Basswood is well suited to woodcarving and pattern making. Its critical quality is there being no contrast between early wood and late wood. This is unusual in wood, as normally the late wood would tear as you attempt to work against its natural bias. Otherwise basswood is almost featureless. Creamy white to light tan in color with a pink hue; yellows when a fi nish is applied. Has a straight grain with fi ne and even texture. Shrinkage in width and thickness during drying is high; however, seldom warps in use.