The Inlay Process

1. Design

The first step in the inlay process is creating the design. This is where the creative process starts. The design to be inlaid is first sketched in pencil. Once the general shape of the design is drawn, the appropriate wood and shell must be selected to fill out the design. Because each piece of wood and shell is different, this process cannot be rushed. The grain and color of the wood, the brilliance and pattern of the shell, all must be taken into account for the finished piece to meet its potential as a beautiful work of art.

2. Cutting

Next comes the actual cutting of the wood and shell pieces. Each piece (some very tiny) is cut by hand with a hair thin jewelers blade. The pieces have to match up exactly to avoid gaps in the finished picture. This requires a steady hand and lots of patience.

3. Routing

After all the small pieces to be inlaid are cut, a cavity is routed into the wooden background to hold the inlay. Then all the inlay pieces are glued together like a jigsaw puzzle and placed in the routed wood.

4. Finishing

When all the pieces are inlaid in the wood, They are sanded flush. Then any engraving that is needed is done with a hand graving tool. The engraved lines are then filled with ink. The work is completed with a finishing coat of lacquer or oil to bring the piece to life.