The clamps came off and I set to work to get the sweeping lines that I hoped to flow across the whole chair. The smooth lines will be a tactile feature for the baby, but also to give the impression of one piece of wood. I think if it weren't for the crazy grain of this Olive Ash, it could possibly have had that effect.
This form needed plenty of sanding and careful chiseling. The curves meant that the grain direction was changing at random spots all over the chair. Here's the shape as it was before the final sand, still with its sharp, crisp edges.
And here's the chair all smoothed and sanded ready for that very exciting first coat of Danish oil. We had been eagerly waiting to see how this dark Ash will oil up. As expected the grain and dark colours jumped out at us. Over time this chair will darken, and the markings may calm down a little. A good bit of use (and a touch of baby dribble) will leave a wonderful matte finish. The wonders of wood, it gets better and better with age.
I hope this little chair holds lots of fond, happy memories for its little owner. May it serve her well.
