We are a small studio specializing in veneering, parquetry, and marquetry. Our pieces range from the functional (chess, cribbage and backgammon boards) to the representational ( framed interpretations of natural elements) to the abstract (Escher-like pieces in both 2 and 3 dimensions) We also do a limited number of veneered gaming tables incorporating chess or backgammon boards into the table top.
The material is all natural wood veneer that is about 1/42" thick and is applied over a stable substrate. All pieces are framed in solid wood and then finished with multiple coats of hand rubbed shellac and wax.
All of our pieces are donated to various charities in the St. Louis area and are available though auctions, silent auctions, trivia nights, etc. If you are interested in a piece that you were not able to win or that you see on the website, we would be more than happy to create it for you. If you know the types of wood, we can use those or you can choose your own pattern from the Veneer Samples page. We will only charge enough to cover the cost of our raw materials and ask that you make a donation to the school, fundraiser, or organization where you saw the original piece. If you found us through a Google search, donations to Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, Webster-Rock Hill Ministries or other reputable charaties that use the majority of their intake to help others (not for "administrative" costs) would be much appreciated.
The Beauty of Veneer
Veneer is real wood - made by nature and subject to all the forces of nature which is what gives veneer its natural beauty. A burl on a tree is a problem for the lumberman at the sawmill but when put under the veneering knife, it yields a beautiful piece with ever changing highlights and patterns. The figure and wood types are almost endless - pomelle, burl, beeswing, fiddleback, and quilted just to name a few. Although only 1/42" thick, when prepared properly, the wood shows a depth and texture that must be seen to be appreciated.
Not only is veneer available in patterns and figures that aren't available in solid wood because of milling practices or the sheer cost; but it is an ecologically friendly product by its very nature. Because it is a thin covering of wood instead of a full dimensional slab of lumber the same look can be achieved with only a fraction of the material - the amount of wood single chessboard could yield would be enough to cover 30 or 40 veneered chessboards. Not to mention the exquisite figure and patterns that are available as veneer but not as solids. This is truly a case of beauty being skin deep!
Please take a moment to peruse the items available by clicking the buttons to the left. To see the different types of veneers available, press the Veneer Samples button.
