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Carved Birch Tree Bottle with Bud Vase Insert

Carved Birch Tree Bottle with Bud Vase Insert

Description

Hand carved from a birch log with the natural birch bark intact, this unique bottle sports a vintage label and is the perfect rustic accent for a man's room or any cabin in the woods. Use as a vase with the removable glass tube insert or put a cork in it. Approximate size is that of a 750ml wine bottle.

The inspiration for this piece began with a challenge from TinkersShop on Etsy to use a vintage label from her shop to create a unique item. The Paul Entrop label reminded me of a wine label (even though it's actually a fabric dye label) but affixing it to a real bottle would have been too trite. Then one day on a walk through the woods in my back yard, I came upon a birch tree that had recently fallen. It had one branch that was very straight and about 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter. The bark kept calling my name, and later that night in a dream, I envisioned the carved bottle from the birch tree branch. So the next day, I went back out to the tree, chainsaw in hand, said a prayer of thanksgiving, and then cut out a section. With some more handcrafting TLC--a little by me and a little by my husband--my birch log began to resemble a bottle. I love pretty things, but I really love pretty things that have a function. My first thought was to make it into a candle holder reminiscent of the 60's, which would have complimented the vintage label. But an open flame and wood usually means FIRE. Looking out my window, I spotted the last of the blooms from this year's garden and the words "flower power" to came to mind. In a flash, I pictured my bottle as a vase on a kitchen table in a cabin in the woods. Now the challenge was to make the neck waterproof...Then I remembered that I had saved and added to my stash of crafting supplies a glass tube that had once kept a cigar fresh. Imagine my delight when it turned out to be the perfect diameter to fit the drilled out neck of my wooden bottle. When not in use as a vase the glass tube can be rinsed and stored in a draw and the bottle can be corked. Either way, it's sure to cause a double and/or triple take by those who notice this piece of rustic art when it's used as part of a home's decor.

Do you need a gift for a man, and don't want to use this bottle as a bud vase? I'll include the cap to the glass tube and you can insert a romantic message delivered in a birch tree bottle, or insert his favorite cigar. Or you can put a cork in it. Hope you have as much fun with this bottle as I had creating it.

Even though, I kiln dried the piece of birch wood (in my kitchen oven over several days), as the piece continues to loose moisture through the unfinished bottom and interior of the neck, some natural checking may occur--this naturally occurs as wood ages and adds character and charm. The bottle has a polycrylic finish and can be dusted or wiped clean with a damp cloth.

I try to create heirloom quality pieces that are accessible for everyday enjoyment. If you enjoyed looking at this item, please take a look at the other items I have listed right now and add my shop to your favorites list by giving me a heart.
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Added on Sep 30, 2009