"Marquetry allowed me to work in wood," explains Jane Spangenberg, "without working with all the tools of a woodworker." In fact the only tools required are two styles of craft knives, a metal ruler, glue and masking tape. And the wood, or more precisely, the veneer.
Marquetry artists work in wood veneers. Cutting and shaping various species of veneer to create designs. "It's very much like creating your own puzzle, but the patterns are created for you," Jane says. "There are literally hundreds of designs on the Internet to choose from, or you can purchase design books -- anything that catches your eye."
A pattern is placed on a sheet of veneer and scored (figure A) with a craft knife. Later, each scored section will be cut out and replaced by various contrasting veneers to create the design. The entire design is held together temporarily with masking tape while the woodworkers yellow glue dries. Once the design is complete, the tape is removed and the veneer can be gently sanded. Jane prefers to use Danish oil to finish her pieces and bring out the richness of the woods.
Marquetry is a craft that is older than recorded history, and primarily practiced by men, which may explain why Jane has taught herself the hobby. "Marquetry is not a well known hobby, primarily because there are no manufacturers who promote it," Jane explains. "The tools are so simple and the cost so small, that it's surprising that more people don't practice it."
Jane has outgrown her early fear and mastered the tools of the woodworker. She now creates tables, chests and assorted boxes (figure B), all carrying designs finished in veneer. "It has always been an inexpensive way to create beautiful furniture," explains Jane, who showed us a stunning chest she spent two years building. "The chest is made of simple plywood, but covered in rich veneers -- species not commonly seen in the U. S., except in veneer form. That's what is so exciting about working with these materials. For only a few dollars you can create items with the most extravagant and rarest of woods from around the world."
There are sites on the Internet dedicated to marquetry, where you can find designs and see more examples of the work done by artists. Also online are dealers who sell veneers at discounted prices. You can expect to pay between $2 and $12 for a sheet of veneer. There are a number of how-to books on marquetry available at libraries and woodworking stores nationwide.
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