Jim Macdonald
October 2-6

Jim teaches the full marquetry process for creating surface imagery with veneer. Through demonstrations, one-on-one guidance, and hands-on practice, students learn to compose designs, strengthen drawing skills, select veneer, accomplish traditional double-bevel sawing with fret and scroll saws, tape, press, and finish. Instruction includes the use of standard woodworking machinery to cut, drill, and fit commercial veneer.

Each student executes a series of projects, starting with shared, simple designs before tackling either representational or abstract compositions of their own. Those new to marquetry can establish a strong foundation for continued work on their own, while more experienced participants advance their skills by tackling more elaborate compositions.

Jim Macdonald creates custom guitars, furniture, art, and portraits featuring marquetry and inlay in Burnham, ME. In addition to his own projects, Jim collaborates with luthiers and furniture makers as a marquetry specialist. His work has been commissioned by Gibson Guitar’s Custom Shop and Hinckley Yachts. In 2018, his Allman Brothers tribute guitar entered the collection of their Big House Museum in Macon, GA. Recent gallery shows include the traveling exhibition “Out of Bounds: The Art of Croquet,” and “Marquetry Today” at the “Wonders in Wood” inlay and marquetry conference at the Winterthur Museum. His website is jmacwooddesign.com.

Open to all, from absolute beginners to those who have already taken marquetry courses.

Tuition: $945

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Revelry at No Name Creek by Jim Macdonald
Revelry at No Name Creek by Jim Macdonald
Marquetry detail of Turnadot Cabinet by Jim Macdonald (after illustration by George Barbier), 1999
Marquetry detail of Turnadot Cabinet by Jim Macdonald (after illustration by George Barbier), 1999