Elm - 1st batch for 2022

 After machining a slab of rough sawn elm and resawing it to 1/4" thickness, I made 35 handsome crosses 2 3/4" x 1 7/8", 1/2" wide.  The grain of elm is brought out by stain, Puritan Pine from MinWax and enhanced by 3 coats of Arm-R-Seal satin urethane from General Finishes.

Pandemic Elm Crosses

As the corona virus pandemic swept through the world, we isolated ourselves at home.  We worshipped virtually, visited virtually, and relaxed amidst the tension from the news.  This gave me an opportunity to spend some time working in our gardens and making some crosses in the workshop.  Enjoy this photo video of the process which I started on 3/17 through staining on 3/24.  Then a couple of coats of polyurethane to finish them.


 Made from elm in Louisiana, USA.

My Collection

As of this writing on 3/8/2019, I have made over 2400 crosses and given most all of them away.

I really enjoy making crosses, usually in batches from 15 to 100 or so, keeping one from each batch.  Most are plain crosses but beautiful, some from hard wood, some from soft wood, varying in size and type of wood and finish.  I carve the 16 corners; that's over 38,000 corners, so I guess you could say that along the way "I've cut some corners."

The most joy is in giving them away, simple gifts with a great meaning.  I've been asked "How much do you sell them for?"  I've answered "They are free.  The price was paid 2000 years ago."  They are a great object for evangelism.  When I give a cross away, the response can be so touching.  I plan to keep making them and giving them away as long as I am able.

samples from my collection