Practice inlay piece to test technique for a larger project. This is Walnut, African Mahogany, and Cherry. It’s 12” x 6”. Pockets and inlay pieces were drawn freehand in Fusion 360, cut on the CNC, then each piece hand filed and fitted. Leaf veins were cut by hand, as well. Finish is 2 lb. cut Shellac and applied with French polish method. Veins are highlighted with Mohawk Van Dyke Brown glazing stain. Finish took about 20 minutes from bare wood.

 

 

 

 

Enjoy!

David

Holy cow David - that's pretty!  By why use sweet gum leaves?

Haha!  Thanks, Cal.  A friend just asked me if it was Sycamore.  Honestly, I just started drawing a leaf and that's what I came up with.  It never occurred to me that God beat me to the punch!

 

Next time, on the larger project, I'll look at 'real' leaves for a pattern.

 

David

Maple leaves are pretty distinctive and make for a nice design that nearly everyone recognizes.  You likely could find an eps or svg file of a maple leaf - thinking about the Canadian flag here.

In thinking about the leaf design, something I clearly didn't do on this practice piece , I should probably look at grape vines and leaves.  At least, if I'm going to do a 'vine' inlay, that is.  I was so focused on the layout and fit of the pieces that I sort of missed the forest for the trees!

 

David

9 minutes ago, Cal said:

Maple leaves are pretty distinctive and make for a nice design that nearly everyone recognizes.  You likely could find an eps or svg file of a maple leaf - thinking about the Canadian flag here.

Was thinking a marijuana leaf.

Would be a real conversation starter. 

Edited April 14, 20206 yr by Woodbutcherbynight

Thought I'd show you the target project board and the practice piece together -

 

David

Well the practice piece was awesome and I’m loving that book match walnut piece.