Hand-Cut Marquetry: Traditional Techniques and Personal Expression with Frank Strazza

Prerequisites: Intro to Guild Safety and Core Tools Certification

Join master craftsman Frank Strazza for an immersive five-day exploration into the art of marquetry. This hands-on course will guide students through both traditional and contemporary methods of hand-cut veneer inlay, with an emphasis on the timeless beauty of historic designs and the creative potential of personal imagery.

Participants will learn to cut and assemble intricate marquetry using fret saws and bird’s mouth benches, practice the boulle and double bevel techniques, and gain a deep understanding of veneer selection, preparation, and surface finishing. From classic patterns to personalized designs, students will leave with finished samples and the confidence to pursue marquetry on their own.

Breakdown of what will be covered in the 5 Day workshop:

Day 1: Introduction to Marquetry & Boulle Cutting Technique

•              Overview of marquetry history and styles, with examples.

•              Introduction to the fret saw and bird’s mouth bench.

•              Hands-on practice of the boulle cutting method (packet cutting).

•              Create English-style paterae (oval inlays) common on historic furniture, patterns using two contrasting woods.

•              Techniques learned including sand shading and mastic filling to highlight the design. .

Day 2: Double Bevel Marquetry & Lettering

•              Continuation of Boulle technique with advanced patterns

•              Introduction to the double bevel technique for seamless fits.

•              Create a two-wood image with zero gaps using the fret saw and tilting method.

•              Personalize a design with custom lettering using the double bevel method.

•              Discussion on veneer: cutting your own vs. using commercial sliced veneer; benefits of thick veneer.

Day 3: Building Visual Imagery in Marquetry and Inlay Techniques

•              Stringing around an oval.

•              Learn the basics of inlaying marquetry into a substrate.

•              Sharpen and use cabinet scrapers to level the surface.

•              Begin cutting a simple leaf design using natural colored woods.

•              How to create a multi-piece compositions.

•              Study composition, shading with wood grain, and using multiple woods.

Day 4 and 5: Personal Projects & Finishing Techniques

•              Individual project planning: sketching,

•              Choosing woods and working to create more complex projects.

•              Execute individual marquetry projects based on personal designs or reference imagery.

•              Inlaying finished marquetry panels and final leveling with scrapers.

•              Parquetry, including making a traditional style fan inlay and Louis Cubes.

About Frank Strazza:

Frank Strazza is a traditional fine furniture maker, with over 30 years experience, based in Central Texas.  He began woodworking at age 11. After completing high school, Frank served a traditional apprenticeship and journeymanship, including studying with Paul Sellers for several years. 

Frank ’s work has been featured in both local and national publications. He also participated in building furniture for the permanent collection at the White House, in Washington D.C. His work has won top awards in nationally recognized furniture shows across the country including, Best of Show, 1st and 2nd place, People’s Choice, Best Traditional Furniture and more.

Frank has taught and lectured at many different venues across the country, including Colonial Williamsburg, Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, Marc Adams School of Woodworking, Florida School of Woodworking and more. Frank continues to teach, passing along the traditional craft of hand tool woodworking.

His interests include: Windsor chair making, inlay, violin making, and marquetry. When not in the shop, Frank can be found cycling for miles around the Texas Hill Country or playing the mandolin and cello with the symphony and a local Americana band.