Does anyone know how they do this?

Question:

Does anyone know how they do this?

This is an image of a table with a fossil perfectly inlayed into it. Im study'n furniture design at an artschool, and i REALLY want to find out how to do this. Any ideas?

Also if you have any information about inlaying i would be very grateful. thanks.

http://www.chajo.com/fossil/fosbowed.htm...

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Inlay is a very painstaking and time consuming process. It involves very precise measurements, an understanding of the variable qualities of wood under different ambient conditions, carving, sculpture, carpentry, cabinetry, finishing, etc., etc., etc.

I would suggest a short cut. Build and finish a table with a box configuration as the top. The four sides should also be finish, which make the box.on top. The depth of the box should be approx. 1/2 inch higher than you want to "inlay" (like I wanted to inlay a collection of seashells).

After arranging the shells in the pattern I want, I would then fill the box with a transparent polyurethane liquid (or one which dries transparent) to the level of the box, and let it dry and harden.

Voila. Beautiful table!!