A Guide to the Three Natural Types of Sola Wood

For the dedicated crafter, Sola wood is more than just a material; it's a natural medium with a unique story told through its layers. Understanding the distinct properties of its three components—the rugged outer bark, the pristine white inner wood, and the elusive rare-colored core—is essential for unlocking its full creative potential.

The Three Components of Sola Wood

Let's explore the three distinct components of the Sola plant, each offering a different texture, color, and set of properties for your craft.

The Outer Bark: Rustic and Textured

The bark is the outermost layer of the Sola wood, and it is the hardest, most brittle part of the plant. It is characterized by its dark brown color and a distinct, natural wood grain texture. Over time, its crispy nature can cause it to crumble into a fine dust, making it unsuitable for applications like scent diffusers where the integrity of the material is crucial. However, this rustic quality is its greatest strength in design. While it is frequently used to add a rustic border to the petals of white flowers, it can also be used to construct an entire flower, resulting in a piece with a uniformly dark, textured, and natural wood appearance.

• Appearance: Dark brown, natural wood texture.

• Feel: The hardest part, crispy and brittle.

• Best Use: Creating rustic accents on white flowers or crafting entire flowers with a dark, natural-wood look.

• Consideration: Can degrade into dust over time.

The White Inner Wood: The Classic Choice

The white inner wood is the most common and widely used part of the plant for making Sola flowers. When fresh, this wood is a clean white, though the initial brightness can vary depending on the region it was harvested from. It will gradually turn yellow and become more brittle as it ages. To preserve a flower's shape and extend its usable life, a practical solution is to dye the white wood. This not only adds color but also helps mask the natural yellowing process, allowing you to enjoy the creations for much longer.

• Appearance: Starts white, yellows with age.

• Feel: Becomes more brittle over time.

• Best Use: The primary material for creating Sola wood flowers.

• Tip: Can be dyed to extend its life and enhance its appearance.

The Rare-Colored Inner Wood: Naturally Unique

Considered a rare find, this type of inner wood features a random, natural pattern of white mixed with streaks of the brown bark, often appearing as a soft, brownish-pink. Interestingly, this wood was once considered imperfect and discarded because its random coloration didn't meet standardized expectations. Over time, however, crafters came to appreciate its untamable patterns, transforming what was once seen as a flaw into a celebrated feature for creating truly unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Its primary drawback is that this type is more brittle and prone to breaking than the pure white inner wood. Anyone choosing to work with this material must accept the unpredictability of its color patterns, which is also its most beautiful feature.

• Appearance: White with random, natural streaks of brownish-pink color.

• Feel: More brittle and fragile than the white wood.

• Best Use: Creating one-of-a-kind flowers with a unique, natural color pattern.

• Consideration: The color pattern is random and cannot be controlled.

Essential Care and Storage for Sola Wood

The longevity of all Sola wood types depends heavily on how they are stored. Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your materials and finished flowers, while improper conditions can cause rapid deterioration.

Storage Dos

• Store in a shady area.

• Keep in a place with good air circulation.

Storage Don'ts

• Direct Sunlight: Exposure to direct sun will cause the wood to become brittle and break easily.

• Humidity/Moisture: Storing Sola wood in a damp or humid location can lead to mold growth.

Conclusion: Appreciating Each Unique Type

Embracing the distinct personality of each sola wood type—from the rugged texture of the bark to the flawless canvas of the white wood and the unpredictable beauty of the rare-colored variety—is the first step toward masterful crafting. A deep understanding of their properties doesn't just prevent mistakes; it unlocks new creative possibilities and ensures your finished pieces possess a unique and lasting charm.