Sycamore has long been valued in Ireland for its pale, almost creamy colour and its smooth, even grain. It’s a wood that feels naturally clean and refined, making it perfect for bowls, kitchenware, and decorative pieces. Historically, sycamore was often used for dairy items including butter pats, churns, and kitchen boards. It resists tainting and carries no strong scent. That practicality has carried through the generations, and today it remains one of the most trusted hardwoods for functional craft.

When turned on the lathe, sycamore reveals gentle ripples and subtle figure that catch the light beautifully. Some pieces develop a soft shimmer known as “lacewood,” giving the bowl a unique character without overpowering the simplicity of the form. It’s a wood that suits both modern homes and traditional Irish interiors.

All of my sycamore is sourced responsibly, often from local trees that have reached the end of their natural life or needed to be removed for safety. Each bowl is shaped to highlight the natural flow of the grain, resulting in a piece that feels warm, tactile, and timeless. Sycamore bowls make wonderful gifts, understated, elegant, and rooted in everyday Irish craft.