Colorado Plains Cottonwood Shot Glass #2

Tall Plains Cottonwood Shot Glass

Dimensions: ~4‑5/8 inches tall × 1‑5/8 inches diameter

Hand‑turned from Plains Cottonwood (Populus deltoides var. occidentalis), this tall shot glass embodies the rugged spirit of the Great Plains. Cottonwood is native to river valleys and floodplains across North America, thriving in environments shaped by wind, drought, and shifting waters. The wood itself is light in weight, pale in tone, and often marked by knots, swells, and irregular grain that reflect the tree’s fast growth and untamed life. Though not naturally decay‑resistant, when stabilized it becomes durable enough for functional vessels, preserving its character while ensuring longevity.

From the photos, the vessel reveals grain that twists and flows like wind through grasslands, with knots and tonal variations that give the surface a raw, organic presence. The cylindrical form is tall and slender, emphasizing verticality much like the towering cottonwoods themselves. A smooth finish brings tactile refinement, yet the patina retains a weathered edge—a reminder of bark worn by time and the resilience of a tree shaped by the elements. The contrast between the polished surface and the natural irregularities makes this piece visually compelling, inviting both touch and contemplation.

Finished with polymerized walnut oil, beeswax, and carnauba wax, the glass carries a soft luster that enhances the pale warmth of cottonwood while offering food‑safe protection. Early pours may lift a trace of walnut oil, a natural part of seasoning that does not affect flavor and diminishes with use. Sourced from a fallen branch beside Cherry Creek in Colorado, this shot glass is more than functional—it is a vessel with a story, shaped by the land, the tree’s wild history, and the hands that coaxed it into form.