I took my inspiration for this piece from one of Hughie's earlier pieces. The burr was one of the batch that I bought recently, and is a Tamanian myrtle, whilst the neck and stopper are from a piece of south African Tambooti; hence the Southern seas name.
![](http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/lessymonds/Turning/DSCF4113_zpsdda83957.jpg)
Before turning the burr I set about it, sawing lumps off in an attempt to reduce the number of shavings left on the floor.
![](http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/lessymonds/Turning/DSCF4099_zps8fe82491.jpg)
I decided to hollow it all out, from bottom to top, so the base was hollowed out from underneath...
![](http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/lessymonds/Turning/DSCF4101_zps0183bd75.jpg)
....and then I plugged the opening with a disc turned out of a couple of the pieces that I'd cut off the blank before I'd started. as a little extra for whoever buys it, I set a rose-quartz cabochon into the base.....a completely unnecessary feature, but I liked it!
![](http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/lessymonds/Turning/DSCF4111_zps4a129580.jpg)
The overall size is 8" / 200mm diameter and 10" / 250mm high. the stopper is 1.6" / 40mm diameter.
![](http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/lessymonds/Turning/DSCF4110_zpscc63ff70.jpg)
The tambootie was a joy to turn; it was quite greasy, rather like teak, and had a sweet smell, not unlike a floral disinfectant. the burr was rather more of a challenge!
As for the overall dimensions and proportions.....I found this quite tricky. I looked at loads of pictures of traditional, glass decanters and used the proportions of them, but it didn't lend itself well to being reproduced in wood, so i feel that the neck looks a little heavy.
Comments and criticisms invited.
Les