Instructions for a Decorative Leaf Inlay

Trace the outline of the leaf pattern onto a wood veneer of your choice using a pencil.

Using a fret saw, carefully cut the leaf from the veneer.

Tape the veneer to the wood being inlayed using double sided tape.

Use the utility knife to trace the inlay pattern into the wood. Be careful not to cut deeper than the depth of the veneer.

Place a straight bit into a trim router and set the depth of the router for the depth of the veneer.

Remove the veneer and tape from the piece of wood being inlayed. Use the router to remove the wood inside the cut outline on the wood piece. Get as close to the outline as possible using the router, but take care not to remove any wood outside the cut pattern.

Turn off the router and remove the wood. Use the chisel and carving knives to finish out the cut, right up to the traced cut made with the utility knife, maintaining the same uniform depth through the hole in the wood.

Test fit the veneer piece into the wood. If the piece is not a precise fit sand the leaf or the inlay area to create a perfect fit.

Place a thin layer of wood glue on the back of the veneer and then place the veneer into the inlay area. Place a piece of waxed paper on top of the veneer and press the veneer firmly into the wood using a piece of scrap wood placed on the waxed paper.

Remove any excess ink that may have escaped during the pressing and allow the glue to dry completely according to the time suggested by the glue manufacturer. Once dried, sand the veneer and the area surrounding it so that the surface is smooth and level. Finish the surface with stains, varnish or the finish material of your choice.