This was something of a prototype for larger table top pieces I have planned. I started with a lovely Laurel rootball from a tree we lost on our property in Connecticut during Hurricane Sandy. I packed the rootballs in sawdust filled buckets where they seasoned for 5 years in my North Carolina shop. The selected rootball was cut into slabs about 3/4" thick on a bandsaw and positioned in a custom built mold. A couple pebbles and mini pinecones were added for interest. Four different tinted resins were used in this pour in addition to some clear resin that I used to play with the transparancy levels throughout the piece. The casting was cured and sanded on both sides. Tiny air pocket holes were filled with CA glue and, once cured, two clear coats of resin were floated over the top and sides.
The photograph just hints at the vibrancy and depth of the colors in this piece. The inspiration for this piece was the color and clarity of Lake Tahoe water combined with the rich color and grain of natural root burl. This piece measures 9 7/16" x 14 7/8". The piece is semi-transparant and has an unfinished back. It is not currently available for sale.
Stay tuned for more wood and resin combinations! I have several lovely slabs of Red Cedar curing. They should make stunning console table tops.