Woodturning #4: Figured Maple Bowl

I bought this piece of figured maple from Rockler a couple of weeks ago when Francis, George, and I drove out their anniversary sale. As far as I can tell, “figured” means that the wood has some sort of irregularity in its grain. This one has a few little dark threads making a cloudy patch (the edge of it is visible on the lower left of this picture), giving a more interesting look to the bowl.

I learn something every time I put wood on the lathe, but I make so many mistakes. For the time being, I’ve given up trying to make natural-edged bowls from fresh wood — after a few catastrophic mistakes turned a couple hours of work into firewood. I really need either a class or a mentor.