Spalted Elm Server

Salvaged elm server handcrafted by Michael Alexander with remarkable spalting texture and zone lines. The natural color of the wood is a striking orange, most obvious on the back of the spoon. An ideal serving spoon with a heavy heft for the communal table. The making of... Michael Alexander works with primarily local salvaged hardwoods. Common woods include maple (particularly “big leaf” maple which is native to the Northwest), madrone (another native northwest species), and fruitwood (such as plum, apple, and cherry), and black walnut. Many pieces are also created with spalted wood. Spalting is a natural process that occurs towards the end of the tree’s life. The result is a remarkable shift in the coloration of the wood and often stark black "zone lines." Once rough cut, the wood is worked entirely by hand with a band saw. Bowls are carved with a gouge and hook knives, shaping is done with various kinds of rasps, scrapers, spokeshaves, and micro planes. Spoons go through an e