As I wander around the old overgrown Haggard here I often spot a decent looking Hazel shell on the ground, anticipating a nut to crack from it, I pick it up. only to find someone has already nibbled the shell open and eaten the nut.
But the shape of the nibbled shell is so pleasing and I couldn't help but start to make some cup shapes styled off my tiny nibbling friend's pattterns.
And the pattern of the Spalting in the Alder is so gorgeous!

Hand-carved by Axe, Knife, and Spoonknife.
8cm deep x 10.5cm wide approx.
Made from locally sourced Irish Spalted Alder