1st Place - Lia
This round-bodied vial has been carved to resemble a totem animal of the
spirit shamans and seers of past times. The wings of the raven are
somewhat squared, and splayed to either side of the rotund bird. Small,
carved feathers decorate the body and wings of the avian, giving it a
sense of life. The head of the raven is tilted back, its mouth
functioning as the vial's spout. The cork has been carved into an
elaborate swirl with a skull placed in the middle of either side, meant
to represent the spirits these otherworldly messengers were said to
carry. Its large clawed feet are exaggerated, and with help of its tail
help to keep the vial from tipping over. The vial has not been dyed or
tinted, and the natural wood grain adds its own old-fashioned appeal.
2nd Place - Ysaviel
Fabricated from one solid slat of bamboo, the fine hardwood of this cane
hails from deep within the jungles of n'Aryanvella. Sanded smooth and
polished to a lustre, the sturdy wooden staff constitutes the base of
this exquisite cane. Firmly anchored on the top end of the staff is a
pommel handle solely constructed of bone ivory. Intricate carvings of a
snow-dusted wolf is etched into the ivory, his head bowed in deep
contemplation while a cloud of tangled wisteria vines interweaves around
him. The depiction of a tiny songbird in flight is painstakingly incised
along the length of the bamboo, the hollowed wood concealing a single
edge sword shaft of steel; the slim blade engraved with a pattern of
snow-covered cherry blossoms, too thin to be of practical use.
3rd Place - Song
Designed for comfort, this hammock is intended for the outdoors so that
it can blend into the surroundings with multi shades of greens and
browns. Thick padding makes up the cradle of the hammock, although it is
shaped like a huge leaf, slightly curled on the sides to make it
authentic looking. The leaf-like cradle is made of durable material to
withstand the outdoor climates and thick padding is included for extra
softness. The forest green base is dappled with beads, giving it a
dew-touched appearance, like a leaf after a fresh rain. Multi-colored
beads suspend from the underside of the cradle, rattling together with a
harmonious melody that blends with any outdoor environment. To complete
the overall assemblage of the hammock, the wooden framework is made of
fresh cedar, in essence, allowing the crispness of the scent of wood to
emanate from the ensemble.
4th Place - Ysabel
A variety of wood types have been used in the construction of this five
foot long, low table, the menagerie of rich, woody hues dappling the
scene upon its surface. The tabletop is oval in shape, and inset within
the main table is another oval that has been divided into four sections
by a delicate inlay of brushed stehl. Within each section is a scene
depicting the seasons, each respective one showing care and detail that
would have taken a great time to design and ensure that each piece of
shaped wood fit together properly. A flurry of blossoms, swallows and
babbling brooks reveals spring. In a second quarter, a pleasant forest
scene with the rays of a noon sun shining down represents summer, the
sun and its rays made from a lighter birch wood, standing out from the
rest. Redwood and other orange woods make the autumnal scene, a few
falling oak leaves standing in relief above a field that's being
harvested. The wood of the winter section is as white as can be,
bleached to be stark in contrast and show the quiet repose of a forest
and mountains all blanketed in snow. An inset of glass rests atop the
intarsia to prevent food and other things from falling into the cracks
between the wood pieces, helping to preserve the artistic detail. The
rest of the table is made from a slightly dark hazelnut wood, and the
feet of the table coil down to the ground in a wave-like motif.
Penned by my hand on the 9th of Aequitas, in the year 548 AD.
