Double Bevel Marquetry

Careful layout and precise cutting are the keys to getting a beautiful marquetry panel.

- By David J. Marks

It’s difficult to describe the excitement I feel when I start a new double-bevel marquetry project. The ability to conjure up a picture from nothing and then turn it into a reality in wood is quite thrilling! One of my favorite Einstein quotes states: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.” Being able to visualize something in your mind is a gift not everybody has.

1 Start with a sketch of your image. I create several photo copies and label each part with the species I plan on using.

Idea First

I’ve taught marquetry classes for well over 20 years, and the first thing I do is bring out a series of books with images to help people come up with new ideas and imagine the art they want to create. I like Dover publications because they contain royalty-free artwork that can be copied. I also encourage students to draw their own designs if they can. Personally, I like to sketch my own designs and often start with an image I have found online or in a book, then piece it together with my own drawing.

2-3 Apply the sketch to your base veneer, using PVA glue. Brush a thin layer on, then press the paper flat using a roller.

Mechanics Next

Once you have an idea or an image, we can get into the mechanics of double-bevel marquetry.