Modern Marquetry: Decorating with Wood

Get to know Chelsea, your teacher for this course. Find out about her artistic journey and how she began working with the marquetry technique. Then, learn about the influences which have inspired her as an artist and designer.

Chelsea introduces you to marquetry and working with wood veneers. Familiarize yourself with the tools needed and how to set up your workspace for an efficient workflow. Then learn how to cut and create shapes using veneers. Chelsea shares her tips for professional results, from starting out with smaller pieces to scoring lines. Practice creating images using the window method, then discover how to draw designs for your project.

Now it’s time to make your frame. Start planning your design by drawing it onto veneer before building your final composition. Discover tips and techniques for achieving a professional end result by fixing imperfections in your artwork. Then follow Chelsea’s steps for gluing it onto a backing board before trimming and sanding to reveal the finished design.

Next, learn how to wax or varnish your marquetry design to make the wood grains pop. Chelsea shares the protective wax she uses for a satin finish, which stops the wood from changing color over time. Finally, add the mirror to your frame, ready to hang!