A while back,
@Neil S gifted me a chunk of Huon Pine. I'd wanted to work with it ever since seeing pieces by Australian carvers Hape Kiddle and Carol Russell. Huon Pine (not a true Pine) is an extremely slow-growing tree native to Tasmania. It grows ~0.5-2.0 mm/year in girth, and can live for thousands of years. This little calabash (3.5"h x 2.75"d) has around 120 growth rings. The wood is very soft, but turns and sands well, has a pleasant floral scent, and takes an oil finish nicely. It was a special treat to work--thanks Neil!
