How Our Bowls are Made
At Shafer Bowls, each piece begins with a simple idea: a natural object or theme that captures our interest. Whether it’s a pine cone, piece of driftwood, or mineral fragment, this centerpiece becomes the inspiration around which the bowl is shaped.
What follows is a process that blends form, color, and technique—transforming raw materials into a functional and artistic resin bowl.
1. The Inspiration
Every bowl starts with a theme. We choose a central element—often something found in nature—and design the bowl around it. The goal is to create harmony between the embedded object and the shape that surrounds it.
2. Choosing the Shape and Size
Once the theme is in place, we decide on the bowl’s shape and depth. Whether wide or compact, the form is chosen to suit the centerpiece and guide the flow of resin during the pour.
3. Working with Epoxy
Epoxy resin is the medium that brings the bowl to life. We use several types depending on the project:
- Table Top Epoxy – For pours up to 1 inch.
- Deep Casting Epoxy – For pours up to 4–5 inches.
- Deep Pour Epoxy – For pours up to 6–7 inches.
Color is added based on the design—sometimes subtle and transparent, other times bold and layered. The choice of tint, opacity, and swirling effects helps frame the embedded object and add visual depth. You can see how these techniques come together in one of our finished epoxy wood bowls.
4. Pouring Techniques
Various pouring methods create different effects:
- Layered Pours build dimension and control resin flow.
- Thermal Cracking involves intentionally over-pouring shallow epoxy to create internal fractures, later filled with contrasting resin for a striking look.
- Color Blending offers marbled, gradient, or smoky visuals depending on technique and timing.
These approaches make each bowl unique.
5. Finishing Touches
After curing, the bowl is demolded, sanded through fine grits, and polished to a smooth finish. Some bowls are oiled or buffed for a soft sheen, while others receive a high-gloss surface.
The result is a piece that feels just as refined as it looks—ready to be displayed, gifted, or used.
More Than a Bowl
Every Shafer Bowl reflects thoughtful design and attention to detail. No two are alike. The materials, shapes, and resin techniques vary, but the intent remains the same: to create an object that is both beautiful and enduring.