Woodturning: Black Walnut Yarn Bowl featuring The Hula Hook

Woodturning: The Hula Hook! Yarn Bowl
I’m super geeked about this! I follow Hula Woodworks on Instagram and he’s been posting pics of his yarn bowls, which are the sexiest yarn bowls I’ve ever seen. I watched his livestream on Twitch and am going to make one in his style. There were some bumps along the way (aren’t there always!?) but I’m really happy with how this came out and can’t wait to make more!
Twitch - Texas Hula
/ texashula
Website:
www.hulaswoodworks.com/
KZbin:
/ @texashula2213

[@johninebailey6200]

This was an 'on the edge of my seat' video. That walnut was way too beautiful to make a fatal error. Who knew a yarn bowl could be such a challenge? Well done, Lisa!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Johnine, I made more work for myself (as usual) but in the end all is well so 👍

[@lindariggs1303]

I think you are hilarious. Keep up with the work and humor. Thanks. New turner..... Charlie Riggs

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks, I’m glad you’re enjoying it 😁

[@anaphylaxis2548]

That's gorgeous! I let out an audible "ahhhh!" when you had that little catch. It happens to all of us, but you fixed it well. I enjoyed watching you turn this.

[@LisaRamlow]

Right!? GAH! Oh well, at least all my mistakes/mishaps were fixable and I’ve come out at the end with a lively yarn bowl. And it’s nice to have co-commiserate-ers to remind us we all do it!

[@thewoodshop]

Very cool bowl, and I liked your recovery. Have to love those moments when Murphy likes to visit the shop :)

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Shane. I gotta tell that Murphy dude he’s not invited anymore

[@TurningStarkers]

Thanks for giving us all an insight into how to complete the yarn bowl using more standard tools. Super cool work Lisa.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks! One of the things l love about the wood turning community - ideas and techniques and insights are shared freely 😁

[@victorprimack2070]

Great job. Overcoming obstacles is part of the “Joy” of Woodturning. We all have our share.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Victor! I know I’m not the only one 😁

[@jeanlong5965]

Lisa, the hola hook ended up beautiful. I was also proud of you for keeping your cool. I may steal the hola hook from you. I've made a couple of yarn bowls the hook is the hardest part. Thanks for sharing

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Jean! I really love the design. Didn’t quite nail it but it’s a good start 😁

[@laroseauxboisrosewoodwoodw8585]

Well Lisa i’m sure you’ve learned a lot 🤪😜 But the final result is amasing 😱👍🏼❤️🇨🇦 For Baley i’m sure the porkupine learned his leson 🤣

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you! Fortunately Bailey remained inside and the porky waddled off. He didn’t learn anything tho cuz he’s been back a couple of times since then 😂

[@dalekuhlman1009]

I enjoyed watching you deciding where to position the hook. I think you made the right choice. The whole project turned out great. Keep on doing what you do I very much enjoy your videos.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you so much Dale, I really appreciate it 😊

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

A very nice yarn bowl! I watched this because I have had the idea of making one for my sister, who knits practically everything. But I have not yet actually looked up anything about making them. I need to get working, because the gift-giving season will be here much too soon. I find the sound of my Trend Airshield somewhat comforting. Something like the white noise I use to help me de-stress anfter a PTSD episode. I always treat tools that can maim or kill me with the utmost respect and caution. They have no brain or soul, so they don't know any better.

[@LisaRamlow]

Agree 100% on all of that Graeme!

[@mr.modern4419]

Lisa, this is one of my favorite projects I have seen you do. It is just fantastic!!!! I think we all shared your pain at one point, but all's well that ends well. Great job!!!!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Bruce, I made it harder than it needed to be but in the end it’s all good. Still have to pour a layer of resin in the bottom. I’ll post pics in the next video 👍

[@dicktillotson1431]

I know how you feel when you get almost done and then make a foolish mistake at the very end! I’ve done that myself more than a few times!! Your end result was beautiful!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Dick! I know I’m not alone in mishaps and y’all can appreciate the frustration 😂

[@tcp6240]

That is one sexy hola hook. The yarn bowl is beautiful. Thank you for the educational videos.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks TC - I think so too 😁

[@ronnielloyd4514]

You have to have faith in what you want to do. You took a absolutely Gorgeous looking bowl and made it something different. It looks good both ways.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Ronnie!

[@mikksweeney8804]

Beautiful piece, you just cant beat a chunk of walnut!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Mikk I agree 💯

[@diannesorem6389]

An old Native American told me once "there are no mistakes in art, only opportunities to make a change.we were not allowed erasers in her drawing class. The bowl turned out awesome and it is truly a one of a kind.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Dianne, I very much like that way of thinking 👍

[@triciahumphrey6453]

I think you did a great job for your first time making a yarn bowl! I just love the rich depth of black walnut! All I can say about all the hard work you put in shaping the hook is get yourself a Dremel! They are much easier and have available bits such as wood burrs, sanding drums, and buffing wheels. True work savers!

[@LisaRamlow]

Oh I have a Dremel, and a Foredom flex-shaft carving tool but I’ve not had a lot of luck with them, at least as cutting goes. I will likely employ them for the finishing bits on future bowls but I kind of enjoyed doing it mostly by hand. I’m normally a “do everything with a power tool!” kinda girl so this was a good experience.

[@texashula2213]

I'm a little late on the reply. I got to finally sit down last night after a long day and watch this epic video. I was going to reply last night, but honestly I was so humbled, blown away, deeply understanding the challenge personally, and such deep admiration of your determination .... Well, I knew it was something to sleep on. Lisa you did a fantastic job on this piece. You stepped up to a challenge a lot more challenging than many would expect.... And hit a home run. While watching the video I couldn't help but feel sympathy frustrations for you. I know exactly what you were feeling, and so damn proud of your Grit. Rest assured, the next one will be easier. Sincere respect Lisa. ....... Your Humbled Friend "Hula"

[@LisaRamlow]

Dude I really appreciate that. I gotta tell you, you make it look easy, and it isn’t! You’re one of my favorite IG follows and I am ridiculously crazy about your work. Your potion bottles are killer. Seriously. And your wands! Man I am just so impressed and inspired by your designs, I got a ton of ideas rolling around in my head. Keep doing what you’re doing cuz man it’s working!

[@johnreedy7037]

Wow, that walnut looks nice! That is a cool design, I can see why you like it. Great job overcoming the dings at the end, I've done the same thing more times than I can count.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks John. I k ow y’all can relate to the inevitable boo-boos 😂

[@olinwalker1877]

That was a beautiful bowl,, even before the hook.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Olin! Hard to go wrong with black walnut 👍

[@micah06v8]

My heart just hurt for you when I saw those gouges! I commend you for not throwing a fit. I think I would have burst into tears! The bowl turned out beautifully! PS: Don't Porcupines have the cutest little butt waggle when they walk?! 🤣LOL

[@LisaRamlow]

Omg yessssss! we saw one out in a dirt road last year doing this ridiculously adorable little stiff-legged waddle. We sat there and just laughed. It was so damn cute. I really like them and as long as they stay out I’d the fenced area that the dog & cats have, im happy to have them around. We have good food sour.es for them I feel it necessary to include the screw-ups and failures as well as the good stuff cuz it happens everyone!

[@argusfleibeit1165]

So that's what that critter was. Thanks.

[@annlaurie1484]

Fantastic end result and well done for keeping on till the end. I like that you show the design opportunities that happen! 😁

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Ann! I don’t mind the design opportunities unless I working on a specific design 😂

[@bigboy9706]

Turned out awesome. Nice job on the yarn bowl.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Michael!

[@mikeconrad454]

Wow, you were very brave drilling that first hole. I love that you didn't freak out about the gouge. I said some bad words for you though lol. These little issues often lead down roads we would not have traveled to more creative solutions. Mistakes are not always a bad thing. Such a beautiful piece!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Mike! I say a lot of bad words I just cut them out 😂. I agree, I’m channeling my inner Bob Ross and looking at them as happy accidents rather than mistakes. Design opportunities! 😁

[@jackthompson5092]

Great job on the yarn bowl Lisa.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Jack! And there I am, always making more work for myself 😂

[@davidmorgan7522]

Don't worry Lisa! I said the words for you! That turned out fantastic, I've made o few of those and am always holding my breath while doing the hook. I like the way the hola hook looks so I may have to give that a try. Thanks for sharing such a great turn! Take care, Dave

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks David. I said them lots in my head! Oh I was so annoyed! Lessons learned though, and I’ll know the order in which to do my things for my finishing process. Thankfully I was able to save it. The bottom cleaned up nicely with some work and a layer of resin inside the foot ring will add enough thickness and stability that I feel comfortable with. I’ll post some pics of the finished bottom next video

[@davidmorgan7522]

@@LisaRamlow Looking forward to that. Just had to do that to an ash bowl. Embellishments on the bottom and got carried away taking them off to try more. No funnel but paper thin. Someday I might learn!

[@normakers5632]

Wow! Beautiful!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Norm!

[@alinmayerthorpe7801]

I must say turning that beauty was a bit of an adventure! Well done and I hope your dog leaves that porcupine alone pulling quills is not fun and it is expensive when a vet does it! Thanks! Cheers Al

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Al! Yes, the sliding glass door was open so there was only the screen between Bailey and the Porky 😬. Fortunately Bailey hasn’t figured out that he could just just through the screen like our last old and blind beagle did 😂

[@markhall1510]

This is awesome, keep up the great work!!! life has a way of teaching us how t o overcome obstacles.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Mark, I can’t wait to make more!

[@garthkeck2003]

Beautiful. Thats a great design.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Garth, I think so too!

[@markthompson6860]

what a great job today mark in the uk xxxxxxxxxxx

[@LisaRamlow]

Thank you Mark, cheers!

[@noahcount7132]

Lisa, your determination and perseverance are inspirational! The yarn bowl is lovely.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Noah! I wouldn’t have to be so persistent if I would quit screwing it up all the time 😂

[@ravenk6962]

Hey Lisa you did a great job on your first yarn bowl! I'm one of Hulas Hookers! He's making a yarn bowl for me this year. Keep up the good work!

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey Raven! Hula’s a good dude - so glad I found him on Instagram. Congrats on scoring one of his gorgeous yarn bowls!

[@1954JDR]

That is a beautiful bowl. I hope you make some more.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks James! Oh yes, I have a couple more walnut blanks and a few cherry! 😁

[@glennprovenzano1837]

great job for your first time making a yarn bowl

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Glenn! Next one will be easier 👍

[@maxhunt2644]

Very, very nice Lisa! All that handwork had to be tedious and time consuming. It looked like you got very smooth, symmetrical surfaces in the hook. It looks like something from the Gao wood shop! (I know there are a lot of turning channels. If you haven't seen Gao, check him out. He does a lot of handwork on some of his projects). Back to your Hula Hook bowl...the walnut is beautiful, as it always is when finished well. Nice choice of wood...and you should be able to sell those for a pretty penny! Well done!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Max! Yes, I know of Gao - nice work! 👍

[@careywatson1593]

The bowl is fantastic. The grain is beautiful and your thought about the grain was well done. (I also enjoyed the porcupine. I love them from a distance.) To help in the future I would like to suggest a hand held jig saw. You would have only had to drill the one hole and it would have cut done immensely on sanding and time spent cutting. They are relatively cheap. I would have loved to see the finished bottom. As always, you are one of my favorite artists to watch. Your skill and dedication are inspiring.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Carey! I actually have a decent Bosch jigsaw. And a Dremel and a Foredom with a hand piece and a gazillion bits and things. I am generally speaking a “do everything with power tools!” kinda girl but I have not had good luck with the aforementioned tools in working on the hook. I can’t seem to stick to my line and thing just end up going all wonky. I was really surprised at how quickly the coping saw cut through the walnut (once I figure out how to adjust the saw 😂) and the rasps were also pretty quick. Hanging said that, I’ll likely use the Dremel and Foredom to help finish shaping. I think the jigsaw would be ok on these at this point because I’m leaving them thicker, but I still worry about the stroke busting off a piece of the hook. I’ll take pics of the bottom after I do the resin. I was able to clean it up nicely with a little work on the lathe and a lot of work with the sander but it’s just too think in the very center for me to be comfortable with it. The porky and the possums and forces and coyotes and bears are all welcome as long as they stay away from the dog and the cats, which go out in a fenced area off the house we call a “catio” 😁

[@jayscott306]

Beautiful and well earned bosh, Lisa. I had a few of the same struggles with the coping saw until I got my rhythm, and dinging the inside while carving my first yarn bowl. Was a fun commission.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Jay! I’ll definitely be making more and will have a better idea of the flow

[@jayscott306]

@@LisaRamlow I was about to say that last night but hit Post instead of return, and didn't add it. Like everything, practice makes for more efficiency.

[@JustJaneyArt]

Well done for not swearing when you accidentally gouged the bowl!! I could feel the annoyance through the screen! I’m a huge HUGE fan of hula woodworks and have a couple of pieces he’s made. An absolute gentleman and master at his craft. I very much enjoyed your take on the Hula Hook! Looking forward to seeing more of your work!!

[@texashula2213]

Much love Janey!

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Janey, I appreciate it! Love Hula’s work also!

[@jasonholman6153]

Bowl was nice, but whoever cut the that blank from that walnut , I tell you what😆. Beautiful yarn bowl you made that walnut shine.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Jason, much appreciated! This is one of the blanks I brought back when I came down for the pressure pot. It’s been in my shop waiting for just this opportunity! The others you just brought will likely have a similar fate 😁

[@garyjohnson9297]

When using a coping saw , mount the blade to cut in a pull stroke . Loosen the handle, and place the bow against bench and push to flex the bow and remove the blade , and remount it , the blade can be rotated 360 degrees and locked . Also there are hand scroll saw frames to use both pin and plain end scroll saw blades to cut thinner saw kerf and less tear out Wood carver and pattern makers rasps and rifflers come in many shapes and from fine to course

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Gary! This coping saw came with the blade mounted to cut on the push stroke and I left it that way but I’ll turn it around and see if I like that better.

[@JohnWilliams-iw6oq]

I love the bowl it's a beautiful piece. I don't put a hoop in mine, just drill a 5/8" hole because people complained that the wool fell out of the loop. It works well. The wildlife is fantastic, we sometimes see the Australian version, an Echidna. They are smaller and although they are a mammal and feed their young milk they lay eggs.

[@LisaRamlow]

Wait, what!? Imma have to look that up, that’s so crazy! I really like porcupines - our buildings here are all metal sided and roofed so we don’t have issues with them chewing on our structures like some do. The dog and cats are in a fenced area and can’t get out, but a porcupine technically could get IN to the yard and that would suck for everyone! So far he’s been in front, probably in and around the bog between the house and the lake. We have lots of things they love to eat there so I doubt it would feel the need to try and get into the back fenced area, which used to have horses. I’m happy to have them around as long as we can keep them and our critters separated 😁

[@JohnWilliams-iw6oq]

@@LisaRamlow it amazes me that city people are terrified of the bush, how blessed are we to live in rural areas.

[@bookartswithloritaylor8362]

Peek-a-boo PQ porkie! 😄🐷🌲

[@LisaRamlow]

Ain’t he cute!?

[@curtisclements2753]

SWEETIE YOU DONE A FANTASTIC JOB DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP ABOUT IT YOU FIXED IT AND IT COME OUT TO BE BEAUTIFUL LIKE ALWAYS WELL YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE AND HAVE A AWESOME DAY KEEP THE WOOD CHIPS FLYING AND I WILL SEE YOU ON THE NEXT VIDEO I'LL SEE LATER SWEETIE LOVE YOU'LL PEACE BE YOU'LL

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Curtis! 😊

[@curtisalbert1846]

Very beautiful

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Curtis!

[@kimberlybajorek1900]

Beautiful piece. Great turning. Yarn hook is definitely sexy.

[@LisaRamlow]

Right!? It’s a beauty of a thing!

[@garyjohnson9297]

I have used rubber cement to mount paper patterns to wool blanks , the remaining glue residue can be wiped off with lacquer thinner

[@LisaRamlow]

Good idea Gary, thanks 👍

[@carolriley8472]

Lovely yarn bowl! I've always wanted to make one to sell!

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Carol! I’ve been wanting to do it for a while now. Guess I just needed to see the right ones to light the fire under my butt and give it a shot

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Very nice.

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks Doug!

[@robohippy]

I have had projects that have gone like that...... You did salvage it though. With that nasty tear out, a trick that is so old I forgot it, but learned it again at a recent club meeting, spritz a little water on it, then take very light cuts, turning away the damp stuff. I do prefer a shear scrape for the final last cuts. The scrapers, in the transition and up the sides, even the NRS, will still want to tear out rather than cut. Me, I am learning hand planes and hand cut dove tails...... ARGH!!!!!!!!

[@LisaRamlow]

Aargh is right! Imma stay on the lathe 😁

[@mr.latheznknivez]

That was probably no fun with that skip back! I’ve done it plenty of times trying to add when it’s all done. Looks really great for sure! Good save

[@LisaRamlow]

Oh man, I was so annoyed! I’ll have a better idea of the sequence of finishing/bottom etc.

[@scottmedori1437]

Really enjoyed this Lisa. Gave me great ideas for my next yarn bowl. Thinking that some coloured epoxy on the bottom may have saved me from swearing, because I am quite accomplished at skating my gouge on that one last cut

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Scott! Yeah, I know I’m not the only one that tends to make more work for themselves 🙄😂. I’ll post pics of the bottom of this one after I pour the resin. Just glad I didn’t make an actual hole!

[@janeoverby2151]

I have got to make one of these! that is beautiful Lisa. I have a friend who is asking for a yarn bowl. I use yarn bowls myself for my crochet, when I'm not turning that is. I usually just don't put the hook into the bowl. Have you thought about a Dremel tool for cutting the hook? that coping saw just looked complicated LOL. Definitely sharing this video.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Jane! Once I figured out how to use the coping saw (it’s really not that complicated!😂) I appreciated the control i had in doing it by hand. I’ve tried a Dremel for cutting it out and it wanders. I will employ the Dremel to assist with some of the final shaping , tho I was surprised at how quickly I was able to smooth it out with the files and rasps. And thanks for sharing the video, I appreciate that 😃

[@amandatallis9875]

Hi Lisa what an awesome piece of wood it has such lovely grain and it comes up really well. The bowl has turned out really nice I like the finish it really shines. The hula hook design is really cool , you are really clever and you have a lot of patience, I like how you explain everything. Do you sell your things you make. Amanda from Scotland UK x

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi Amanda! Thank you so much 😁. I do sell my work at some local galleries and on my website, but I don have much up there at the moment. One of my favorite people on the planet hails from Paisley, though she’s been in the states for probably 20 years. Her mum just passed and she flew home for the funeral and to see her family. If you saw the last bit of the last video with the dogs playing, the shy dog is hers and we babysat him while she was gone ❤️

[@golf2actual375]

Beautiful bowl. Question: I noticed that you put the cutout on the pith area of an old branch coming out of the sap wood, which is where I would expect any cracks to develope. Please let us know if it develops any cracks and where they develop. Cracks are the bane of my bowl turning. Keep up the good work.

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey there! This blank is actually quartersawn from a huge round of walnut trunk and there weren’t any branches. I think the sapwood just looks funny because it’s normally so symmetrical and here it is only on one side due to the way the blanks were milled. The trunk was about 30” in diameter but was cut into cookies only about 8-12” tall so there were several blanks cut from one slab, rather than just two in a normal sized round.

[@SteveRibaudo]

Just ran across your channel Lisa. Subscribed! I have the 18/36 also but am limited to what Laguna offers in tool rests. I like the S shaped tool rests you use. Can you share where you got your tool rests?

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey there, and welcome! These are RoboRests, made my RoboHippy aka Reed Gray. I’m not sure if they are available on the market at the moment but you can check online and see. I know there are other curves rests out there, some imported cheapies and some made by Robust, etc. I find it very useful and am so glad to have them!

[@mpart_woodlathe-stuff]

Hi Lasa, such a lovely yarn bowl you've shown us ! Thank you so much for sharing the joy it gave (gives?) you !!! I made a few and yes, very satisfying with all the fiddling about getting it done. Did the epoxy base go well ? Thanks again. Take care. -Mike p.s. his Fibrionacci cutout is pretty sexy Lol !

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey Mike! I haven’t poured the epoxy yet but I don’t foresee an issue. Famous last words there, right? 😂 next time I’ll make sure to account for the mortise if that’s how I do it. I use them so infrequently I haven’t made a depth gauge thing yet

[@mpart_woodlathe-stuff]

@@LisaRamlow I'm sure you'll have no issues with the epoxy - just missed a pic to enjoy !! 👍😎

[@dallasmoss1428]

For one the fan didn’t bother me at all I enjoyed the entire process including the slight boo-boo at the end I applaud you for not throwing a fit it was a great job the one I did with walnut I made it thick on the bottom and I cut a large heart in the side so the yarn comes out the mouth of the heart I sold it I don’t have a picture of it sorry about that I thought it look good though

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey Dallas! Next time I’ll have more thickness at the bottom for sure. Hula also did one with a heart instead of the circle but it already took me so long to make this one I can’t imagine doing a heart! 😂

[@Loan--Wolf]

ah the cute little pokie pine

[@LisaRamlow]

Don’t want Bailey to meet him up close & personal like tho 😂

[@Loan--Wolf]

@@LisaRamlow no it is not fun for you or the dog i know i had a dog as a kid thought he was meaner he thought wrong they was like 15 of them needle things stuck in his face i felt so bad its funny now tho

[@bryanmccabe3632]

with that saw the cut is made as you pull it towards you , thanks ,BM ,aka, woodbutcher

[@LisaRamlow]

Hey Bryan! Somehow missed this comment, sorry about that! The way the blade is installed in this one cuts on the push but I can reverse it if that feels more natural.

[@bryanmccabe3632]

@@LisaRamlow just a trimmer talking whatever works best for you love to watch you work I have learned so much thanks

[@Loan--Wolf]

i actuly dont mind sanding i find it soothing takes my mind off all the shit i cant do any thing about that wont get out of my brain 8:27 ouch sorry that happen catches are the worst and when you spend so much time on finish for it to happen is just ouch

[@LisaRamlow]

Yeah, I was not happy 😖

[@wantlessobject]

Nice job! And way to recover from the "boo boo".

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks! Too bad I made so much more work for myself! 😂

[@PerryCountyWhitetails]

great recovery from the gouges. Pardon my ignorance but what in the world is a yarn bowl ???

[@LisaRamlow]

Hi there! It is a bowl knitters and crocheters use to hold the ball of yarn they are working with. The yarn is threaded through the hole in the hook and the ball just sort of rolls around inside the bowl and dispenses the yarn as they work. Google it for pics in use - they are made of all sorts of materials, wood and ceramic being the most common

[@garyjohnson9297]

Not an oops , just an unplanned redesign

[@LisaRamlow]

Indeed! 😂