Introduction to Marquetry with Frank Strazza

Learn to paint with wood

Marquetry involves carefully cutting and piecing together different wood species, creating a beautiful picture, decorative element, or lettering. Dating back to the Italian Renaissance, marquetry has traditionally been used to embellish furniture, church pews, and panels in homes and palaces. Its styles and techniques have evolved over the centuries as the craft spread across the globe. While you could use lasers and artificially coloured (dyed) veneer to create marquetry, it lacks the essence and soul of traditionally crafted work.

In this week-long class, Frank will teach you some of his favourite techniques and methods, like packet cutting and double-bevel sawing, as you discover that you, too, can create this timeless art. Learn how to use the natural hues of wood without paint, dyes, or stains to give your workpiece a warm and inviting feel. As the week progresses, you will work on a series of projects that gradually increase in complexity and sophistication.

Key Learning Objectives:

• saw your own veneer
• create simple and beautiful inlay work with simple tools
• create lettering, flowers, and other decorative elements
• use hot sand to make dimensional work

Don’t worry if you are not “artistic”; Frank will guide you through the process, unlocking many possibilities, but if you are an artist, please come prepared to think outside the box!

Skill Level: This course is open to all, from absolute beginners to those who have already taken marquetry courses. Much of the class is seated work and no heavy machining.