Marquetry involves carefully cutting and piecing together different wood species to create a beautiful picture, decorative element, or lettering. Dating back to the Italian Renaissance, marquetry has traditionally been used to embellish furniture, church pews, and panels in homes and palaces. Its styles and techniques have evolved over the centuries as the craft spread across the globe. In this two-day introductory class, Frank will teach students some of his favorite techniques and methods. Primarily using a simple handheld fret saw, participants will learn to cut the most intricate of designs that are hardly even possible with a machine. Frank will demonstrate how to do packet cutting as students recreate 18th-century intricate inlays as well as how to cut lettering. He will also introduce students to the process of double-bevel sawing. Participants will learn how to create their own veneers, and which tools to use to create the marquetry. During the weekend, everyone will do some simple designs, including some floral work and lettering. Students will leave with the knowledge to go home and delve into this craft and hopefully with the thirst to learn more! Don’t worry if you’re not “artistic”; Frank will guide you through the process, unlocking many possibilities. However, if you are an artist, please come prepared to think outside the box!