Featured project by Craig Stevens in Fine Woodworking Magazine issue 290

Instructor - Craig Vandall Stevens

• February 8 - 9, 2025 9am - 4pm (1 weekend)

Marquetry is a technique where wood veneers of differing colors are carefully cut to fit precisely together, creating a design in wood. This workshop will focus on the double-bevel method of marquetry, a highly accurate technique that eliminates gaps around the individual pieces of the marquetry picture. Fortunately for PFW, Craig's expertise in marquetry is shown in his two books on the subject and his recent Fine Woodworking Magazine feature article.

Through demonstrations and hands-on work, participants will gain an understanding of the tools and materials, resawing solid wood into veneers, fret saw as well as scroll saw techniques for cutting the marquetry pieces, shading with hot sand, and finishing methods. Each participant will work on projects beginning with the artwork, working through the marquetry process, and applying a finish. Also to be discussed will be applications for marquetry as well as vacuum press and veneer press techniques.

This class is appropriate for anyone interested in creating imagery in wood and is an opportunity to explore an ancient art form that has many practical uses as a design element in artwork created today. Prior woodworking experience is helpful, but not necessary. Machine use will be minimal and instruction will be given on the safe use of those few machines. For furniture makers, it is a chance to further enhance their work with marquetry.

Cost includes all materials and supplies, including a deep-throated fret saw, jeweler's saw blades, a pin vise, drill bits, an assortment of shop-sawn veneers, and a wooden donkey (cutting table). The tools and supplies are the students to take home. There are no other specific tools that participants need to bring from home.