Whenever a wood project is done, there always seem to be small pieces left over. These can be used in a fireplace or burn pit, but creating a unique piece of furniture is also an option. Small pieces joined together as the top of a table or other furniture piece is called marquetry, and it is an old-fashioned art. Many wood shops use a variety of woods, so this will help make the project even more fun.
Each tree has its own individual wood grain and color, so choosing different woods will help make the project unique. While it might be nice to leave the pieces unstained, there will still be differences if a colored stain is applied to the entire surface. Stain absorption largely upon how open the grain is, and it is best to experiment on unused pieces when deciding if staining the wood is an option.
Combining different woods without staining is one of the best ways to create a unique piece, and a crafter or artist can generally just look at the wood to make their decisions. Poplar, oak and pine are generally white although some pine has a yellowish color. Darker woods such as mahogany, teak and walnut provide rich brown colors without stain, and they will retain their color for years. Red and orange woods come from red cedar, cherry and maple.
Small tables are usually a good project for those who do not work with wood all the time, and creating unique pieces with leftovers can become a way to recycle wood effectively. Many shops have a throwaway bucket, and they are often eager to see the wood being put to good use. Learning how to glue the pieces in a pleasing pattern can be just as relaxing as creating an original pattern or adding the finishing touches.
