This class is about discovering the possibilities and practice of shaping solid stone like onyx, marble and other common and semiprecious stones for inlay into furniture, or to be displayed as a decorative stone marquetry art piece. Many methods have been used in the past, and yet this craft is not commonly known other than in some of the most highly sought-after inlay in furniture pieces found in museums around the world. Paul trained near Florence, Italy, and achieved a high degree of skill and patience in order to create the vibrantly beautiful and long-lasting results that are found in marquetry made of stone, or “Pietra dure” as it is called in Italian. The advantage of today’s modern adhesives and stone working tools is that the process can be simplified to some basic tools and techniques that have evolved into a unique approach for working stone quickly and efficiently. This work can be on par with masterworks found in Italy. Students will get hands-on experience on how to do decorative stone inlay, and an overview of how to inlay stone into wood. Be prepared to open up a whole new world of decoration using rocks, marble and semi-precious stones!