Quartersawn Sycamore and Baltic Birch 12" x 12" Hardwood Cradled Substrate

This splendid one-of-a-kind 12" x 12" Quartersawn Sycamore and Baltic Birch Hardwood cradled substrate simply glistens in the light. You will love the soft snakeskin appearance of this unique piece. Only Mother Nature can grow such an amazing wood. The glossy appearance of the cradle provides depth and interest while the rich light honey brown serves as the backdrop for the natural caramel brown snakeskin pattern that dance along the surface. Quartersawing is a very time-consuming process which involves turning the log 1/4 turn before each cut in the milling process. No two boards are ever exactly the same making this truly a one-of-a-kind substrate. 

This individually numbered substrate (SAS33) arrives to you ready to go out of the box.  This cradle has been pre-sealed top, bottom and sides, next 4 coats of white hard-sandable gesso were applied to the sealed birch top, hand sanded between coats. This step creates a hard flat surface to create on.  Lastly, 4 coats of Marine grade varnish (which helps with UV protection) were applied to the Hardwood cradle. The only step you need to take is to tape off the Sycamore sides with high quality painter tape and you are ready to create. This is such a new and exciting way to showcase your next fine art project, resin project or whatever you can dream up!  

All of our substrates are built to last for generations to come. Unlike the warped, unlevel, low quality wooden cradles you find in craft stores and on-line, this cradle weighs 2 lbs 2 oz and it measures a true 11 15/16" x 11 15/16". The gallery profile depth is 1 3/8" which include the 1/4" Baltic birch top.  This cradle is braced well on the back using four 7/8" thick Basswood corner braces*.  Unlike other "wooden" substrates on the market, our substrates do not contain any MDF, fiber/pouring board, nails, screws or staples.  We only use top-quality Baltic Birch, Basswood and Premium sustainably sourced Hardwoods.   

Give your next Masterpiece a Superior Start!

A little bit about Sycamore.  Its scientific name is Platanus Occidentalis. When Sycamore is quartersawn, it is highly desirable due to its unique snake like grain patterns.  Sycamore is a Premium domestic Hardwood that is highly sought after when cut in the quartersawn form. Although the wood is semi available, it is considered expensive. This beautiful Hardwood is used mainly for fine furniture, gunstocks, cabinetry, knife billets and turning items like bowls and vases.  

*Please be sure to read our Wood Disclaimer found at the bottom of the Home page