The art of crafting natural edge wood bowls is truly fascinating. Natural edge wooden bowls are created by leaving the edges of the wood bowl in its natural form, creating a unique shape and texture. This technique of turning wood into something functional and beautiful is an old one, and the results are often breathtaking. 

In this blog post, we will discuss and define natural edge wood bowls and explore our own collection. If you’ve ever wanted to learn about natural edge wood bowls, this is the perfect place to start!

What is a Natural Edge Wood Bowl?

A natural edge refers to the untouched, organic outer perimeter of a wooden bowl. Unlike traditional bowls, which have a uniform shape and smooth edges, natural edge wooden bowls showcase the unique contours and characteristics of the wood. These bowls are crafted by leaving the edges of the wood bowl in their natural state, without any alteration or refinement. This technique creates a one-of-a-kind piece that celebrates the natural beauty and texture of the wood.

Each natural edge wood bowl is a work of art, as no two pieces are exactly alike. The shape, size, and grain patterns of the wood all contribute to the final design. We embrace the knots, burls, and imperfections in the wood because they add character and charm to the finished product.

Natural edge wood bowls have a rich history dating back centuries. In recent years, these bowls have become popular as decorative pieces in homes. They add a touch of rustic elegance to any space.

Natural Edge vs Live Edge Wooden Bowls

Generally, live edge wooden bowls are a specific type of natural edge bowl, though at times you may hear the two phrases used interchangeably. The term “live edge” refers to the bark or outer layer of the wood that is left intact, adding an extra layer of organic beauty to the bowl. This creates a visually striking contrast between the smooth inner surface of the bowl and the rugged, textured exterior.

Our Natural Live Edge Bowl Collection

At Spencer Peterman, we’ve found that our customers love the forest-to-table touch that a natural or live edge bowl brings to the table, whether it’s being used for serving or as a display piece.

We offer a variety of natural and live edge bowls in different wood types and finishes. These bowls add a touch of rustic elegance to your kitchen and dining table, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The unique shape and texture of natural edge wood bowls make them a conversation starter, as guests will be captivated by their one-of-a-kind beauty.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, our natural edge wood bowls are also incredibly functional. Our live edge bowls are available in sizes from 10” in diameter to 21” so you’re sure to find something that suits your needs. In addition, these bowls will last for decades with the right care.

Furthermore, using our natural edge wood bowls in your kitchen and home entertaining endeavors is a sustainable choice. The logs we use to create these bowls are sourced from local tree services. They’re rescued from a fate of being burned, chipped, or left to rot. Instead, we give them new life as beautiful pieces for your home.

Live Edge Burl Bowls

Both our cherry and maple live edge burl bowls are always in high demand, due to both their beauty and the rarity of burl wood.

Burls form on trees as the result of a stressor, such as an injury. You’ve likely seen these bulbous growths on trees before. While burls might appear as an imperfection on a living tree, burl wood is rare and highly sought after for its unparalleled beauty. From these so-called imperfections, some of our most stunning works emerge.

Why is burl wood so beautiful? You’ve probably heard the phrase “against the grain.” Wood grain runs in one direction, unless you’re talking about burl wood. 

In burls, there is no grain direction. Instead, the grain pattern is irregular and chaotic, full of swirls and waves. These gorgeous swirl and wave patterns are why burl wood is so valuable and desired.

Live Edge Spalted and Ambrosia Maple Bowls

Spalted and ambrosia maple are two more beautiful and uncommon wood types that we love to work with here at Spencer Peterman.

In our spalted maple live edge bowls, the spalting effect in this rare wood is caused by naturally present fungi. Where areas of competing fungi meet, they create “zone lines”. These fungi skirmishes leave behind gorgeous lined patterns in the wood that are reminiscent of winding roads, or a child’s drawing.

Our ambrosia maple live edge bowls are adorned with natural markings created by the ambrosia beetle. This beetle burrows into maple wood, creating striking, one-of-a-kind streaks and patterns.

Live Edge Black Walnut Bowls

The black walnut tree is a rare, fine-grained hardwood, native to New England.  Black walnut wood boasts a deep rich color and straight grain. Additionally, it’s highly durable and resistant to warping and cracking.

Live Edge Cherry Bowls

Cherry is a hardwood with a smooth grain and rich colors that will add a warm touch to your table. Like black walnut, cherry wood is incredibly durable.

Live Edge Ebonized Black Bowls

We make our ebonized wood bowls with a food safe stain made from steel wool and vinegar. That’s right, simple items found in almost every kitchen. This all natural solution oxidizes the wood, creating an aged effect in a short amount of time.

Live Edge White Pearl and Driftwood Bowls

We create our white pearl and driftwood bowls using 100% food safe, all natural paint washes. These washes give our pieces a classic white finish and beachy gray finish, respectively. 

(Side note: did you know that our class round driftwood bowls were named one of Oprah’s favorite things several years running?).

We love these classic, understated pops of color. These finishes look fantastic as a set or when mixed and matched with an all-natural look, or our ebonized black finish for contrast.

Final Thoughts

We hope you love our natural edge wooden bowls as much as we do! Creating a natural edge wood bowl requires skill, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of wood. The process is a labor of love, resulting in a stunning and functional piece that will bring warmth and rustic elegance to your home.