Before it was yours
Elm Crotch Bowl
Elm
Elm Crotch
This elm came from Vancouver Island -- sourced by a woodturning friend who shares stock from time to time. His material all comes from the island, and he has a good eye for what's worth keeping. This piece was a crotch section -- the place where a branch left the main trunk. Crotch wood is where the tree put the most effort into holding itself together, and that tension shows in the grain. The figure that comes out of a well-placed crotch cut is unlike anything else elm produces. I wish I'd had the camera out earlier. By the time I thought to document it, the blank was already cut.
Looking after it
A wipe with a damp cloth, never the dishwasher, and a little food-safe oil when the wood looks dry. Don't overthink it - wood is hardy and resilient, and everything I make is meant to be used.