Would you enjoy a rewarding hobby that allows you to work with your hands and turn pieces of wood into beautiful works of art? A hobby that can turn into a relaxing pastime or turn into a profitable home business? If so, intarsia wood art might be perfect for you!
With its origins in Italy in the 13th century, intarsia woodwork once graced famous churches and the homes of the wealthiest families. It fell out of favor in the 17th century due to its difficulty and the growing interest in marquetry, a similar technique.
With the advent of modern tools, such as the electric jig saw and sanders, intarsia has enjoyed renewed interest among hobbyists and crafters alike. Various pieces of wood, with different colors and textures, are chosen and carefully cut and sanded to fit together into a three-dimensional work of art that resembles a puzzle.
Intarsia wood art can be assembled from pieces that conventional carpenters and cabinetmakers would consider scrap, so the cost of raw materials is usually quite low. Combined with a little glue, wood finishes, and some inexpensive hand tools, a unique and engaging hobby can be enjoyed at very little cost.
Attractive pieces can be as simple or as complicated as your skills allow. He can assemble intarsia wood art from as few as a dozen to over 200 pieces in intricate, tight fitting shapes. Finished pieces can be as whimsical as a cartoon animal or a visually accurate reproduction of a famous sailing ship.
Although Intarsia pieces can be stained to achieve desired tones and colors, this is not often done in traditional Intarsia woodworking. The pieces can be chosen between oak and pine, walnut and cherry. The different characteristics of the woods contribute to the finished effect. Often all that is needed to complete the pattern is a clear varnish or polyurethane to preserve the beauty of the piece.
Depending on your interests, Intarsia can be displayed as a talking point in your own home, gifted or remembered for others, or even marketed to customers at craft fairs and exhibit booths.
Anyone who enjoys working with wood and creating satisfying works that everyone can enjoy will find a fulfilling pursuit with the art of intarsia wood.
