I am intrigued by highly figured Claro Walnut. I find it amazing how nature produced the light and dark swirls in the wood. I also think figured wood creates very interesting table lamps. So I am constantly searching for uniquely figured material. When I saw this piece of walnut I knew it would be … perfect for a table lamp. The grain pattern looks like it was produced by the geologic smashing of tectonic plates. The contrast between the light and dark wood is especially pronounced.

The process for making this table lamp out of green burl took nearly a year. The wood blank was first turned round and hollowed in its wet state. Then the material was dried for six months. After the initial drying the blank was turned again to get it close to the final shape. Then it was dried again for two months. This produced a very stable shape that would not change once the finish was applied. Finally, the final shape was turned and the lamp was sanded to achieve a smooth surface. Then all the voids that naturally occur in burl were filled. The surface was sanded again and the first coat of lacquer was applied. Each of the four coats of lacquer were hand sanded prior the applying the next coat. This created a very durable surface. Finally, after the lacquer cured for four weeks the finish was hand polished to a glass-like surface.

Then I looked for a lamp shade suitable in color, size, and character for the walnut burl lamp. My local supplier found just what I was looking for, a handcrafted mica shade produced by a local craftsperson. I think the soft warm glow of the mica shade with its grey pine silhouettes is a perfect match. I hope you think it is too.

• Supplied with black cloth lamp cord
• Handcrafted mica shade
• 60w light bulb