Holly tends to be quite hard, and if harvested in autumn or winter, and dried properly, almost white. It has very fine grain, with little flecks in them. This makes it ideal for segmented turning or for finials, also boxes, lids on boxes, knobs, handles, smaller items. I can well imagine it also being good for lace bobbins, hair ornaments, etc. Should also be good for non-turned work: inlays, boxes, etc.