The Art of Wood Inlay

Book excerpt: Inlay is a wonderful way to create flowers, scenes, figures, and other intricate and colorful designs on wood objects--and a great opportunity to work with small quantities of rare and costly woods (also precious metals, leather, mother-of-pearl, and other materials). Today, since veneers and marquetry have come to substitute for inlay, this book helps to carry on the tradition of an almost forgotten art, and shows modern craftspeople how to use it to make plain objects special. Through detailed instructions, diagrams, and photographs, every step in the inlay process unfolds, including a special section on finishing. The spectacular projects feature everything from a pretty floral tray to Christmas ornaments, from a bookstand to a set of nested bowls--even jewelry!