Colorado Plains Cottonwood Shot Glass — “Shot in the Wild”
Dimensions: ~2‑3/4 inches tall × 1‑3/4 inches diameter
Turned from Colorado Plains Cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera), this shot glass embodies the rugged character of the Great Plains. Cottonwood is a fast‑growing tree native to riverbanks and floodplains, known for its pale, creamy tones and fine, even grain. While naturally soft and not as dense as other hardwoods, stabilization strengthens the wood, preserving its figure and ensuring durability for everyday use.
This piece belongs to the “shot in the wild” style, meaning it retains the natural contours of the branch from which it was made. Rather than being fully reshaped, the vessel preserves the tree’s original form, offering a tactile link to its living origin. Compact and balanced at 2‑3/4 inches tall and 1‑3/4 inches wide, it sits comfortably in the hand while showcasing subtle shifts in tone and grain.
Finished with polymerized walnut oil, beeswax, and carnauba wax, the surface is smooth, food‑safe, and softly lustrous. Over time, the finish will season naturally, deepening the warmth of the cottonwood while maintaining its wild edge.
A simple vessel with a story, this shot glass is both honest craftsmanship and untamed beauty—a reminder that even in everyday objects, nature’s original form can remain present and alive.
