This instrument is 21-1/2” in length, with a 7/8” bore diameter. Woods used in the build beginning at the mouthpiece, include Port Orford cedar between layers of SE Asian amboyna burl, and capped with the red cedar. Each side of the compression chamber has addl.19mm amboyna disks inset as well. Lastly, the block started as a scrap of live edge amboyna burl I had kicking around my shop for 12 years. I figured I could eventually create something with it, I created a little story of a cedar cat stalking a cedar bird. To add stability to the scrap, I ground up Arizona turquoise and  chrysocolla to create the appearance of a water feature. Cats will stalk animals smaller than themselves, even if they’re not hungry, apparently, just because it’s fun. Due to the potential fragility of the cat, I exercised a little creative license, so it’s tail looks a little like it belongs on a beaver, just for added strength.

Inlay for this instrument begins at the mouthpiece, with a 10x16mm Mexican boulder opal, flanked by 4mm turquoise dots. Each side of the compression chamber is set with additional turquoise cabs measuring 6.4mm. Moving to the sound chamber, it includes a 13x28mm teardrop cut labradorite, while the finger holes are accented with four 5mm abalone dots, and a 6mm Mozambique garnet. Lastly, the fetish block has a 4mm faceted Mexican fire opal set to the crown of the cat, as well as 2.3mm faceted African cognac diamonds set as eyes….which was like trying to capture baby fleas. The bird sports a 2.38mm Australian fire opal set to the crown, while its eyes are set with…nothing. I am not a magician.

I also created a permanent wrap of distressed rawhide because it’s always fun to make.

I cut two cats, and two birds, in case the eventual owner breaks something, and hopefully by that time, I’ll remember where I stored them. While fooling around with the block, I momentarily balanced the second bird on the butt of the cat, and I found the visual so funny I almost pee’d myself. I included the photo among those posted.

The flute was tuned at a wood temperature of 75.7° F, an ambient temp of 72.8° F, at a relative humidity of 63% at sea level.