(See video at bottom of page!!) This English Walnut comes from a retired walnut grove being harvested by my friend Colin at Tahoe Slab. These coasters contain a nice mix of sapwood and heartwood. The sapwood is the wood just under the bark of the tree and is rich in sap/liquid/nutrients giving it a characteristic look and color. In this tree in particular, the sapwood has this beautiful diffuse irridescence (otherwise known as chatoyance) which relects or absorbs light differentially, giving amazing light and dark regions that dance as you rotate the coaster. The heartwood is the striped region from the center of the tree that has amazing colors, almost as if painted by nature. The exact coloration is a result of genetic variations in the tree as well as environmental factors such as water purity and minerals in soil.

The design of my coaster sets starts with the overall shape, reminiscent of the sun (the coasters) setting over mountains (the stand). Practical considerations included: 1) I wanted them to be large enough to comfortably fit any glass. 2) I made them thick enough to resist warping but not so thick that they knock a glass over if it was placed over the edge. 3) I inserted a cork ring to cusion them, absorb any liquids under the coaster, and prevent scratching. 4) I finished them with a hardwax oil which offers excellent liquid protection, highlights the exceptional grain, is easily reapplied by anyone, thereby protecting them for years to come. Moreover I wanted a stand that would be as beautiful as the coasters themselves, and offer a touch of contemporary class with solid brass rod. I hope you enjoy looking at these in your home, taking a moment to appreciate how beautiful wood can be!