It was a bit presumptuous of me to attempt making a marquetry box top since I do not have the slightest idea of how the real thing is done, but this was a case where the product inspired the project. When I first saw the new PaperWood that is on the market (wood that is so thin it is like paper), I had to try. So the following is my version. Though I obviously need more practice, I was not too unhappy with the results.
I first practiced on a small paper mache box top, which is what I would recommend any first-timer do. While it is extremely difficult to be exact along the outside edges because the corners are not sharp and measurements are not exact, it is still a lot less expensive that a wooden box. A wooden box can be your second attempt. I tried several different methods and by trial and error came up with the following, which is how I did my wooden box top.
Materials:
PaperWood in three different colors
small wooden box with straight sides and sharp corners
double-sided adhesive or wood glue
pencil with sharp, sharp, sharp point
paper for pattern
craft knife with sharp blade
see-through plastic ruler
beeswax finish - optional
wood stain
*There are any number of different woods to choose from. I used PaperWood from Lenderink.
1. Draw a pattern on paper just to get an idea of the design you might want (figure A). Trace the outline of the box top and then draw your pattern (figure B). Make it easy on yourself by using 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch measurements rather than a 4/5-inch and 7/8-inch kind of thing. I found it easiest to draw an X inside the outline going from corner to corner and then drawing the pattern starting from the center and working out. Darken in the different areas to indicate the different woods
2. When you have a pattern you think you will be satisfied with, draw the pattern on the box top. Draw it exactly as it will be.
3. Take the box to a black and white copy machine, open the lid of the box, turn it upside down and copy the pattern (figure C). You will probably have to cover the box with a towel to keep the light from coming in because the top of the copy machine will not be flat. Make three or four copies. The extra copies are backups.
4. Cut out one of the patterns on the outside lines only and place it on the box top to make certain that it fits exactly (figure D). Trim if necessary.
5. Number all of the pieces on the pattern, starting with the center and working out toward the outside edges. This step is not essential but it will make construction a lot easier. Cut out all the pieces using a ruler and craft knife. These are your pattern pieces for the wood.
6. Starting with the center pattern piece, cut out a matching wood piece and glue into position on the box top (figure E). When I made my box, I used dot-matrix adhesive paper (any double-sided adhesive paper can be used), and applied it to the back of the large wood pieces before cutting them. I think I would recommend making your first box by gluing the pieces to the wood as you go, using a thin application of wood glue. It is easier to cut the wood exactly without the adhesive paper on the back. It is a matter of choice.
7. Continue in this manner cutting and gluing one piece at a time working from the center out to the outside edges (figure F) of the box. Make certain that each piece fits up perfectly to the one next to it. If there are any spaces . . . even tiny slivers of space . . . cut extra pieces of PaperWood and glue them down until you have all the spaces covered. Even the tiniest spaces will show. If the outside edges do not fit . . . if they extend beyond the box edge . . . this is easy enough to fix. Either cut the excess off, or if it is very, very slight it can be sanded off.
8. When the entire box top is completed, add any desired finish. I rubbed mine with a beeswax finish.
9. Stain the sides of the box. By the time I reached this step, I was exhausted! However, when done well these boxes can be very attractive. I hope to keep on trying.
Resources craft knife - X-Acto
Available in craft, hardware and home improvement stores nationwide.
Hunt Corporation
Website:
www.hunt-corp.com
PaperWood
Paper-thin wood veneer
Available at local craft and hobby shops.
Lenderink Technologies
Website:
www.lenderink.com Also in this Episode
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
