Diversity of Wood

Wood, as a natural material, possesses a remarkable diversity and uniqueness that is shaped by various factors and the inherent nature of the material itself. Each piece of wood used in our products at Scottie Artistry carries its own distinct story and characteristics, making it truly one-of-a-kind. Factors such as tree species, growth conditions, and environmental influences contribute to the variations in grain patterns, colour tones, and texture that you may observe in our wooden products.

Furthermore, we incorporate the extraordinary beauty of root and burl wood into our designs. Root wood, with its intricate twists and turns, captures the resilience and strength that lies beneath the surface. The swirling patterns and irregular shapes of burl wood bring a sense of mystery and unique allure to our creations. These distinct wood formations, obtained from the root systems or growth abnormalities of trees, result in pieces that stand out with their captivating and unpredictable aesthetics.

It is important to embrace and appreciate the natural variations found in wood, as they reflect the authenticity and organic essence of our jewelry. The inherent imperfections, such as knots, figuring, or variations in color, add character and charm to each piece, reminding us of the raw beauty and inherent uniqueness of nature. We celebrate these variations and carefully select and craft our jewelry to showcase the inherent beauty and individuality of every wooden element.

Factors that influence Wood

Burl

Burl is an irregular growth or deformity that occurs on the trunk or branches of certain tree species. Burl formations are a result of a tree’s response to stress, injury, or disease, causing the growth of abnormal tissue. This tissue grows in a chaotic and twisted manner, creating intricate patterns and swirling grain formations.

Overall, burl wood is a fascinating and prized characteristic that adds an element of intrigue and artistic flair to wooden jewelry, making it highly cherished by artisans and customers alike.

Roots

The root of a tree, when used in woodworking, possesses distinct and visually captivating characteristics. The appearance of the root wood can vary depending on the tree species and growth conditions, but it often exhibits unique patterns and textures that set it apart from other parts of the tree.

Root wood, similar to Burl, tends to showcase intricate twists, turns, and contorted shapes, reflecting the complex and interwoven nature of a tree’s root system. The swirling patterns and irregular formations found in root wood create visually stunning and dynamic features. The grain patterns can be highly figured, displaying a mix of tight and flowing lines, waves, or even spiral-like shapes.

Orientation

Side grain and end grain are two different orientations of wood grain that refer to the way the grain pattern is visible on the surface of a piece of wood.

Side Grain: Side grain, also known as long grain or face grain, refers to the grain pattern that runs parallel to the longest dimension of a piece of wood. It is the most common and visible grain orientation in woodworking projects. When looking at the surface of wood with side grain, you will see the long lines and patterns that follow the length of the wood. Side grain typically displays straight, wavy, or interlocking patterns, depending on the species and how the wood was cut. This orientation tends to showcase the natural beauty of the wood, highlighting its unique grain patterns, color variations, and figuring.

End Grain: End grain refers to the grain pattern that is exposed when a piece of wood is cut perpendicular to the growth rings. It is called end grain because it reveals the cross-section of the wood where the tree’s growth rings are visible as concentric circles or arcs. When looking at the end grain, you see the exposed ends of the wood fibers. End grain tends to have a more porous and textured appearance compared to side grain. It absorbs finishes differently and may require additional preparation to achieve a smooth and even finish. Due to its structural characteristics, end grain is often used for specific purposes such as butcher blocks, cutting boards, or as a decorative element in woodworking.

Species we use

We primarily focus on utilizing wood species indigenous to Africa, while also working with a diverse range of woods that possess the ideal characteristics we seek, including density, captivating color and grain patterns, stability, and excellent workability.