On the bigger pieces, if you make the 'cutout" 2 to 3 inches wide, you can rip it into spindle stock for small boxes, chisel/file handles, spinning tops and such. I would recommend getting after the crotch pieces first. If you can rough turn them right away, don't worry about taking out the pith, just cut right through the pith on both sections. Then when you turn them, make the flat side the bottom of your bowl or platter, with the rim on the bark side. This leaves the most highly figured wood on the bottom, where it won't be turned away. It means that your piece will be smaller in diameter than if you did it the usual way, but the inside will be much more dramatic. Going right through the center of the pith means that you won't have to waste as much of the good figure turning a tenon or recess.
Once it is all cut up, leave it under the tarp to protect it from the direct sun to help keep it from drying out too fast, causing cracks.
Dan
Dan