About

Marquetry is the art of creating pictures and patterns out of wood veneer glued to surfaces in furniture, art work, boxes, and architectural panels. In marquetry, the entire surface is covered with a background veneer with patterns or pictures made of veneer. In inlays, a piece or pieces of wood are recessed into a solid-wood backing. Marquentry techniques have developed over centuries in many different colors.

You'll make and finish a marquetry panel of your own design, which you can later incorporate into a jewelry box, small cabinet, or other project. You'll learn how to cut the pieces using packet, contour, and knifing techniques and illuminate how simple this process can be. You can apply the concepts to future projects big and small.

The class covers:

• Obtaining veneer for marquetry.
• Flattening, storing, and handling.
• Creating a marquetry design and drawing the cartoon.
• Cutting the veneers on a scroll saw the smart way.
• Adding shading with hot sand for depth and realism.
• Gluing, sanding, and finishing.
• Clamping mechanically vs. in a vacuum press.
• Pressing veneer to create curved panels.

Details

A $116 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, covers everything you need.

Project

Your marquetry panel will measure approximately 8 1/2" X 13 1/2" on  1/4 "-thick MDF (medium-density fiberboard).

Prerequisites

No prior BARN class is required. However, before the class begins, you must view two videos and booklets made by the instructor about veneering and marquetry. The instructor will be condensing what is often a five-day class into three days, so it's important for all students to be familiar with the steps. You'll receive a letter with the link after you register.

Class Policies

• Ages 14 and up are welcome.
• Safety glasses and closed-toe shoes are required. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses and a dust mask.
• Bring a sack lunch each day. You're welcome to use the refrigerator and microwave on the lower level. BARN provides free coffee and tea.