Here's a great find from www.dailygrommet.com: 

The end of a tree's growing life is not the end of its useful life by any means. Spencer Peterman from Western Massachusetts can attest to that personally. Spencer spends his time scouring the woods for fallen maple trees that he makes into fine bowls for your dinner table. 

Spencer's spaulted bowls - named for the natural veining or cracking that occurs during the decomposition process - are available in a range of sizes. He also offers spaulted maple salad tossers. All of his products are made from fallen or donated trees - no trees are cut down. Spencer can even make a bowl out of your own beloved fallen tree! 

The wood is collected, sometimes covered in moss, and then when the time is right, Spencer works the pieces on a wooden lathe and dries them in a kiln at high temperature. This both sterilizes and stabilizes the wood, which results in a long-lasting and beautiful object. 

But don't just display them - use them! Each one-of-a-kind piece can be cleaned with mild soap and water and wiped dry with a towel after each use, ensuring your unique spaulted bowl will last for thousands of meals.  What a great way to honor the forest or your favorite relative this holiday season.

Check out the video for more information and enjoy the fruits of Spencer's labor!

Spencer's Spaulted Bowls