Glued up a cube from walnut and butternut. Turned it on the bias to produce the bowl. Attempted to incorporate the parted off waste section into the lid and originally had a 2" maple bias turned cube as the finial, but it looked way too top heavy. Cut off the maple finial and made this walnut one with the square section to maintain the "theme", but I still think it looks too top heavy. I made another lid but I think I went too far in the other direction with it, as it looks too flat and plain to me. Partner will get both lids and can decide for themself.
Very nice work, Bob. Don't know what the others will think, but I like the smaller one better. Whole thing looks like it works together very well. I love the combination of walnut and butternut. The cousins look great together. 8-)
I think I will agree with Rev, Ebug, and Mark and vote for the one with the lower lid. It just blends in with the piece so well and doesn't over power. Nice wood combination and great design. Someone will be very happy with this.