sure I'm that good but I do try really hard 😀

[@donaldadams5342]

Well it may have looked absolutely ugly to some people but as a former Senior master of Art here in Sth. Aust. I always taught my students there was always beauty in any piece of wood. What the artist has to do is unlock that beauty. In a different form from Sculpture, the wood turner has the same challenge. You have risen to the occasion brilliantly once again Mike. This piece is quite stunning. I am sure there are MANY people who would love to have this piece on display in their home. Congratulations on a stunning piece that has been 'released' from scrap. Cheers, Don from South Australia.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Don, when I saw this piece online I had a pretty good idea what it would be like inside and just could not resist buying it. I have had so many people ask to buy it but instead I gave it to my son so will now hopefully stay in the family. All the best and I wish you a wonderful new year, Mike

[@Aspiecrafts]

You never know what you will get with a lump. This turned out lovely .

[@MikeHolton]

haha thanks 😀

[@barbaramccarley5803]

Beautiful. I would certainly be happy to display that piece in my apartment for all my guests to view it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Barbara 😀 glad you liked it 😌

[@loranwfry-zu9pu]

Beautiful piece of wood, Mike. The knarlier it is, the more I love to turn it.

[@MikeHolton]

You and me both! The figure here is amazing

[@uklongbow]

Beautiful, Im glad I saw you doing this as I was given some ,what I now know was Laburnam, beautiful grain and really nice work. :) Roger

[@MikeHolton]

It is an amazing wood, just be careful though is it is poisonous!

[@nicholaskrest]

Another beautiful combination of Nature and “Nurturing”. Love it - love your presentation. You are the Bob Ross of wood turning

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Nicholas, you are not the first person to have suggested that, I take it as a huge compliment! Thanks 😀

[@andrewhall1693]

Laburnum is such a fantastic wood ...Braw job ....thanks for sharing Mike

[@MikeHolton]

It really is, thanks Andrew 😀

[@William_Kenny]

A beautiful piece Mike laburnum never fails to impress 👌👍

[@MikeHolton]

It's just a beautiful wood ☺️

[@fionanaylor6104]

Love Laburnum…always pops out some stunning grain patterns. 🙂👍🏻

[@MikeHolton]

Me too Fiona, this one has been claimed by my son No3 to help decorate his room at Uni 😀

[@fionakronert5060]

Gorgeous, Mike you've outdone yourself, and the Danish Oil is a perfect finish. Thankyou

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Fiona, I gave this one to one of my sons to help brighten his room at uni 😀

[@1954JDR]

That is an absolutely beautiful vase. No one would believe that such an ugly piece of wood could become such a beautiful work of art.👍👍👏👏👏Bravo!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@cawalker1143]

I could spend hours just drinking in the beauty of this fascinating piece. Each swirl and shading in the grain offers a new dimension to explore. Superb workmanship!

[@MikeHolton]

Wow thanks so much! Thanks for watching, all the best, Mike

[@jasonmontgomery8180]

Fine job on releasing the natural beauty in the wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jason 😀

[@terriefowler8196]

What an amazing piece of wood! I'm not surprised you had to stop n stare a few times to take it all in!! It really does take your breath away!! Beautiful and beautifully done as always! 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! Wood grain have so much life to eat, I could never get tired of looking at it 😀

[@Ivor_Nastyboil]

A very relaxing 20 minutes. Thanks Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@grahamtilston8518]

What a beautiful piece of wood from something that looks impossible to turn. To a thing that is amazing 🎉🎉

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Graham ☺️

[@robboland9857]

Very nice indeed sir. You brought this piece of wood back to life. Thanks for the post, I enjoyed it.🌿 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Rob 😀

[@peterthornton8520]

Amazing colour which has been brought out by the Oiling. Stunning creation

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@rindapelton5876]

Turned beast into Exquisite Beauty!!! Thank you 🤗

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like it! All the best, Mike

[@marybethhuson295]

Absolutely stunning what beautiful nature had created but was hidden under the ugliness! Wonderful job Mike bringing that beauty out in this lovely vase.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, this was quite pretty under all that 😊

[@charlieevergreen3514]

High quality result! I agree; some of the oddest wood makes the best pieces! Nice job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much, I love trying to find hidden gems, although they are not always there 😃

[@markduggan3451]

Stunning piece of wood, turned into another art sculpture.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mark 😀

[@anthonykreinbrink2512]

I love seeing the gnarly morphing into the gorgeous. Superb work!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Anthony 😊

[@margaretgrover-rb3ed]

This so beautiful with the grain and dark spots. You gave it a beautiful finish

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Margaret

[@lyndaowen2154]

That is a very unique pretty vase but the wood is absolutely gorgeous!

[@MikeHolton]

It really is Lynda, I just love laburnum 😀

[@shaunbodily4158]

You work really helps mother nature's natural beauty pop.

[@MikeHolton]

Cheers Shaun 😀

[@brunomerk7635]

A really impressive piece. I love dark colored spots which give the piece a really unique style.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bruno, the piece is just full of character 😀

[@dawnjanacek]

I absolutely adore your videos. The calm way that you go about turning the pieces and the genuine awe that you have at the beauty of the wood always makes for a wonderful video. Thank you so much for sharing your hobby with all of us.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Dawn, I really appreciate it 😀

[@karenstafford724]

What gorgeous markings and such a lovely colour.❤❤❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Karen! Cheers! 😃

[@eddyj4097]

As I approach retirement wood turning is one of the things I am interested in and your channel provides fabulous examples and explanations. Thank you !

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Eddy, I'm there in 13 years and can't wait so I can do a lot more 😀

[@keithgolds3289]

Your a brave man, I would not have attempted to turn that piece. But the result is stunning, thank you.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much 😊

[@charlesgarnier4255]

I find it amazing as to the grace in the connection you have with the piece throughout the journey.. artistry at its finest.. thank you for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Charles, that is so nice of you to say, I love wood and just want to try to bring out it's natural beauty.

[@petershipman7314]

Love the grain and the natural shape , beautifully done🎉❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@markelonich1725]

Killer vase, keep up the great work and videos, thanks for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Mark 😀

[@stevedoran3631]

Another superb example of a 'Nothing to Awsome' work..... Nicely done Mike...

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it, I had great fun making it, apart from the hollowing out 😀

[@susanvasquez3625]

Such beautiful wood! Though you get full share of the credit for bringing that beauty to life.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Susan 😁 I just found what was hiding inside 😁

[@susannah4Him]

Halfway in - the grain is just lovely! You said it yourself, it’s just gorgeous! Well done, you, for finding its beauty!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Susannah 😀

[@1337r0yj3nk1nz]

It's always so interesting to see quality craftsmanship turn a nasty piece of wood into a lovely vase.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😀

[@annettev8362]

I enjoyed seeing how beautiful the piece turned out. I look forward to your next video...

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much! Next video is out on Tuesday 😀

[@theabristlebroom4378]

Burl Ives, The Ugly Bug Ball! Love the call back to classic Disney. Lovely work with the carving, too!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I was thinking of a title around the word ugly and it just popped up, not even though about the song in years, now I can't get it out of my head 🤣.

[@walshjp17]

Such a gnarly hunk-o-wood at the start and such a gorgeous piece at he end

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I love transformations like this 😀

[@GavinConwayWoodworkBBQ]

Brilliant Mike - so many ideas in my head from your videos.

[@MikeHolton]

Great to hear my friend 😁

[@MsBee777]

Absolutely gorgeous vase, it is so amazing how wood can be so incredibly exquisite. Thank you for making and sharing your doing so. Sincerely, from Canada

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much, this wood is just amazing 😃

[@deborahfaulk5532]

The grain in the wood is absolutely beautiful, I love it!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, me too, my middle son claimed this one for his flat at Uni 😄

[@jacquejecker4435]

I am continually amazed at what can be found inside the most unassuming pieces of wood. This is a beautiful result.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jacque 😀

[@sturob6810]

Fascinating to watch the transformation, then once the oil was put on it was simply stunning, very cool indeed.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dougthatcher3521]

Thanks for your mini-explanations in the course of the video. It's helpful! Beautiful result, intriguing process. Good stuff!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad it was helpful! All the best, Mike 🙂

[@superbeastinjections]

Most definitely nice to watch. Thanks for posting.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@jean-louismarchand5311]

Horrible piece of wood is generally what you have to turn and try to get a splendid result as this one ! Plus a superb finish using DO is making it magic ! Very well done ! JL

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jean

[@maudwelford1843]

Mike, another fabulous piece👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💕🇬🇧

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Maud 😁

[@johnodonoghue7381]

Mike I'll give you 100% for your confidence in making something out of that , good luck

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John 😀

[@izzy123412457]

You are a true artist. What a beautiful piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Logan.H.L]

Very pretty and cool piece of wood, wood turning is mesmerizing!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Logan, glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@AmbrosiaR]

From an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan. I've never heard of that type of wood but the grain/color is so caramel-ly. That turned out great!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, laburnum is fairly common in the UK but the wood is expensive. But it is also very beautiful

[@lindapratt1824]

That is fantastic. The grain is just beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Linda 🙂

[@kathleendinicola9065]

It’s not an ugly ball anymore. Very nice job Mike. Thanks for sharing this video. Jerry D. U.S.A.

[@MikeHolton]

Cheers Jerry, I loved making this one, it now belongs to my youngest son 😀

[@dellearts]

The grain is so gorgeous on this piece! And I love the uneven fluted edge. Stunning.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much! This one has to be one of my favourites 😀

[@dellearts]

@@MikeHolton Understandably so!

[@lighthouse6748]

I absolutely adore this piece. I like the unique shape and all of its irregularities, that's where the character shines through the Most. Great Work.✨🍂🌤️

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, the grain is just amazing 😀

[@williamriley-le9zo]

Hi Mike, I was chuckling listening to you commenting on and making your nice noises about how beautiful this laburnum is. Only true wood lovers would do that. It is a lovely looking piece for what would otherwise be firewood. I had never heard of laburnum before but will keep my eyes open for some in the future. The Danish oil is a very nice touch also. Cheers, Bill Riley

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Bill, if you find some do be careful as laburnum is poisonous so take due care. All the best, Mike

[@kristikey8320]

Absolutely gorgeous! You revealed the beautiful grain that was hidden inside😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@xanadu774]

I love turning gnarled bits of firewood or random knots and chunks and revealing the natural beauty hidden inside. You've done an amazing job with this piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, it's more interesting than basic bowl blanks 😀

[@jasonzoll4250]

Such beautiful, and deep grain you were able to bring out.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jason, laburnum is just beautiful 😁

[@125rin]

One of NY favorite pieces so far!!!!❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, I gave this to my youngest son to sit in his flat at University 😀

[@randykniebes5364]

Really pretty piece would have never thought it would look so good.... This has given some hope on a knotty piece of walnut I have in my shop.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! Knotty walnut sounds like heaven 😀

[@chrischambers5466]

That is just so nice! Glad you didn't fill the cracks or level the rim, looks all the better for that👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Chris, wood like this needs to show it's natural side 😄

[@777nezzy]

Another masterpiece created. Well done, it looks fantastic.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like it! 😀

[@HaneulsSpace_WoodStory]

An ugly tree turned into a beautiful piece of art. Awesome.👍👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@Angela-en6oh]

Hello Mike. Yet again you have taken a very unassuming piece of wood and turned it into a true delight for the eye. Well done for seeing the such potential and drawing it out.

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Angela, so glad you enjoyed it, Mike 😀

[@Angela-en6oh]

@@MikeHolton Hello Mike. One of the most enjoyable elements of this, for me, was hearing your delight as the wood revealed it’s beauty. Congratulations, it is lovely.

[@MikeHolton]

@@Angela-en6oh haha thanks, I can get excited 😆

[@djbec375]

That's amazing. I've got several ideas bubbling around in my mind. Thanks!

[@MikeHolton]

Fantastic, I love it when people are inspired by my attempts 😀

[@stephencarey6114]

Blooming stunning piece of Laburnum

[@MikeHolton]

It really is, I had a feeling it would be 😀

[@nanalefevre3670]

I find it amazing how you can take a old hunk of wood & turn it into a work of art. A wonderful talent.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@paulplager9498]

Beautiful work. Beautiful wood. This piece would look great in my house.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Paul but I'm keeping this one 😀

[@garthpetch4173]

What a beautuful piece of wood. You did it justice

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Gareth 😀

[@racheldray1057]

Just had to watch it again. So pretty

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rachel, my son was up from uni at the weekend and took this back with him 😊

[@sejembalm]

That Superior Danish Oil really brought that rustic vase to life!

[@MikeHolton]

I know, it's very time consuming but very much turning into my favourite finish 👍

[@SuAllison-Lenk]

I love this beautiful piece, as usual love your process Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@barbkrienke8400]

That viburnum wood is so swirly and beautiful! You really pull the best out of the wood you work with, Mike. 🙂

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Barb, not sure if it was a typo or autocorrect but it's laburnum wood 😀

[@francinethomas2016]

​@@MikeHolton😊😊😊

[@jimmoorepa]

Always so wonderful to see what we can reveal from God's handy work! Stunning!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks James 😀

[@jasonmorris2362]

Beauty and the beast or rather Beauty from the beast! Love your work. Reminds my of a Phil Anderson piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you, high praise indeed 😀

[@marilyngianadda1661]

Wow what a beauty ! Congratulations on envisaging it! ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Marilyn 😀

[@barryrankin587]

Amazing grain. Love how you kept the top a live edge.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 👍 that was the plan, just glad it worked 😀

[@arson054]

Absolutely beautiful, thank you for sharing!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and thanks for watching! 😀

[@mariabasil9631]

Amazing! It's wonderful seeing the creation of something so beautiful. Thank you!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alanmiller4012]

That's a very beautiful piece. The grain and coloring reminds me of the mulberry that I have been turning over the last year or two.

[@MikeHolton]

I've never turned mulberry but I've seen it and they are similar 😀

[@joshuafringer2320]

It is beautiful. I was going to say that it reminds me of Russian Olive

[@MikeHolton]

@@joshuafringer2320 Never seen Russian Olive but it sounds good!

[@jplwoodworks]

Very nicely done. I agree with danish oil my favorite finish to apiece. Thank you for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

It is becoming my favourite fast! 😀

[@sueze3300]

I loved your reaction when you started putting on the danish oil. Amazingj what you can see in what I would concider a junk piece of wood. Love it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! I just had a good feeling about this one, not always right though lol 😆

[@katm6]

That is so lovely! The Danish oil really brought out the grain. I have a feeling I'm heading down a rabbit hole of your videos.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha well good luck and I'll see you on the other side 😂

[@loopinnerthe]

Mike you are a visionary. You see potential, you see beauty where the skin says otherwise. Thank you for what you do and for showing the world what person nature has made for us to wonder and be amazed by.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much! I just enjoy what I do and love trying to find the beauty in all wood. All the best, Mike

[@stevewhite8161]

Great job on the vase. Looks stunning.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊