Introduction

Marquetry is one of those pinnacles where art meets function in furniture making. Tim's work is drop dead gorgeous as you can see in the slideshow above.  Silas Kopf produces wonderful trompe l'oeil marquetry pieces. Marquetry is a little like making a jigsaw but you end up with seamless panels.

Marquetry is not wholly about artistry - you do not need to be an artist (it helps) to create a marquetry panel.  Tim will teach straight forward techniques to transfer an existing drawing to a series of outlines for the individual pieces. He'll explore how to use different grains, follow the grain for some image elements and how to change the tone and colour of pieces. Later you can apply the techniques to your own designs or artwork.

Class Description

The Course Outline

1.  Survey of surface decoration techniques
   1.   Strengths and limitations of marquetry
2. Selection of marquetry designs
   1. Graphic representation v. realism
   2. Size considerations
   3. Material selection
      1. Survey of veneers and their characteristics
      2. Flattening veneers
      3. Glue considerations
3. Selection of technique
   1. Introduction to the double bevel technique
   2. Shop-sawn v. commercial veneer
      1. Introduction to resawing veneers
   3. Scrollsaw v. fret saw
4.  Practicing a simple design
   1. Layout
   2. Achieving a good fit
   3. Making invisible entry holes
   4. Managing grain direction
5.  Introduction to Advanced Techniques
   1. Sand shading
   2. Thin highlights
   3. Building the appearance of depth
   4. Larger designs with subpanels
   5. Reverse bevel drop in
   6. Use of colored veneers
6. Veneering panels
   1. Preparing for glue up - sanding v. scraping
   2. Selection of substrate
   3. Pressing techniques
      1. Veneer presses: 
         1. Shop-made caul system
         2. Large wood screws
      2. Vacuum press:
   4. Finish surfacing veneers
   5. Finishing over Veneers
7.  Integrating marquetry with furniture

Tools:

• Eclipse deep fret saw 
• Twist drill
• Accordion glue bottle
• 4 oz. hammer
• Stylus

These tools are available for $55 through the school. Select them in the registration process. If the actual cost is lower we'll refund the difference at the start of class.

More about this class

• Class Notes
• Blog Entries

Prerequisites

Enthusiasm. The techniques taught in this class do not require prior woodworking experience but it would help.

Class Information and Registration

Class starts at 9:00am on the first day.

Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the School.

Please also read our Registration Policy.

Coming Classes:

When you click on the Register link you will be able to register for the class or, if the class is full, sign up for the wait list.