My best friend moved back towards TX after 25 years. His last visit home to Houston, he brought me back some mesquite logs. He organizes the Kingsville Dutch Oven contest. For the past three years, I have carved his trophies out of oak. This year I decided to use his mesquite. With the strong grain pattern, it is hard to see there are flames in TX (dry brushed some bronze, but didn't help much). Had to use epoxy on the back, as there were some cracks.
Oh, and if you aren't using the sanding mops.. (shaking my head)... saved me hours of hand sanding! Can't believe I hadn't opened them in 3 years!