Intarsia Classes

[Janette]

Hi all,

Sorry I've been absent for awhile. Just survived 2 back to back shows. One 2-day show out of town, then got home Sunday to set up Tuesday for a 4 day show
(12 L O N G hrs /day). Anyhow, I survived.

At the show on the weekend I met the new owners of our local Woodcraft store and she is very interested in me giving classes there. I wanted to know what kind of things you guys would like to see or expect to see in an intarsia class. I'd imagine a beginner class would be best to start off with. Some of you have been to JGR's classes and I'm interested in hearing about it. Of course this won't be on that grand a scale!

Also, would anyone within commuting distance of Eugene, OR - be interested??

Any and all info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Janette

[greatdane2]

After seeing your cat series I would love to come down for lessons. Can not afford to do it but it would be a privalige. I think the one thing you could teach others how to contour the pieces of wood, more than most people do now. For example when I do a fish I under cut the fins on the back side so the fine becomes thin on the end.

Alan.

[Ramjet]

Janette . Nice article on the angel Fish . I notice there is a Wood Show in Portland Oct 17 - 19 . Is anyone holding a seminar on Intarsia . Might be worth a look or you could do one there as a trial run . As far as what one would expect to see would depend on the expertise of the student . A novice would like to be eased into the projects whereas an experienced scroller may not feel the challenge if the project is too simple .There could be 3 classes , beginners , intermediate and advanced . Also , a class where the student's bring their own projects , seek advice and share their project experience .
When I was at the Chilliwack Fair I often heard the comment " I could never do that ". Project photos with the person who cut them would be a nice confidence builder to show person's of all ages what can be done .
It could be part of the intro course . From this to this .Did Kevin do a show not to long ago ? He may have some suggestions as to what people are looking for . I'm sure the pattern is only a small part of the overall project . Blades , speed , material choice , framing , hanging , displaying ,finishing and fee's . Cheers
Roger

[Janette]

Interesting ideas Roger. I will definitely make some notes. As far as the wood show in Portland...don't know about that one - pls...more info!

Keep the ideas coming. I really like the idea of people bringing their own project.

[Jim McDonald]

NOt necessarily for the beginner class, but a segment on dyeing/coloring wood and differences in finishes would be appreciated by more than just intarsia folks.

Maybe a little information on where to obtain dyes, colorants, and different finishes--both local and mail order. As a former retailer, I understand there is a fine line you have to walk there, but if there are three or four suppliers listed, I feel you are being more than fair, and after seeing some of your work, I'm sure it's not one-stop shopping for your materials.

Wish I could make it to the NW, but I'll stay in the Midwest trying to get everything I want cut prior to bad weather moving in. (Cold hands make it hard to cut and the garage is not ready for a wood shop)

[Ramjet]

Here is the web site .The Woodworking Shows > Home. Click on shows . It gives a list of exhibitors , There is a phone number .401-253-2531 . They should be able to provide more info than shown .lol .
Roger

[Rolf]

If I didn't live on the other side of the US I would be there in a flash.
As stated by Roger I think three classes would be great assuming you have intermediate and advanced people in the area.
That said I would put more emphasis on the beginner class to put people at ease with the intarsia process. 1. Scrolling accuracy. 2. pattern selection and interpretation. My first intarsia pattern came without instructions and initially was very confusing especially regarding elevations etc.
3. Wood selection and grain direction.
4. Saw setup and shaping tools.
5. Fitting and Shaping
6. Basic finishing choices.

I think when people are comfortable with the basics and are no longer intimidated by the art form that intarsia is they will be more inclined to then go to intermediate and advanced classes.

[Big_red_S]

I'm with Rolf, if I lived there I'd be there.

[jigsue]

I haven't done much intarsia. I need to spend time interpreting and making patterns from pictures to do this, although, I suppose the easiest way would be to use a pattern from an established intarsia pattern maker - I do have some.

The suggestion of persons bringing their own project is a great one - although, this would need to be an advanced or at least an intermediate session. for the beginner's session, it needs to be something reasonably simple, but effective when finished with each of the stages necessary in its construction ie
accurate cutting, shaping, glueing, finishing etc.

I would come to a class, but I wouldn't be able to get home for tea!!!

Good Luck, it is a great idea.

Sue

[Haggard3230]

Janette, I would like to have some basics on intarsia, I am wanting to try the teddy bear offered in the other magazine's holiday issue, not much instruction offered there for it.
Merle