First you need a blank of wood about 6″ x 6″ x 1″ thick.
Draw a heart or whatever shape you would like to have on a piece of 6″ x 6″ paper and cut it out for a template. Remember, long thin or pointed protrusions will be hard to turn and can break off.
Place the template on the blank of wood and trace around the outside.
Now, cut out the heart shape on a bandsaw or scroll saw.
Find the center and mark an X. This is a close approximation.
Now, mount the blank between centers with the top towards the tailstock. Move the centers as required to help balance the piece.
Turn about a 2″ recess 1/4″ deep.
Reverse the piece and mount it on a chuck by expanding into this recess.
Now, cut a 2″ recess into the bowl bottom. Then, leave about a 3/16″ flat surface and with light cuts, shape the bowl bottom upward to about 1/4″ thick at the outer edges. Light push cuts are recommended.
Carefully, sand the bottom surfaces. Hand sanding is recommended.
Turn the piece around and similarly chuck up on the bottom.
Turn the top of the bowl. Again, light push cuts are recommended.
Sand all surfaces. Hand sanding is recommended and a must around the thin outer edges.
