Laburnum, Beech, Walnut and Purpleheart Wood Hair Pin

This handcrafted hair pin is made from vibrant Laburnum, pale Beech, dark Purple Heart and Walnut wood. The top is Laburnum with a beautiful grain and a small patch of spalting. The collar consists of a band of Beech wood into Black Walnut and Purple Heart . The rest of the pin is Laburnum wood with a deep grained heartwood and a contrasting sapwood curve. This is a lovely strong pin with lots of unique character.

Laburnum wood is a stunning wood found in southern Europe and here in the UK. Prized by furniture makers and luthiers this beautiful deep grained wood is often used for veneers. It is one of the few woods we have in the UK that feels and behaves like rosewood. Cross cut sections of this wood called 'oysters' have been used to make furniture for centuries. A stunning tree and a gorgeous wood, it never fails to impress. This piece was salvaged from a very old tree that had fallen in a storm in 2012. I've saved as much of the old dear as I could and I can't wait to see what further wonders lie beneath the bark.

European Beech is commonly found across Europe and western Asia. It has been used for centuries in furniture making and for building musical instruments. This piece was left over from reclaimed planks that I used to build my workshop bench. Research has revealed that Beech trees prefer the company of other beech trees and often fuse their root systems together to equalise their photosynthesis. In this way the trees can share immunity and strength.

American Black Walnut grows in Canada and Northern America. It is a prized wood for cabinetmaking and provides some pretty tasty nuts. The hair pin has been made from wood that would have otherwise been thrown away or burnt.

Purpleheart is a very strong wood from south America. This piece was left over from a local carpentry workshop. It is one of my favourite woods to work with. Sapele Mahogany comes from West, Central and East Africa. It is often used in furniture and cabinet making and as a veneer for marquetry. It is also used in the construction of musical instruments, for building boats and as a flooring material.

Measurements:

16.4cm Long

2.4cm Wide