My turn to say great job, Dana. The snow, however, yuck. I hate that stuff more than Brussel spouts.
Rick showed me a vine maple he made, at the last New Engand primitive gathering, and it was a beautiful weapon. That is the only experience I have had with vine maple.
My only criticism, and this is just me, but I wish you had left the wood natural. But red works too
Humans have been using red for decoration since the dawn of humanity, after all. It is a power color, and strong magic, some would say.
Dane