She Has Arrived! My Graydog Bella Dea

[DEPenguin]

When I first joined B&B it wasn't long before I started coming across the beautiful work of @Graydog . I know acrylic and other materials hold sway in the land of shave brushes, but I have always loved the natural warmth and beauty of wood, and his handles always seem to display wood's innate beauty.

The pictures, whether his or mine, don't do the brush justice. It is genuinely stunning. Three different types of wood: Bloodwood, Maple, and Wengewood. I thought he had stained the top and bottom, but was informed those are the natural wood colors. Gorgeous! The brush is a 24mm horsehair, 63mm loft. I've been wanting a longer-handled horsehair brush but couldn't find one to my liking. This sweet creature far exceeds anything I'd ever hoped to find.

I thought I'd try a pic under sunlight to see if it brought out the colors any better.​

Her new home
​

Someone will ask: "What does Bella Dea mean?" It's Italian for 'beautiful goddess'. I used to refer to my now departed Denise as my "Bella Dea" quite often, or just Bella. This brush, while in truth a simple instrument for grooming purposes, is still an aesthetic joy, just as Denise was. Her beauty was all-encompassing, internal and external, and she brought me repeated joy--just as I am certain this brush will.

Thank you so very much, @Graydog. Once again you have supplied another smile, lifted another heart.

 

[SgtCrppls]

This is my Graydog brush I love mine also

 

[DEPenguin]

Another beauty I have admired from afar.

 

[oscar11]

Very nice.

 

[never-stop-learning]

A beautiful work of art.

 

[linty1]

Beautiful! Enjoy!

 

[MilkCrate]

That is stunning!

 

[It's Hedley]

 

[Ad Astra]

Wholly heck, Jeff, that is beyond gorgeous!

Love the chatoyance in the maple.


AA

 

[Toothpick]

Hot darn! That is a beauty. All his brushes are stunners.
How much was it if you don’t mind?

 

[rockviper]

Hot darn! That is a beauty. All his brushes are stunners.
How much was it if you don’t mind?

I'm pretty sure that all of @Graydog 's brushes are freebies.

 

[DEPenguin]

Can't put a value on it as far as I'm concerned, although I keep asking him to

 

[DEPenguin]

Love the chatoyance in the maple.

Okay, Mike, I'll admit it . . . I had to look up chatoyance.

 

[Hannah's Dad]

Spectacular!

 

[Ad Astra]

Okay, Mike, I'll admit it . . . I had to look up chatoyance.

Shared knowledge enriches all!

I have maple custom knife that has the same.


AA

 

[Toothpick]

I just assumed by now he must be charging something. Considering the quality has gone up 10 fold since the early days. Incredibly kind and generous that they are still PIFed.

 

[Hannah's Dad]

I just assumed by now he must be charging something. Considering the quality has gone up 10 fold since the early days. Incredibly kind and generous that they are still PIFed.

Never takes a dime. Amazing generosity.

 

[dmshaver]

Amazing generosity from an amazing gentleman! And amazing craftsmanship!!!!!

 

[DEPenguin]

I tried to get him to take my money, I really did! Doesn't seem fair to bring that much happiness to someone without a little something in return, ya know? He knows I am beyond appreciative . . . as is Denise

 

[Hannah's Dad]

I tried to get him to take my money, I really did! Doesn't seem fair to bring that much happiness to someone without a little something in return, ya know? He knows I am beyond appreciative . . . as is Denise

A few nights ago, I was telling my daughter that when she gets older, she might find more joy in giving than receiving. I certainly believe that Steve gets much joy out of seeing his beautiful work used and cherished by so many others.