Handcrafted Sapele Wood Bowl

Hand-turned solid sapele bowl from my Texas shop, finished in shellac with a high-gloss polish. 5x2" or 7x2" sizes.

The wood

Sapele is a reddish-brown African hardwood, a close relative of mahogany, with a ribbon-stripe shimmer that moves as the light changes. Each bowl is turned by hand on the lathe from a solid piece, so the grain on yours will be its own.

The finish

I seal each bowl with shellac and polish it with Doctor's Woodshop Pens Plus for a high-gloss shine that makes the grain pop.

Key details

• Material: 100% solid sapele, no veneers
• Shape: Round
• Size: 5 × 2", 7 × 2" (diameter × height)
• Finish: shellac, polished to a high gloss with Doctor's Woodshop Pens Plus
• Hand-turned in small batches in my Pflugerville, Texas shop
• Use: decorative, for keys, jewelry, a desk or a shelf. Dust or wipe with a soft, dry cloth; don't soak it.

Keep exploring

• Read about the woods I use in my wood guide.