Getting Started with Intarsia

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Here's a video of the showroom during a Beginner Class, just click this link. 

This is great for a first time project. You get the pattern and many pages of instructions. 

Tools & Supplies needed For the Whale Intarsia:
• Scroll Saw, or a Band-saw
• Some type of sander for contouring, softer is better. A “Flex-Drum”, or a pneumatic (air inflated)
sander is best, a belt sander or disc sander will work in a pinch.
Handy tools to have:
• Air Compressor
• Carving tool (“exacto” knives, carving knife) 
• Wood-burner
You will need the following to make this project:
• Dark shade of wood at least 4” wide by 13” long and 3/4” thick
• White shade of wood at least 2” wide by 13” long and 3/4” thick
• 1/8" material for sanding shim and backing to glue the project 13" x 10"
• “Re-stickable” glue stick or “Repositionable” spray adhesive.
• Three copies of the Whale pattern 
• 1/8”dowel for the eye.
• 1/8” drill bit
• Woodworkers glue. 

The Intarsia Workbook is a great way to build your skills as you create impressive intarsia
projects with guidance from legendary intarsia artist Judy Gale Roberts.
Books are a great tool, you can take it to your shop and follow the step-by-step instructions.
There are 15 attractive yet simple skill-building projects, ordered from simple to more complex.
You will find great information about scroll saw blades, working with grains, and gluing your
pattern sections to wood. Plus you can learn about sanding, shaping, and finishing your own
intarsia masterpieces. 

After making the whale I would suggest getting one of the Beginner "Classroom in a Tube" patterns. 

CT-7 Beginner Duck  16" x 8"  23 pieces.
You get a set of instructions, one master pattern, and two pages of the pattern sections.
You do not need to have copies of the pattern.

CT-18 Rose    11¼" x 10"  26 pieces. 
You get a set of instructions, one master pattern, and two pages of the pattern sections.
You do not need to have copies of the pattern. The instructions are so helpful. 


Below are some other great patterns that are beginner level, just click on the photo for more information.

Download "Using Sanding Tips" .