I had a gift in mind for several of my family members, and up stepped a friend who – incredibly generously – donated his time to help make the Christmas present a reality (obviously, it’s not Christmas yet, but I’ll post a picture of his work once the time has passed!).  I wanted to find a way to pay him back, and along with some shaving oil to make his life better, and a SodaStream, that I was told he’d been eyeing, I made him a piece in the workshop. Not even close to an equal trade, but hopefully he likes it!  Below is the walnut, maple and steel centerpiece.

Oiling the centerpiece

This is a beautiful piece of 2″ thick walnut, with amazing grain on both the top and both visible edges. Almost the last piece from the wood Dora bought me as my 5th Anniversary present.  A wee stripe of Maple inlay, and some handles/feet created from steel angles.  I love combining the metal and the wood, and love how the dark wood mixes well with the dark steel.

And for the record, here is the amazing piece that Gabe did for me – a picture of the house where I grew up (apologies for my amateurish appearance in the reflection):