About this Product
Hand-Turned Holiday Penguin – Curly Maple and Mahogany
Bring festive charm to your holiday décor with this adorable hand-turned holiday penguin. Standing approximately 5 inches tall and 2.5 inches in diameter, this delightful penguin is crafted from curly maple and mahogany, blending the light, shimmering tones of curly maple with the rich, warm hues of mahogany.
Every detail is meticulously shaped, giving this penguin a whimsical personality that’s perfect for brightening up your mantle, holiday table, or gift-giving season. The natural beauty of the wood grain shines through, making each piece a one-of-a-kind treasure.
Handcrafted with care in Austin, TX, this holiday penguin is a celebration of skilled artistry and festive joy. Whether as a gift or a seasonal addition to your home, it’s a timeless piece that will warm hearts for years to come!
Turncoat Studios ATX, LLC
Meet the Maker
Everything we do starts with the wood. We search out both highly figured and simple, even grained woods. The selections are based on both appearance and functionality.
The turning process starts with an idea of the finished piece and the wood dictates the rest. When we are ready to start, it’s mask on, wood spinning, and we apply tools to the wood. The process results in a compromise between what we want and what the wood will allow. Never fight the wood. All of these pieces are turned on our lathe, in our workshop, by our hands.
With the piece turned and sanded it is time for paint. We take inspiration from nature, cultures, artistic movements, and the shape of the piece and the complexity of the grain. The designs run the gamut from simple to complex and from large to small as the piece suggests. Sometimes the designs take days, returning to the piece multiple times to add touches. We hope these pieces give you years of service and beauty.
How it’s Made
Steps to Hand-Turn a Wooden Penguin
Select the Wood: Begin by choosing complementary woods like curly maple for the body and mahogany for the accents, ensuring a unique contrast.
Prepare the Blank: Cut and glue the wood pieces into a block, if needed, to combine different woods for the desired design.
Mount on the Lathe: Secure the wood blank onto the lathe and begin shaping it into the general silhouette of a penguin.
Shape the Body: Use chisels and gouges to carefully carve the rounded body and taper the top to form the head.
Add Details: Turn finer features like the wings, beak, and any additional accents while refining the overall shape.
Sand and Smooth: Sand the entire piece, progressing through grits to achieve a silky smooth finish.
Finish the Surface: Apply a wood finish like oil or wax to enhance the natural grain and provide protection.
Final Touches: Hand-paint or carve any small details, if desired, to give the penguin character and charm.
The result is a delightful, handcrafted penguin with unique wood tones and artisanal charm!
