Turned bowl in the works by Hayward Macdonald. Click image for larger version. For about 10 years, Hayward Macdonald has been turning wood into gorgeous bowls, tree ornaments, wine stoppers, goblets, and vases. Hayward enjoyed wood turning in high school and so chose it as his retirement hobby. In his Peterborough workshop, he works only when he's inspired to, which is often. Totally engrossed in what he's doing when turning a piece of wood, Hayward experiences "the satisfaction of seeing what beauty Mother Nature creates."
Wine stoppers by Hayward Macdonald. Click image for larger version. Hayward says "the most difficult part of the process would be obtaining a nice smooth finish on the wood", but this doesn't curb his enthusiasm. He in particularly likes turning burls, which are the growth on the side of a tree (not to be confused with a knot which has grown over).
Turned burls by Hayward Macdonald. Click image for larger version.
Turned bowls by Hayward Macdonald. Click image to see larger version. He doesn't even need to look for inspiration. "I have so much wood on hand and virtually every piece that is in my inventory will hopefully become something beautiful." He pursues whatever a piece of wood on the lathe takes him to, depending on size, shape and character of the piece. Sometimes the plan changes halfway through. And, when he's not creating, he's thinking about what to create. "I am always wondering what is inside the bark on a piece of wood."
Christmas tree ornament by Hayward Macdonald. Click image for larger version. Almost all of his turnings come from domestic wood. His unique Christmas tree ornaments come from recycled Christmas trees. They're the items he has the most fun making. And, 9 of them helped decorate the Prime Minister's tree some years ago. Wine stoppers are his best sellers. As a matter of fact, he just completed 5 burls and is making wine stoppers.
"For me it has been wonderful knowing that if I want to I can continue with wood turning as long as my health will allow me to continue."
Outside of 30 Craft Market on June 28 at Silver Bean Café in Peterborough, Ontario (130 King St), you can find Hayward's exquisite work in galleries.
"For me it has been wonderful knowing that if I want to I can continue with wood turning as long as my health will allow me to continue."
Outside of 30 Craft Market on June 28 at Silver Bean Café in Peterborough, Ontario (130 King St), you can find Hayward's exquisite work in galleries.