That's a cracking little dish Mike, love it. Enjoy the tool wall and thanks for the plug😊 Have a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful New Year my friend.
That platter has so many eyes, there's nowhere to hide from it. Marvelous looking. Hey, just a little tidbit for you, the black lines of spalted wood are called "zone lines." They are a barrier created by the fungus to protect its territory from neighboring fungi. It looks amazing, and it has a purpose too. Just like the platter that you made from it. Once again, Elm shows us why it's not to be dismissed as firewood.
Merry Christmas, Mike and family. And a Happy New Year. Such a lovely bowl. Father, Christmas is a lovely man, too have left you that beautiful piece of wood, and a lovely job you have made of it. 🎉🎅🎄🎊🎁🎉 .xxx
My god that wood pattern is psycadellic. A nice close up of that grain, and some colored lights, and it's back to the early 1970s! I'm running out of adjectives. Stunning! ♥️ ❤ ❤
The spalting is nice and the swirling burl patterns are fascinating. The beauty in this piece really shines. P.S. The Shady Acres reference was a nice callout.
Nice tool wall! A tip for mounting shallow pieces that I use frequently when turning platters: Glue a sacrificial block of hardwood the size of a small faceplate onto the center of the wood and mount onto that for the initial turning (or just drill the mortise into the block for expansion jaws). When you reverse the piece, you simply turn the block away. With a thicker block you can use a worm screw instead. I use wood glue; I don't trust hot melt glue.
Your Christmas present wood is just gorgeous. I marvel at your ability to picture things in your mind and have them turn out so beautifully. Thanks so much for sharing it online. I really enjoy it. I'm a senior citizen and a lot of times I don't have a lot to do, but I enjoy watching your program.
Perfect Christmas for an artist, new toys, tools and beautiful raw materials! Great job using them all to bring out the fantastic natural beauty of the piece!
Absolutely beautiful, I love how you work with the natural shape and grain of the wood...it almost ends up as a collaboration between you and the tree! Merry Christmas and I hope your channel climbs to even greater heights in 2025
Santa has good taste, that's a beautiful piece of wood. I really like your sympathetic turning that allows it to really shine. Also have to say that new tool rack is great!
The time you spent stopping and checking this piece has meant that you have managed to get the absolute best out of a truly beautiful piece of wood. Congratulations and merry Christmas to you and your family
Another attractive piece. The main reason I enjoy your videos is that you use “lumps” of wood to create beautiful pieces rather than a bowl blank. Fortunately I have a ready supply of odd lumps but have not been able to “see” the possibilities. Thank you for showing me what is possible.
Wow! Santa brought you 3 presents! What a lucky guy😊 What you created with that stunning piece of nature is a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas
What an astonishing piece, that's the kind of thing you put on a table and stare at for hours and still not see every detail it has hiding in plain sight. Very well done and very good eye Santa !!! Loving everyone getting new toys, as I was watching this I was making some Doctor Who coasters with my new laser engraver lol.
What a lovely piece of wood Santa provided, father Christmas is very generous. I agree with you on the simplicity of the turn, exquisite beauty! Merry Christmas, Mike…
All those little swirls and Eddie's make me think of turbulence, like flying through a storm. Beautiful and primal. Thank you for sharing with us. Have a very Merry Christmas.😺
As beautiful as the burl wood is, the real present is that amazing tool rack! The expression on your face said it all. Thank you for giving us all a video present on Christmas Even and have a Happy Christmas!
Oh my, Santa has certainly been very good to you this year, motorised table, tool wall and an exceptional piece of wood to turn. It’s absolutely beautiful. You’ve done a marvellous job of it. The grain and patterns on that platter could keep me mesmerised for ages.
That grain looks like Van Gogh painted it, while the colors are so golden it reminds me of Klimt! You did an amazing job of celebrating the character of that wood. Warmest holiday wishes, Mike!
Stunning piece of Elm. Love the way you examine the wood to determine the final design. Once again I will be looking at my stock with more of an open eye. Thanks again and merry Christmas
Thanks mike. You have started to make me look again at each piece of wood with a new eye . I no longer automatically think bowl but try and bring the natural shape that the wood will look at it's best . keep up the teaching. Stunning platter. Merry Christmas.
Someone must have been a good boy this year for Santa to leave such a nice gift. 😇 You made Santa and Phil proud with leaving the natural edge. Must be trying to get some browny point with Rudolph. 😜 That’s a very nice tool rack, and frees up a lot of space. Merry Christmas to you and your family and Happy New Year.
Yaaay i saw Santa. Another lovely piece. I just want to thank you for all your videos throughout this year. The time and effort you put in. has given me some great relaxing time. Lastly i want to wish you and all your family a very merry Christmas.
You have given me an appreciation of the asymmetrical - thank you, Mike. This one is a traditional Sami religious offering platter from Northern Finland. Happy Christmas
Woo, Santa is just the best when it comes to giving DIY presents. I guess Rudolf is more into travel vloggers like Steve Marsh. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎄🎆
Thank you Mike, for our Christmas present, this video of you with yours! That is a lovely dish from a wonderful piece of burr. You most certainly have deserved your place on Santa's 'good' list and what a lucky boy you have been with your gifts ... and the tool wall warrants a video of its own, I suggest. Merry Christmas, my friend, to you and your family.
Oooo... lots of pre-Christmas and Christmas goodies to play with. That wall for tools is fabulous. I see lots and lots of use out of that for many years. Love that desk as well. I did go over and have a look. I have expensive tastes (on a 'pint budget') but it was fun to price out one for myself. And that piece of wood.... gotta go watch what you do with that now! BRB That is beautiful! The patterns in the wood are so unique to that one piece. Santa did good giving this piece of wood to you. Happy Christmas! May 2025 bring you wonderful days and loads of love, peace, joy, and good health. ♥
What an exciting episode. A new drill press, new motorized table, and new tool rack...and an amazing block of wood. It's like Christmas morning! 🎉🎁 It's a joy to watch you work because you love what you do. That passion comes through with every piece. Beautiful result with this elm, as always. Stunning color and grain! Have an amazing, peaceful holiday season! 😊
So happy that Father Christmas paid you a visit. I am not surprised that you were on his good boy's list this year. He surely is pleased with what you accomplished with the gift. Pay no attention to Rudolph. He has a one-track mind. And that is guiding Father Christmas' sleigh. Mery Christmas and a very Happy New year to you and all if your loved ones.
I think that's my second favorite piece of wood! Especially on the back, but also on the front it looks like a nebula busy birthing thousands of new suns!
Merry Christmas😊. The grain has so many images in it, including a swirly sky of stars. When I was sick as a child, I spent a lot of time stairing at the grain of my bedroom door picking out lots of fun images that I still remember, including the big, fat crocodile in the mud puddle😄
That tool rack is a heck of a Christmas present too! Such an unassuming piece of wood, its absolutely stunning with finish. Another beautiful piece. Merry Christmas Mike!
Wow! Total stunner! Thank you for showing us how to make all the right decisions with such a piece. Lots of eyes... Happy Yule, Happy New Year, and Blessed Be.😊
Saved watching this till Christmas evening once everyone had gone home, enjoyed it gonna have to get one of them floppy disc things, have a great Christmas all the best Dave
That's a cracking little dish Mike, love it. Enjoy the tool wall and thanks for the plug😊 Have a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful New Year my friend.
Thanks so much Andy, I really appreciate you getting this done before the id day, have a great break! 😀
@MikeHolton oooh yes, I forgot to say how awesome the tool wall looks. Great job Andy
@andyfirthbespoke I do love me a French cleat!
That platter has so many eyes, there's nowhere to hide from it. Marvelous looking. Hey, just a little tidbit for you, the black lines of spalted wood are called "zone lines." They are a barrier created by the fungus to protect its territory from neighboring fungi. It looks amazing, and it has a purpose too. Just like the platter that you made from it. Once again, Elm shows us why it's not to be dismissed as firewood.
Thanks William and thanks so much for the information! All the best, Mike 😀
Merry Christmas, Mike and family. And a Happy New Year. Such a lovely bowl. Father, Christmas is a lovely man, too have left you that beautiful piece of wood, and a lovely job you have made of it. 🎉🎅🎄🎊🎁🎉 .xxx
Thanks Elaine and the same to you and yours, all the best, Mike 😁
My god that wood pattern is psycadellic. A nice close up of that grain, and some colored lights, and it's back to the early 1970s! I'm running out of adjectives. Stunning! ♥️ ❤ ❤
Haha thanks so much 😅
The spalting is nice and the swirling burl patterns are fascinating. The beauty in this piece really shines.
P.S. The Shady Acres reference was a nice callout.
Haha thanks Scott 😀
Nice tool wall! A tip for mounting shallow pieces that I use frequently when turning platters: Glue a sacrificial block of hardwood the size of a small faceplate onto the center of the wood and mount onto that for the initial turning (or just drill the mortise into the block for expansion jaws). When you reverse the piece, you simply turn the block away. With a thicker block you can use a worm screw instead. I use wood glue; I don't trust hot melt glue.
Thanks, if I had more time I would have done it but this is a very busy time of the year lol 😀
Your Christmas present wood is just gorgeous. I marvel at your ability to picture things in your mind and have them turn out so beautifully. Thanks so much for sharing it online. I really enjoy it. I'm a senior citizen and a lot of times I don't have a lot to do, but I enjoy watching your program.
Thanks so much Cheryl 😊
Perfect Christmas for an artist, new toys, tools and beautiful raw materials!
Great job using them all to bring out the fantastic natural beauty of the piece!
Thank you very much Penny ☺️
Santa knows you well and that's a very beautiful bowl! Thank you Santa! Merry Christmas!
Thanks Kathryn you too! ☺️
The piece is stunning as usual, but that tool rack is legendary.
Thanks and I completely agree 😀
The way those swirls popped out when you applied the sealer was really something. Merry Christmas.
I know Ben I was stunned! Merry Christmas 😀
Absolutely beautiful, I love how you work with the natural shape and grain of the wood...it almost ends up as a collaboration between you and the tree!
Merry Christmas and I hope your channel climbs to even greater heights in 2025
Thank you very much Terry, I try to let the wood decide what it wants to be, that way I always have something else to blame 😁
Don’t know which is more impressive - the tool wall, the desk, the drill or the finished product!
Haha thanks Cheryl, for me it's the tool wall lol 😀
Santa has good taste, that's a beautiful piece of wood. I really like your sympathetic turning that allows it to really shine.
Also have to say that new tool rack is great!
Thank you very much, the tool rach is just what I wanted 😁
Every piece still amazes me from beginning to end. ❤❤❤ the spalting just adds so much more character.
Thanks so much 😀
The time you spent stopping and checking this piece has meant that you have managed to get the absolute best out of a truly beautiful piece of wood. Congratulations and merry Christmas to you and your family
Thanks so much Damien and the same to you and yours 😁
now that is a fantastic storage solution That table is amazing.Stunning piece of wood and as always an awesome result
Thank you very much Colin 😁
Oh my, the color contrast in the burl is spectacular! Still love the live edge, even without the bark. We thank Santa as well❣️
Thanks so much Kathleen 😊
That's a beauty, I'm sure Rudolph and Phil would agree! Happy holidays.
Thanks so much Carol 😀
Next Christmas, you'll have to make sure and leave Santa some nice cookies on that platter to thank him for the nice gift 🎁
Great idea, I'll do just that 😀
Another attractive piece. The main reason I enjoy your videos is that you use “lumps” of wood to create beautiful pieces rather than a bowl blank. Fortunately I have a ready supply of odd lumps but have not been able to “see” the possibilities. Thank you for showing me what is possible.
You're welcome Edward ☺️
Yes! You got the sanding flap thing!🎉
Haha it worked great 😀
I’m currently sitting here waiting for my first very own lathe to arrive on the truck. This is a real inspiration. Thanks.
Brilliant Miryam, hope it arrives safe 😀 Merry Christmas
Whole worlds to be seen in that one! Could get lost in it for hours.
I know exactly what you mean 😊
An amazing piece released from the blank by an expert.
Thanks Simon 😀
Wow! Santa brought you 3 presents! What a lucky guy😊 What you created with that stunning piece of nature is a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas
Thank you! Cheers Mary and the same to you 😁
What an astonishing piece, that's the kind of thing you put on a table and stare at for hours and still not see every detail it has hiding in plain sight. Very well done and very good eye Santa !!! Loving everyone getting new toys, as I was watching this I was making some Doctor Who coasters with my new laser engraver lol.
Haha that sounds cool! You will have to send me a pic if you don't mind? (mike@mikeholton.net)
That wood is incredible! This video is a great Christmas gift to all your viewers -thank you! Happy New Year 🎉🥳🎉
That is stunning! You are a true artisan!
Thanks so much Amy 😀
What a lovely piece of wood Santa provided, father Christmas is very generous. I agree with you on the simplicity of the turn, exquisite beauty! Merry Christmas, Mike…
Thank you very much Ken and the same to you 😀
All those little swirls and Eddie's make me think of turbulence, like flying through a storm. Beautiful and primal. Thank you for sharing with us.
Have a very Merry Christmas.😺
Glad you enjoyed it Barbara, and you too 😁
As beautiful as the burl wood is, the real present is that amazing tool rack! The expression on your face said it all. Thank you for giving us all a video present on Christmas Even and have a Happy Christmas!
Thanks Leonie, I must admit I do love that tool wall!! Merry Christmas to you and yours and I hope you have a wonderful new year 😀
Your cinematography and effects of the video are amazing.
Thanks Paul, I keep trying to get better 😀
That tool wall is incredible. I would watch a video on just that!
Thanks Jonathan, I'll see if it can be arranged lol 😆
Oh my, Santa has certainly been very good to you this year, motorised table, tool wall and an exceptional piece of wood to turn. It’s absolutely beautiful. You’ve done a marvellous job of it. The grain and patterns on that platter could keep me mesmerised for ages.
Thank you very much Sylvia, I'm a very lucky boy 😁 Merry Christmas 😁
That grain looks like Van Gogh painted it, while the colors are so golden it reminds me of Klimt!
You did an amazing job of celebrating the character of that wood.
Warmest holiday wishes, Mike!
Thanks and the same to you! You have mentioned two of my favourite artists lol 😀
Really lovely piece of wood. I like what you chose to do with it, you highlighted the beauty of the burl.
Thank you so much 😀
Nicely done, Mike. That’s definitely my kind of wood! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Mine too, thanks Valerie 😀
The round patterns really make me think to Van Gogh's Starry Night. I really like the look of it
Thanks Phil, a few people have said the same 🙂
The way the grain just bloomed when you added the shellac 😍. Gorgeous!
Merry Christmas to you and yours. Have a wonderful holiday!
Thank you Michelle You too 😀
Stunning piece of Elm. Love the way you examine the wood to determine the final design. Once again I will be looking at my stock with more of an open eye. Thanks again and merry Christmas
Thank you very much Ivan , glad my approach helps 😀
OMG I cackled when FC does the 'sshh' after clanging about with a dirty great bell 🤣
Very nice piece of wood and nicely worked.
Haha I did wonder if someone would mention that 😀
What a nice gift from Santa.
Thanks! he chose well 😀
What a surreal looking dish. Absolutely brilliant!
Many thanks Aaron 😀
Thanks mike. You have started to make me look again at each piece of wood with a new eye . I no longer automatically think bowl but try and bring the natural shape that the wood will look at it's best . keep up the teaching. Stunning platter. Merry Christmas.
That is awesome John and thanks. One you get the hang of it it can lead to some very interesting turns 😀
Someone must have been a good boy this year for Santa to leave such a nice gift. 😇
You made Santa and Phil proud with leaving the natural edge. Must be trying to get some browny point with Rudolph. 😜
That’s a very nice tool rack, and frees up a lot of space.
Merry Christmas to you and your family and Happy New Year.
Happy holidays Barry and thanks so much 😀
Santa was very nice to you this year Mike! That is a spectacular bowl. The burl and spalting is incredible. Thanks for sharing. Happy Holidays!
Thanks Lisa, I must have been a good boy this year lol 😀
Absolutely stunning! You did a fabulous job showing all the character of that piece with your design choices.
Thanks so much Brian 😀
Such amazing patterns!!! Looks amazing .
Thanks Mark it's pretty nice 🙂
Yaaay i saw Santa. Another lovely piece. I just want to thank you for all your videos throughout this year. The time and effort you put in. has given me some great relaxing time. Lastly i want to wish you and all your family a very merry Christmas.
You are so welcome Jonathan and thanks so much for your support, all the best to you and yours, Mike
That piece is amazing. It has so much character. I would never get tired of looking at it. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thanks so much and the same to you 😀
You have given me an appreciation of the asymmetrical - thank you, Mike. This one is a traditional Sami religious offering platter from Northern Finland. Happy Christmas
I'll have to look that one up, thanks! 😀
...maybe. Just my imagination running away. All of your pieces have an ethic look to them of late... And a happy New year
@@Vidmir69 Haha don't blame me, I just do what the wood tells me to do lol
You have a great feal for the wood, an intuition that goes beyond just another bowl.
Merry Christmas, Mike, and to your family and all your viewers.
Thanks Deborah and the same to you and yours 😁
Woo, Santa is just the best when it comes to giving DIY presents. I guess Rudolf is more into travel vloggers like Steve Marsh.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎄🎆
Thanks so much and the same to you and yours 😁
A very nice platter. The pattern is just amazing. Loved watching.
Thanks so much Chris 😊
I don't know what amazes me more, your new modular tool rack or this beautiful platter!
Thanks and they are like kids, you can't say you have a favourite but secretly you do (tool rack)😀
Thank you Mike, for our Christmas present, this video of you with yours! That is a lovely dish from a wonderful piece of burr. You most certainly have deserved your place on Santa's 'good' list and what a lucky boy you have been with your gifts ... and the tool wall warrants a video of its own, I suggest. Merry Christmas, my friend, to you and your family.
Thanks so much David and the same to you and yours 😀
Oooo... lots of pre-Christmas and Christmas goodies to play with. That wall for tools is fabulous. I see lots and lots of use out of that for many years. Love that desk as well. I did go over and have a look. I have expensive tastes (on a 'pint budget') but it was fun to price out one for myself. And that piece of wood.... gotta go watch what you do with that now! BRB
That is beautiful! The patterns in the wood are so unique to that one piece. Santa did good giving this piece of wood to you. Happy Christmas! May 2025 bring you wonderful days and loads of love, peace, joy, and good health. ♥
Thanks so much and the very same to you and yours, all the best, Mike 😀
Natural beauty! Here at Christmas.
Thanks Larry 😁
Beautiful piece! Happy Holidays!
Thanks and the same to you 😀
What an exciting episode. A new drill press, new motorized table, and new tool rack...and an amazing block of wood. It's like Christmas morning! 🎉🎁
It's a joy to watch you work because you love what you do. That passion comes through with every piece. Beautiful result with this elm, as always. Stunning color and grain!
Have an amazing, peaceful holiday season! 😊
Thanks Cynthia and thanks so much for your amazing support this year. Merry Christmas 🤩
I adore that wood.
Me too, thanks Miryam 😀
That is a beautiful platter Mike. I love the colours in it. Hope you and your family have a great Christmas
Thanks so much, you too! ☺️
What a beautiful piece! You really managed to turn it and keep all the unique beauty. It almost reminds me of Egyptian writing.
Thanks so much Amanda 😀
Always amazing what you produce from a piece of wood.
Thanks so much 😀
A gorgeous platter Mike!
Thanks Chuck 😀
Absolutely stunning patterns on this piece, almost looks like a wooden moon... Love it!
Thank you so much Bryan 😊
Beautiful Christmas present with a stunning result.
Thanks so much Colin 😀
Absolutely Gorgeous Piece!
Thanks so much 😀
Very nice turning and Phil will be proud for your natural edge turning,😊stunning wood
Thank you very much Wayne 😀
So glad your channel keeps going from strength to strength. You do fantastic work. Hope you and the family have a great Christmas
Thanks so much Steve it's all because of people like you and I really appreciate it, all the best, Mike 😀
So happy that Father Christmas paid you a visit. I am not surprised that you were on his good boy's list this year. He surely is pleased with what you accomplished with the gift. Pay no attention to Rudolph. He has a one-track mind. And that is guiding Father Christmas' sleigh. Mery Christmas and a very Happy New year to you and all if your loved ones.
Thanks so much Wes and the same to you and yours 😁
What a beautiful creation, as per usual.
Santa will be pleased.
Merry Christmas Mike, to you and all of your family.
Thank you! You too! 😁
From gift to treasure, Merry Christmas Mike
Thanks Dale and Merry Christmas to you too 😁
I think that's my second favorite piece of wood! Especially on the back, but also on the front it looks like a nebula busy birthing thousands of new suns!
Thanks so much Alison, the grain is pretty amazing! 😀
Merry Christmas have a blessed day.
Same to you Harold 😁
Incredible grain. Very unusual design you worked to.
Love your workmanship
Thank you very much! 😊
Santa has excellent taste in wood! Beautiful piece! ❤
I think so too! Thanks Susan 😁
Absolutely stunning
What a lucky boy you are getting such a perfect gift from Santa. You must've been really really good this year
Haha thanks Hayley, not sure how though 😂
Beautiful platter Mike, the figuring is quite sublime!
Thank you kindly Andy 😊
That’s beautiful Mike! Santa did good!!! Hope you have a great Christmas 🎄
Thanks Donna, you too! 😄
Really lovely work Mike.
Thank you! Cheers Robert 😁
Excellent turning, extraordinary grain.
Thank you very much John 😀
Merry Christmas😊. The grain has so many images in it, including a swirly sky of stars. When I was sick as a child, I spent a lot of time stairing at the grain of my bedroom door picking out lots of fun images that I still remember, including the big, fat crocodile in the mud puddle😄
Haha thanks so much! Merry Christmas 😀
That's a beautiful piece of wood that Santa brought you 😊. Terrific job on making the most of it. Happy holidays to you and your family!
Thanks so much Daniel and the same to you and yours 😀
dishgood to see that you were on the right santa list beautiful
Haha thanks Debra, was there ever any doubt? 🤣
Again a beautiful bowl. I love to watch your video's. Thanks and merry christmas.
Thank you! You too Astrid 😊
Merry Christmas to you and your family!! Beautiful present Santa brought you!
Thanks Lisa, I completely agree 😀 Merry Christmas
Santa did you well. Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
Thanks so much Michael 😀
Nice Node to Phil. That is a really nice piece. Keep up the amazing work. 👽
Thanks my friend, not sure if he even knows I exist but his work is amazing! 😀
That tool rack is a heck of a Christmas present too! Such an unassuming piece of wood, its absolutely stunning with finish. Another beautiful piece. Merry Christmas Mike!
Thanks JB, hope you have a wonderful holiday 😀
Such beautiful grain and spalding. ❤
Thanks Liza (by the way it's spalting) not sure if it's a typo or just my poor pronunciation 😀
@MikeHolton typo!
A very delicate turning with a gorgeous natural finish. Thank you and a Merry Christmas.
Thanks so much and the same to you 😀
So cool, swirls are awesome. Thanks also for posting Christmas week...Appreciated. Happy Christmas to you and yours.
You're welcome Richard and thanks for watching and of course Happy Christmas😀
Wow! Total stunner! Thank you for showing us how to make all the right decisions with such a piece. Lots of eyes... Happy Yule, Happy New Year, and Blessed Be.😊
Thank you Shelley You too! 😀
Love seeing the shop get all organized and upgraded. Happy holidays Mike
Thanks so much, one step at a time. happy holidays 😌😊
The grain is beautiful
I completely agree Rustie 😀
Amazing piece of wood real Christmas suprise, merry Christmas Mike
Thanks Simon, you too 😁
Saved watching this till Christmas evening once everyone had gone home, enjoyed it gonna have to get one of them floppy disc things, have a great Christmas all the best Dave
Thanks so much David and all the best to you and yours 😀
Now, that is an amazing plate. Well done and merry Christmas
Thanks so much and the same to you 😀