DIY Geometric Wood Trivets

Hi! Mandi right here! I just adore the beautiful geometric shapes designed by marquetry craftsmen of yesteryear. You can discover complex inlaid wood designs most typically in antique wooden boxes, cabinet doors, serving trays, and tabletops, produced by cutting and arranging pieces of wood veneer, then sealing the layout with layers of shiny lacquer.

I thought I would attempt a basic model of this texture-rich marquetry strategy on a set of wooden trivets. They make a wonderful tablescape for simple suppers, and when they are not becoming utilised, they seem fantastic hanging on the kitchen wall! Verify out the easy instructions below to make your personal.

Supplies:
-wooden squares (I used gallery panels from the craft retailer meant to be employed for ar2rk)
-wood stain
-brush or rags to apply stain
-background paper to safeguard operate surface
-mineral spirits or paint brush cleaner
-iron-on veneer tape (I chose a hardwood for durability—oak)
-iron
-foil or craft paper to shield iron for the duration of use
-craft blade and/or scissors
-metal ruler (optional)
-cutting mat (optional)

Step 1: In a effectively-ventilated location, cover the wooden squares with stain. I utilised 2 different stain colors for selection. Make confident to dispose of your rags appropriately by soaking them in water and taking them to a hazardous waste disposal facility. Or use a paint brush and clean it with mineral spirits or brush cleaner.

Phase 2: Minimize the veneer tape into the sought after length or shape with scissors or a craft blade. I utilized the diagonal lines on my cutting mat and a craft blade to get accurate angles for my types.

Stage 3: Cover the laid-out style meticulously with foil or craft paper (to defend the iron from any stray adhesive). Make sure your layout is not shifting underneath the foil! Then really lightly press with an iron set to the cotton setting for about 10 seconds. If you press too tough, the adhesive will seep out from beneath, and that’;s just not pretty. Do not reuse the identical segment of foil for pressing, because it will transfer stray adhesive onto the prime of your veneer when you press it again.

If you mess up, just heat the veneer again with the iron. While the wood is still scorching, you can use your finger to move any pieces back into place. The far more you heat it, even though, the much less you will be capable to move the veneer. That’;s great for its last function as a trivet, but that also signifies you want to be mindful when you are ironing them into location. In my expertise, I was not capable to move the pieces right after letting them rest overnight.

Rather than fitting strips of veneer side by side, I left the wooden background noticeable, generating a depth and texture on the surface of the trivet. Not only is this easier than tightly fitting with each other pieces of veneer, but it also permits breathing room beneath the pot or dish that rests on top of the trivet.

I examined out these trivets the day soon after generating them to make positive they would stand up to the heat without having the veneer shifting or a sizzling pot discoloring the wood. I heated a kettle on the stove until finally the water inside boiled, then I set the scorching kettle on a trivet for 10 minutes. When I eliminated the kettle, the wood was sizzling, but not discolored. I was pleased that the veneer tape didn’;t shift right after pushing it with my fingernail. Accomplishment!

I adore a basic undertaking, particularly when it is multipurpose. Wall art and useful table decor—I can dig it!
-Mandi

Credits // Author and Photography: Mandi Johnson. Photos edited with Spring and Valentine of the Signature Assortment.