Intarsia by Garnet Hall

We recently moved from our grain farm near Stoughton, Sask. to an acreage outside of Estevan, Sask. In the immortal words of Shrek, “Change is good Donkey”. Maybe, but I still miss the farm. Three generations of my family have lived on and worked that dirt. We plan on keeping the farm and hope for oil. I have also cut way back on my beekeeping operation, stung once to often I guess. More change, I found a job, a real job, working with Mentally Disabled Adults. I look after the wood shop, some teaching and make sure nobody loses a digit. I have been working with wood all my adult life and my interests have run from furniture making, collectors toys and Intarsia for the last number of years.

I first encountered Intarsia in the mid 80's and knew it then as band saw art. I learned later it was called Intarsia. It sounds like a new pasta dish because it has an Italian ring to it and its origins are Italian. By that point the name was irrelevant any way because I was hooked. I enjoyed the challenge Intarsia provided from the beginning, first doing production work and marketing through craft sales. As interest grew, people were constantly asking how it was done and for patterns. So I started doing classes and selling my line of original patterns. Since then I have never looked back mainly 'cause I haven't had the time.

Original Intarsia Designs

The patterns are all my own original designs and come full size so there's no enlarging to do. They are printed on top quality rag Vellum. Vellum is also stronger than other translucent paper like tissue paper and onion skin paper, so your patterns last longer. This also makes it easy to see the wood grain . The patterns are marked with wood shades and species suggestions. These are only my suggestions, feel free to use your imagination and create your own unique project. Pieces that are to be lowered or raised are also marked. Every pattern comes with instructions and hints where necessary.

If you have any questions when working on one of my patterns don't hesitate to contact me.

Stop by one of the wood shows and say hello. Bring pictures of your work!