Thanks for all the comments and good wishes to my better half guys, lets see if I can answer some of the questions;
Derek - I did not thin the stain, I applied it neat and a couple of coats. Having let it dry I then cut it back with 320 and the effect of the grain 'happened'.
I've tried a thinned version If you look at this thread
http://www.awgb.co.uk/awgbforum/index.php?topic=242.0 you'll see the effect I achieved - not popular at all.
Andy - The rim detail was drawn with a ruling pen to achieve the straight edge (I used to be a draftsman - pre CAD) using the tool rest as a steady, then a paintbrush to fill in. It's just a standard Gold Acrylic used by model makers and I was surprised to find it held up to the final buffing very well.
Hughie - If I could carve detail into my work the way you can, maybe I'd not use colour. Then again Flowering Cherry is bland especially compared to your Camphor Laurel.
Barry - The inside was finished first, sanded smooth, a couple of coats of cellulose sanding sealer then waxed. I then sanded the rim to remove any over-spill of that finish so I could key the stain and finally the gold rim colour.
I did it this way so I could paint the rim and wipe any over-spill inside of vessel away. It also acted as a seal to the spirit stain bleeding through (I assume as there is non even down inside). I have suffered bleed through previously when I did not finish the inside first.
David - I think it is a 'male' thing to see faces in shapes (I see Snoopy) but probably in a different effect of the grain to you.
The only other thing to say is it sold, first outing - and while awaiting collection I could have sold it 4 more times, so I'm thinking I'll have another go and make some more.
