The evening demonstration was held by Bryan Brumfield, one of our established members. His theme for the night was the Banksia Nut which is a seed pod from a species of plant from Australia. It is an item that is often turned into small, interesting looking artefacts. Banksia nuts have a relatively solid core surrounded by a fibrous layer which is an adaptation for the Banksia to survive bush fires as the fibres insulate the seeds.
Bryan first cut the pod into sections and the first section (the biggest) was turned between centres to create a vase which was then mounted on a chuck to allow him to drill out the centre. By doing this the pod became “see through” where the seeds are lodged.
Once finished the Banksia pod was spray coated with sanding sealer. It is Bryans intention to fill the voids with Milliput but as this takes 24 hours to cure he did not do this tonight. The turning was left partially complete so that he could undertake the finishing later.
A second section of the Banksia pod was turned, again between centres, to form a Tea Light holder which when the light was inserted created an effect of the light shining through the voids.
The final piece utilised the point of the seed pod as a mushrom cap with a stalk turned from a piece of ash and this showed that all of the Banksia pod can be used with very little waste.
The night also had the October competition table which was really well represented.
First place went to Bryan Brumfield with his rainbow dish.
Second place was Viv Harvey’s triple candle holder.
Third place was Colin Humphries’ dish
