natalini 8/9/21 natalini 8/9/21

Shou Sugi Ban

Shou Sugi Ban is the ancient Japanese technique of burning wood to preserve and ironically make it fire resistant. The process consists of charring the wood, allowing it to cool, cleaning it and applying an oil.

Shou Sugi Ban preserves wood free of chemicals unlike painting and staining. The color results will vary with each type of wood however the grain remains visible even after charring.

This technique can be used in modern and rustic homes. To see Shou Sugi Ban up close before committing to this technique for your home, check out some hotels and restaurants that use Shou Sugi Ban wood for their interior and exterior design.

natalini 8/6/21 natalini 8/6/21

Weekend Design & Wellness Project

Photo by: Joel & Jasmine Forestbird @theforestbirds

Celebrate wood appreciation weekend! This is totally made up, however it should be a thing. Wood is so vital to nature and human life. Aside from its aesthetic beauty, wood shelters, warms and shades us. This weekend take notice to all of the wood you encounter throughout your home and activities this weekend. Yes, even the glued sawdust kind. Feel some gratitude for your furniture, the trees that shade your yard and for the bonfire that brings together your family and friends.

natalini 8/2/21 natalini 8/2/21

Spalted Maple

Spalting is the aftermath of fungus that has “attacked” wood. The marbled patterns are unique and resemble an inked sketch. Birch and beech wood can also can become spalted. Here is a piece of spalted maple found at Dueling Maples in Willow Grove, Pa. After searching through each piece of wood for spalted maple, this was one of two pieces with this being the largest at 1’ 2” x 3’ 10.”