American Elm Live Edge Bowl

Until Dutch Elm disease reached across the United States, American Elm trees were treasured for their size, majestic shape, and extensive shade. By 1990, most of those landmarks had died and been removed from the landscape.

One mature American elm somehow managed to avoid the disease until abut 2015. Within a couple more years, it was mostly dead, and removal was necessary.

Several large bowls, turned lidded box blanks, and wooden pen blanks were made from the trunk.

Live Edge American Elm Bowl

At ground level the American elm trunk would flare out at major roots, like the buttresses of gothic cathedrals. The undulation of the rim of this bowl reflects the "buttresses" and area between them at the base of the tree.

Because the died during the growing season, the bark was not firmly attached to the underlying wood and came off easily. The top of the bowl is the outer

surfaces of the underlying wood, making this a "live edge" bowl.

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