Magnolia has a softness to it that I’ve always appreciated. It’s not a rare timber, but it carries a gentle, creamy tone and a fine, even grain that responds beautifully to the gouge. When I began turning this serving plate in my atelier in Carcassonne, I knew the wood had a quiet elegance that would pair well with something vibrant. The turquoise inlay brought that contrast to life.
This piece started with a magnolia blank marked by small worm holes—tiny traces of the wood’s natural history. As soon as I began turning, the woodworms quickly vacated, leaving behind delicate voids that I chose to honour rather than hide. I filled them with turquoise powder, creating bright blue accents that feel like glimpses of sky or ocean woven into the grain. The colour lifts the magnolia’s warm tones, giving the plate a fresh, summery presence.
Magnolia turns smoothly, allowing for a refined, balanced form. Its grain is subtle but expressive, shifting gently as the light moves across the surface. I shaped the plate with a broad, open profile—ideal for bread, fruit, or simply as a decorative piece that brings a touch of colour to your home. The turquoise inlay adds a contemporary note to the natural wood, creating a dialogue between tradition and modernity that I enjoy exploring in my work.
Finished with a natural blend of beeswax and grapeseed oil, the surface remains ecological, tactile, and warm. There is no plastic, no synthetic varnish—only a natural finish that respects the organic nature of the wood. The plate feels smooth under the hand, yet carries the gentle irregularities that remind you it was shaped individually, by hand, using traditional and contemporary woodturning techniques..
Whether you use it for serving or display it as a piece of collectible wood art, this magnolia and turquoise plate brings a sense of freshness and quiet joy. If its colours and textures speak to you, I invite you to explore the other pieces shaped in my Carcassonne workshop.
Diameter: 25cm Height: 4cm Weight: 350g
