The first thing you need to do is acquire the basic materials of the craft. These are, obviously I would suppose, first and most importantly, a small selection of veneers suitable for your chosen design or picture.

What is Marquetry and How is it Done

Marquetry is generally defined as the art of using various domestic and exotic wood veneers to create designs and pictures, with desired effects being achieved through selection of veneer according to its natural coloring, tone, texture, grain or other considerations. Marquetry is sometimes referred to as "inlaid" work, which is precisely what it is.

Decorative Parquetry, Dinning Table, Picture Steps

I posted the finished table pictures on the projects. So here are some pictures of a few stages & steps, that I took to get the finished project. This table was very fun to make. Kind of like a kid in a candy store.

Decorative Parquetry, The Window Method

Parquetry is a geometrical form of Marquetry. Most Parquetry has squares, triangles, and diamond shapes. Other forms of Parquetry such as, circles and ellipse were not used as much thought out history. It might be because the circle or ellipse is more complicated to cut and maintain a clean cut without any waves, where as the square, triangle and diamond can be cut easier with a saw or straight edge by using a knife.

American Marquetry: Pieces from the Past

Marquetry, often considered the exclusive province of European artisans, has sometimes been called 'painting in wood.' If that's the case, the Norman Rockwell among American marquetry makers get their recognition at the Museum of American Folk Art in New York City, which owns several pieces in its permanent collection.

Finishng an inlaid picture or Marquetry Surface

When I started teaching Seniors how to make Inlaid Pictures, I realized that finishing techniques as I knew them would not work. I had been using a brush lacquer technique and this method was impossible in a group where the fumes could become a real problem. Besides the fumes, there was the factor of drying time. In a 2 or 3 hour session how could one possibly apply a coat or more of lacquer and then finish the picture all the way with a frame? I do provide a frame for every picture made in my classrooms. Using a method of applying a varnish based sanding sealer and rubbing it in by hand. I altered his methods somewhat and added in a few twists of my own. Following is my method from start to finish.