By Paul R. Dean

Wood marquetry patterns in Pacific Northwest Coast Native Art Style

This book is a stunning introduction to people interested in creating wood marquetry patterns and designs in Pacific Northwest Coast Native art style. Marquetry is the art and craft of applying pieces of thin wood veneer to a structure to form decorative patterns, designs, and pictures. Pacific Northwest Coast Native Art in Marquetry features detailed instructions and step-by-step visuals to help you recreate Northwest Coast Native art designs in marquetry, also called “painting with wood veneers.”

Featuring a Native hummingbird marquetry pattern in Nuu-chah-nulth art style.

In this book, you’ll enjoy following a step-by-step, do-it-yourself marquetry pattern of Native hummingbird art in Nuu-chah-nulth art style.

This book includes: 

• Clear instructions for how to create Native designs in marquetry.
• Step-by-step instructions for how to create Native hummingbird art in Nuu-chah-nulth art style.
• Skills and techniques for using the “window method” in marquetry and cutting veneers with a knife.
• Cutting exercises, so you can warm up using the basics of PNW art.
• Four additional Northwest Coast Native art designs in marquetry.

Bonus marquetry patterns and designs in Northwest Native art style

In addition to the marquetry pattern for Native hummingbird art, this book also includes marquetry patterns for:

• Native orca marquetry pattern in Pacific Northwest Coast Native art style.
• Native wasgo marquetry pattern in Pacific Northwest Coast Native art style.
• Native raven marquetry pattern in Pacific Northwest Coast Native art style.

Reviews

“Paul Dean did a very good job in his book, Pacific Northwest Coast Native Art in Marquetry. The book has clear instructions on how to use First Nations designs to do this kind of art. It is really great that artists are willing to reach out and are willing to use other mediums to express First Nations art." - Rupert Scow, Kwakwaka’wakw artist/carver, Gilford Island B.C., Canada.

“As a retired Woodwork Teacher, I find that the step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow. Background information is just enough and not overbearing. A practical guide which I highly recommend for the woodworking enthusiast with a First Nations focus." - Bill Ng, Delta B.C., Canada

“This is a splendid and quite unique book. Beginning with insight into NWC native art and leading on to how it can be adapted into marquetry, everything is clearly and logically laid out with excellent accompanying illustrations and photographs. Full of marquetry tips and techniques that all make sense. The projects are pitched just right. Not too simplistic and challenging enough to entice any reader to give it a try for themselves. I commend Paul for producing an excellent piece of work and such fine marquetry." -Peter White – President of The Marquetry Society (UK).

Table of Contents

Contents

Dedication and Acknowledgments

Map: Culture & Art Regions of the Pacific Northwest Coast

Introduction

Northwest Coast Native Art and Marquetry

Northwest Coast Native Art Concepts

Components

Semi-realistic Designs

Open Field Designs

Restricted Field Designs

Extended Designs

Rearranged Designs

History of Marquetry

Summary

Sofa Hall Table

Picture and Frame Design

Marking up the Base Board

Choosing the Background Veneer

Transferring the Initial Outline of Pattern

Designing a Frame

Summary

Pattern for Nuu-chah-nulth Blue Hummingbird

Veneer Palette Selection

Different Veneers from a Tree

Slicing Techniques

Rotary Cut

Quarter Cut

Flat Cut (Crown Grain

Rift Cut

Selecting Veneers for the Hummingbird

Summary

Dyed Veneers

Natural Veneers

Exotic Veneers

Cutting Veneers and Assembly

Tools and Materials

Basic tools for marquetry

Materials to make the Blue Hummingbird picture

Making a Rubbing Stick

The Window Method

The advantages of the window method

Cutting Veneers with a Knife

Types of Cuts

Perforation cut with craft knife

Stitch cuts with the craft knife

Short cuts with the craft knife

Long straight cuts with the scalpel

Cut slivers with scalpel (long cuts) or craft knife (short cuts)

Keeping the Blades Sharp

Formline Designs in Marquetry

Practice Cutting Veneers with the Window Method

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

The Blue Hummingbird

Cutting and Assembly

First level

Second Level

Third Level

Summary

Frame Cutting and Assembly

Tools and Materials

Set-up Blocks

Cut Strips of Veneer

Assemble Four Frame Pieces

Summary

Preparation of Base

Introduction

Adhesives

1. Contact Cement
2. PVA Glue

The Veneer Press

1. Wooden Veneer Press
2. Hand Vacuum Press

Glue Veneer to Back of the Base Board

Glue Edges on the Base Board

Summary

Mounting and Pressing Picture and Frame to Base Board

Material and Tools Required

Miter Template

Mounting and Gluing the Marquetry Picture

Using Contact Cement (press not required)

Materials and tools for framing picture

Making frame miters

Gluing the frame using contact cement

Using PVA glue with a press

Trimming picture to size

Making the frame’s miter joins

Gluing the frame with PVA glue

Completed Picture with Frame

Summary

Sanding and Finishing

Materials and Tools Required

Varathane Premium Diamond Wood Finish

Rotating Lazy Susan Stand

Sanding Block

Finishing Procedure

Summary

Learn about Raven Publishing's authors.