I’m not sure where the term “Cookie” came from, which are also referred to as end grain slabs, end grain cookies, and cross cut sections, but at Eco Relics we have a wide selection of cookies in stock. We also carry an assortment of “Hairpins” or hairpin legs, and when you mix the two you come up with unique and elegant creations.
Camphor is one species of lumber that we have in live edge cookie slabs and they make beautiful tables, and come in all shapes and sizes. The grain of camphor varies widely and has a medium texture that can be easily sanded smooth. Its lower density also makes it easy to cut and shape. Camphor accepts different glues and epoxies as well as stains, finishes, and paints.
There is a lot of Camphor growing in Florida, and because of rapid land clearing and development, many of those trees are being cut down. Unfortunately, a lot of trees that are razed for development wind up in landfills. Instead of letting these beautiful trees end up as mulch or landfill waste, we’ve been able to salvage many live edge slabs to be used in our Custom wood shop or sell them as is to the public.
Live edge cookie slabs have a unique character and each one is different. These characteristics may include dramatic cracks, checks, burls, voids or spalting. (Spalting is any form of wood coloration caused by fungi. Although primarily found in dead trees, spalting can also occur in living trees under stress or even in thriving trees.)
The voids and cracks can sometimes be left as is, or in this case were filled with an epoxy and ‘glow in the dark’ phosphorus filler. The results can be quite dramatic either way. The cookie in this case was also stained but could also have been ‘painted with flame’, another woodworkers technique.
Since Camphor has a lower density than certain other species of wood, stains and other fillers will usually dry quicker. After the stains and fillers have adequately dried, the surface is sanded smooth and a finish coat is applied. And also because of Camphor’s low density, you may need to apply several finish coats. (It soaks it up like a sponge!)
After the top coat finish has dried, and has an even look and shine, the next step is to attach the Hairpin Legs.
Henry Glass was commissioned in the early 1940’s to design “U.S.-made household products of ‘inherently modern design’ for both mass and craft production”* and he succeeded by creating one of the most iconic furniture elements of all time, hairpin legs. The ones used here are manufactured by DIY Hairpin Legs in Jacksonville, Florida.
Whether considering a new coffee table, accent or end table, live edge Cookies and Hairpins are the perfect ‘pairing’ for your new table! Contact our Custom Wood Shop today!
You must log in to post a comment.