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Butterfly for Flo

This is kind of a sad story, but here it goes. While going through chemo I became friends with a woman named Flo. She went through the whole cancer process and unfortunately, it came back and is now terminal. She knows it. The other day at the clinic she came up to me and asked me to make a bowl for her with a big blue butterfly on it for her best friend Kathy. They both LOVE blue butterflies. She said that every time her friend looks at the bowl it will be a signal that she is looking down from heaven and thinking of her.
This is what I came up with and I sure hope they both like it.
It's maple with the butterfly in markers and some texturing. It's 8" dia. and finished with tung oil and Bealle buffed. The bark inclusion was purposely positioned so it looks like a resting place (branch) for the butterfly.
Thanks for looking and all comments welcome, Don L.

Photo Details

Don Leydens

Don Leydens

Registered: August 2009
Location: Oxford, NC
Posts: 1,599

10

Date: Sat March 27, 2010
Views: 977
Keywords: butterfly for flo

Comments

David Seaba

Outstanding Job!!!!!!!!! Don That is a piece that will truly be treasured!

#1 Sat March 27, 2010 9:14pm

Brendan McAreavy

Absolutely beautiful. I don't think you have any need to worry about how it will be received - there's going to be a lot of tears when Flo sees this because she is going to be deeply moved by its profound beauty and elegance. The bowl also makes a huge statement about your respect for Flo. Brilliant work.

#2 Sat March 27, 2010 9:36pm

Herb Hoover

I dont think I have ever seen a nicer bowl. The bowl and story are truly touching. God bless you and your friends. Herb

#3 Sat March 27, 2010 9:48pm

Don Leydens

Don Leydens

Thank you so much guys. What's nice too, is that the recipient (Kathy) really loves wood and she "gets it" when it comes to bark and such that's left on the piece. They've both been in my shop a while back and it was a pleasure showing them around and watching them get excited about different wood and the grain patterns. I'll admit I was a bit nervous designing this piece, but it turned out to be a labor of love.
Thanks again, Don L.

#4 Sat March 27, 2010 10:38pm

Chuck Beland

Don,
What more can we say but it's perfection.

#5 Sun March 28, 2010 1:05am

Mark Damron

Don, I'm very touched by this story. It is an absolutley beautifull piece, just like all your work.
Mark

#6 Sun March 28, 2010 1:07am

Frank Van Atta

A very beautiful piece, skillfully done.

#7 Sun March 28, 2010 6:31am

Michelle Rich

what a grand gesture and a fantastic bowl

#8 Sun March 28, 2010 11:48am

Don Leydens

Don Leydens

Thanks you all.
Don L.

#9 Sun March 28, 2010 2:22pm

TDRice

That is as lovely a piece as I have seen in a long time.

Terence

#10 Mon March 29, 2010 2:11am

Don Andrews

A stunning piece Don, you truly are an artist!

Don

#11 Wed March 31, 2010 6:25pm

Don Leydens

Don Leydens

Thank you TR and Don for those very high compliments.
Don L.

PS - Flo picked up the bowl and she loved it. She was quite surprised and gave me a great big hug. Made my day!

#12 Wed March 31, 2010 9:36pm

Bob Mascarella

woodArtz

Great bowl... amazing story!

#13 Wed March 31, 2010 9:44pm

Makepeace

Leo Makepeace

I can not find the 100/10 rating.............WOW and you are a true Gentleman. I can not add to all the above, so I shouldn't even try, I agree with them all.........................................

Ruining lots of good wood to get a few average bits.

#14 Wed March 31, 2010 10:15pm