PINE BEETLE FURNITURE

Randy Blunt has lived in Colorado since the early 1970s and currently resides in the foothills near Blackhawk where he designs and creates his unique furniture. At an early age, Randy’s artistic interests led from drawing and painting to woodworking. When he discovered beetle kill pine a passion for the beauty of the wood began.

His craft of working with beetle kill wood came about one day when he was at a hardwood dealer and saw examples of beetle kill wood. He was intrigued by the blue staining and decided to purchase some of the wood. The beauty of this wood combined with Randy’s artistic talent gave way to this unique design of book-matching on the table tops to show that mirror-like image of the wood. He takes time examining the character of the wood before deciding what will be chosen for each unique piece of furniture. He looks at the full spectrum of colors in the lumber which varies from shades of blue, bluish black and grey to brown which are the most common, although various shades of yellow, orange, purple and red are sometimes encountered. All of the wood that he uses is a by product from the devastation of the Colorado forests due to the pine beetle epidemic. Randy strives to create unique designs and is also happy to work with potential clients to design custom furniture.

Why is it Blue?

Mountain Pine Beetle is a native of North America. Its habitat extends from British Columbia to Mexico and ranges from Sea Level to 11,000 feet. Beetles prey on weak diseased trees. Molds and fungi are transferred from tree to tree by wind and Pine Beetles. The fungi grows on the side of the tree and develops into what is called a fruit body. Its spores are carried into sapwood through tiny holes made by the beetles. All the nutrients that flow in the sapwood carry the staining spores through the first ten feet of the tree. Different fungi create different colors in the wood.

That’s why it’s blue. It’s called blue-staining or sap-staining. The discoloration may completely cover the sapwood or may occur as specks, spots, streaks or patches of varying intensities of color. The so called “blue stains” which vary from bluish to bluish-black and grey to brown are the most common, although various shades of yellow, orange and purple and red are sometimes encountered. The exact color of the stain depends on the infecting organism, the species of the tree and the moisture of the wood. The fungi also reduces the trees flow of pitch, thus aiding the beetle in overcoming the tree. The combined action of both beetle and fungi cause the tree to die. Mountain Woodworks then creates beautiful pieces of artistic furnishings from these fallen sentinels of our Colorado forests..

Recycling and then some.