How Wood Grain Tells a Story
No two pieces of wood are ever the same.
That’s what draws me to it time and time again.
The fact that I am working with years of growth, pressure, and weather.
Every knot, ripple, and spalting line is part of the tree’s story. A tree that was growing long before I was on this planet.
And by creating something from the timber, we can give the end of the tree’s life some kind of meaning. Hopefully create some beauty to put into the world.
What is wood grain?
When we’re talking about the wood grain in a piece of timber, we’re talking about the the alignment and arrangement of a tree’s fibres.
Depending on how the tree grew, and how the wood was cut, the grain can take on different shapes and patters.
It might look straight, curly, or wildly unpredictable.
Then, the way in which those fibres react with light, or how they absorb a finish can create a visual depth to a new object.
Spalting, knots, and figure
Spalting is a natural colouring that comes from fungi.
Which may sound a bit gross to begin with but is a reminder that decay and beauty often go hand-in-hand.
When wood spalts, it can create soft, inky lines or dramatic contrasts. A lot of that will depend on the species and the conditions in which the wood has been stored.
The knot marks are where branches once grew. They can provide some texture, pattern, and sometimes resistance.
Figuring is often seen as a shimmering curl. Some people compare it to a quilted effects, or birds-eye pattern.
Each one is a visual echo of the tree’s life.
These aren’t flaws in the wood. They’re features.
When I choose which side of a blank to turn, I’m thinking about how those grain patterns will flow in the finished piece.
The East Cairn bud vase range brings together the warmth of spalted beech and the clean elegance of a simple cylindrical form.
The natural variations in grain and spalting ensure each vase is entirely unique.
Standing 12 cm tall with a 1 cm diameter hole, these vases are designed for single dry stems or minimal floral arrangements, adding a refined focal point to any shelf or table.
Finished with a protective microcrystalline wax, each piece celebrates the quiet drama of wood’s natural beauty, preserved and enhanced for everyday living.
A limited number of these vases are currently available. The image is a representative example of what you will receive.
Please note: these are suitable for dry flowers only
Why imperfections matter
Every defect is worthy.
Mass-produced objects are often smooth, uniform, and lifeless.
But the vases and bowls I make tell a deeper story.
They remind us that natural is irregular. That what we call "imperfection" can be what makes something real. This especially true in a world which is becoming more and more engulfed in AI.
I want to offer something different.
Crafted from the storied Covenanters Oak this bud vase carries nearly nine centuries of history within its grain.
Salvaged from storm-damaged wood, the oak tree is estimated to be around 850 years old, making it a rare and meaningful piece.
The form is simple yet purposeful—an elegantly tapered silhouette that highlights the tight grain and subtle variations in tone.
Shaped to honor the endurance of this ancient tree, preserving a legacy of resilience in a contemporary form.
Designed for dry flowers, this vase is more than a vessel—it’s a fragment of history, refined and reimagined.
Take a closer look
You’ll see it in the pale ribbons of spalted beech bowls.
In the swirling centre of a sycamore vase.
In the contrast between dark and light on a piece of Scottish oak.
The wood I use isn’t always flawless - it’s been full of life.
The West Kip wooden bud vase takes inspiration from the distinct peak of one of the most recognisable hills in the Pentlands.
Its elegant form with a gentle taper reflects the climb to the summit, creating a stunning piece that feels both graceful and grounded.
Perfect for showcasing a single stem or a minimal arrangement, this bud vase adds a touch of natural sophistication to any space.
Suitable for dry flowers only.
Bring a story into your home
Each bud vase or wooden bowl carries a unique fingerprint of the tree.
When you buy a handmade wooden piece of decor, you’re bringing in a quiet piece of natural history.
A reminder that it is good to slow down.
A testament to the beauty of nature’s own design.
