Prairie Bench Life – Page 3

Cedar Scrying Bowl Trial

by Prairie BenchSeptember 14, 2013November 29, 20150

As it is Friday the thirteenth, we agreed tonight would be a wonderful time to test out our cedar scrying bowl and see if we could catch a glimpse of the future.

Click here to see how we put it together.

There was a half moon tonight and we got some reflection photos with the bowl filled with water. That wee white light is the moon through our dusty shop camera. And yes you could see stars in the scrying bowl. Also, an interesting phenomenon happens: Once you catch a star’s reflection in the bowl, slowly move away and the image appears to magnify. As our distance from the bowl increased, the reflection grew visibly larger. The basin depth is quite shallow, yet it held almost a liter of water before trickling over the edge. With the surface so polished, the water held together like mercury. Candle light illuminated the meniscus (the surface edge where water meets solid) with a striking red tone.

Did we see the future? If so, the future looked a lot like the now. It was a very interesting trial of an ancient wooden invention. Nostradamus should have published a manual. Now we need to find a home for the scrying bowl, or somewhere to be enjoyed. Maybe in a forest glade?

prairie_bench_scrying_bowl 6 — A solitary moon’s reflection in the scrying bowl

Happy Friday the thirteenth!

Crooked Willow Tree

by Prairie BenchSeptember 3, 2013November 29, 20150

On a recent road trip, we spied a wonderful tree. The property owner confirmed it is a Crooked Willow. In lore, the willow is sometimes known as a ‘wys’ tree and has significance to people who study ancient lore. The original term wicker, or to weave sticks, may have originated with this species of tree.

The owners, Bob and Tracy were gracious enough to give us a sample for our collection. We selected a branch that had already broken free as the tree was advanced in age. We’ll polish the sample in rosewood oil and post some pics. It should make an interesting magic staff for a friend.

Prairie Bench Throne in Concert

by Prairie BenchAugust 19, 2013November 29, 20150

Local metal band Altered Throne sought a stage prop for their act and brought the request to Prairie Bench.

The entire frame buckles together and can be wheeled, or broken down into four components: two sides, the back board and the seat. Hardwood plugs guide the pieces together and steel clasps lock everything in position. The seat also locks the sides together. The throne can be assembled in under a minute and is designed for strength.

Made entirely of spruce and finished in Prairie Bench’s Storybook theme. The backboard is engraved with the band’s logo.

See more of the throne here: #J95-BL-07-12