TX Experiments

[Swagopenturner]

A short time ago, I sent MarkD some native Texas woods (Cholla Cactus, Christmas Cactus, Prickly Pear Loofah, and Lote Bush), to see what he could do with stabilizing and casting some of them. Some turned out better than others, but take a look and let me know what you think. The Hemlock cones were provided by MarkD. Thanks to MarkD!
The first one is a Southwest with Cholla, #2 is a Cowboy with Cholla, the middle one is a Metro with Hemlock Cones, #4 is a Sedona in Lote Bush, and the last one is an Executive with Loofah.

 

[thewishman]

I really like the first two, but the busy kits overshadow the nice blanks.

 

[MarkD]

Thanks for posting pictures Mark. I was curious as to how they would turn out. My favorite of the bunch is the 2nd from the right ( the blue resin ). I believe that was either Christmas Cactus or Lote Bush. Sorry, I stabilized the Christmas Cactus and Lote Bush at the same time and then couldn't tell them apart I expect the one to the far right is the Loofah? As expected, the Loofah isn't very visible from the picture.

 

[magpens]

Nice !! . I like the second from left best .. what kit is that please ??

 

[Edgar]

I think they all turned out pretty nice.
Good work Mark & Mark.

 

[Sappheiros]

Very nice set!

 

[jsolie]

I like them all, but the hemlock cones and loofah are my favorites.

 

[flyitfast]

Always glad to see Texas items. These came out looking great.
Thanks for posting.
Gordon

 

[TurtleTom]

Didn't know there was a loofah wood, so I'm guessing that's a loofah sponge. Yes, No, maybe?

 

[Joe_C]

Didn't know there was a loofah wood, so I'm guessing that's a loofah sponge. Yes, No, maybe?

I love to research words...

noun 1. a coarse, fibrous cylindrical object used like a bath sponge for washing. It consists of the dried fibrous matter of the fluid-transport system of a marrowlike fruit

a.k.a. Gourd guts!

 

[Swagopenturner]

OK, it is Loofah Sponge, but it is from Prickly Pear Cactus! Even though the Loofah did not turn out as I thought it would, I think it is pretty cool!

 

[MarkD]

Mark, It's hard to tell from the picture but is any of the loofah visible in the finished blank?

 

[TurtleTom]

But did you know it was used for windshield wiper blades in WWII? Research that.

 

[Swagopenturner]

Just barely there. I think maybe dying the Loofah a contrasting color before casting might help.