experience THE FINE ART OF PAINTING WITH WOOD
LEARN MARQUETRY & VENEER
Take a class with Dave in our
woodshop in Central Virginia
The tradition of using exceptionally figured wood in thin slices, often in complex decorative patterns, originated in ancient Egypt and since has been used on some of the finest furniture and interior decoration in the world.
Our mission is simple: take the techniques and lessons learned, and pass them forward.
Reclaim veneer’s reputation.
We’ve heard it too - veneered furniture has come to be associated with lesser quality, but that's the last reference to anything particleboard or plastic you'll see on this site, because that’s not the kind of veneer we mean.
our aim:
Come take a class with us and elevate your work to a whole new level
Our classes are taught in small group settings - between 2 and 4 students - in our woodshop in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Some are better suited to beginners, while others are aimed at students with a knowledge of woodworking, veneering, or both.
Find the right class
for your goals
the courses
sign up here
Investment: $350, includes all class materials & course book
- How to use a scroll saw to cut a packet of veneers
- Steps to turning the pieces into small pieces of art, including sand shading, color selection, assembling & glue-up, and preparing the glued picture.
What you'll learn:
Prior woodworking experience is not required.
We will use an electric scroll saw to cut free form pictures, such as flowers.
As with many techniques, dexterity and sensitivity to the material will impact how quickly you progress, however having some craft experience is very transferable to this class. Students with backgrounds in quilting, stained glass, and woodworkers with no veneer experience have all thrived.
Painting with Wood - Pictoral Marquetry
introductory class
course length: 2 days
you'll leave with:
- At least one completed marquetry picture. They make excellent box lids.
2025 dates
feb. 15-16
July 12-13
SIGN UP HERE
Investment: $375, includes all class materials & course book
- How to use a knife and straightedge to cut veneer along and across the grain.
- How to plan and execute picture assembly so that final lines are long and straight when made from many pieces.
- How to select color/grain/figure, assemble the picture, glue-up, and prepare the glued picture.
What you'll learn:
Prior woodworking experience is not required.
This course covers the other basic technique in modern marquetry- cutting veneer with a knife on a template.
We will make a Prairie-style geometric pattern using veneer to make a lid for a box. You will also assemble the box from premade pieces.
Geometric Marquetry
introductory class
course length: 2 days
you'll leave with:
- A completed box with lid
2025 dates
Mar 15-16 @ Fred workshop
june 7-8
oct 18-19
SIGN UP HERE
Investment: $425, includes all class materials & course book
- How to make and use curved templates for cutting crisp curved lines
- How to choose and position pieces of veneer so that the grain flows along the curved elements.
- How to stay crisp and precise with cuts when working with larger pieces of veneer
What you'll learn:
Geometric marquetry or equivalent is required to take this class. It will build upon the techniques from that class.
This course focuses on making and using curved templates for crisp shapes, and grain flow from piece to piece when following curved shapes.
The specific design that we will make is still under development – I need to design something that can be made in two days but incorporates all of the elements that are required to practice these techniques.
Geometric Marquetry II
intermediate class
course length: 2 days
you'll leave with:
- To be announced soon!
2025 dates
mar 29-30
SIGN UP HERE
Investment: $505.75/ $595 non Goggleworks members. Sign up at their website
- How to use a scroll saw to cut veneer
- Both the additive and the insetting methods of double bevel marquetry.
- How to orient grain and figure to generate painterly pictures
- Picture assembly and glue-up
What you'll learn:
A new format for Double Bevel marquetry that makes room for individuals with limited or no experience. This class will be hosted at GoggleWorks located in Reading, Pennsylvania.
In this three day class, we’ll start with a simple flower design to practice basic techniques, then progress to a more complex hummingbird composition.
NEW! Double Bevel Marquetry Intro
Beginner class
course length: 3 days
you'll leave with:
- Two small size marquetry panels, perfect as wall art.
2025 dates
April 11-13 @ goggleworks, reading, pa
SIGN UP HERE
Investment: $375, includes all class materials & course book
- both the additive and the insetting methods of double bevel marquetry.
- How to orient grain and figure to generate painterly pictures
- Picture assembly and glue-up
What you'll learn:
This is a more complex but elegant marquetry technique, and is best for someone with either veneering or marquetry experience or considerable woodworking experience.
We will use an electric scroll saw at the edge of its performing range, so a light touch (or a little patience) is required. This class includes two projects, which introduce and then extend the concepts behind the approach.
Double Bevel Marquetry
intermediate class
course length: 2 days
you'll leave with:
- Two mid-size marquetry panels, perfect as wall art or a tray
2025 dates
feb 1-2 july 26-27 sept 13-14 nov 15-16
SIGN UP HERE
Investment: $400, includes all class materials & course book
- How to divide complex pictures into more manageable elements
- How to set in complex backgrounds then apply elements over the top
- Strategy for using highlights and thin black lines to increase drama and focus within the picture
What you'll learn:
This builds upon the Double bevel class, so you need to have taken DB I or equivalent.
This class focuses on larger and more complex assemblies of components in a double bevel picture. It is meant for someone that uses the technique but wants to tackle bigger and more demanding cutting requirements. As much as anything else, this is confidence building class – that with planning and focus, we can make any size or complexity of picture.
Double Bevel Marquetry II
intermediate class
course length: 2 days
you'll leave with:
- One dog portrait marquetry panel, perfect as wall art or a tray
2025 dates
may 3-4
SIGN UP HERE
Investment: $375, includes all class materials & course book
- To cut veneer cleanly, so that panel seams are tight.
- To plan and lay out the four way match panel, based on the veneer characteristics.
- To cut and assemble the panel, then the fillets and crossbanding
- How to glue up the panel
- How to sand shade the holly veneer
- How to design, cut and assemble the fan
- How to install the fan into the panel.
What you'll learn:
This class is meant for furniture makers - people that know how to do casework, and want to make more elegant pieces by understanding veneer.
The day 1 focus is on creating a four-way match panel with fillets and crossbanding, typical of Federal furniture. After glue up, day 2 is spent making a Federal fan, and inlaying that into the panel from day 1. It is not difficult course, but assumes a basic background in wooden furniture.
Veneering for Furniture Makers I
introductory class
course length: 2 days
you'll leave with:
- One four-way bookmatched marquetry panel, with inset federal fan
2025 dates
mar 1-2
sept 26-27 @ Wood & Shop
SIGN UP HERE
Investment: $400, includes all class materials & course book including Dave's article on the subject from SAPFM's 2016 annual publication
- How to lay out a radial veneering pattern
- How to select an attractive pattern from the flitch
- How to cut the veneer to size, then lay out the wedges to create a beautiful pattern.
- How to assemble the half-round panel
- How to glue up the panel, then prepare it for banding
- How to make and install curved cross-banding.
What you'll learn:
This two day class is intended for someone that has VFM I experience or equivalent, and extends the technique into the round. You must be able to consistently cut veneer dead straight.
Radial veneering creates beautiful complex patterns that are much easier to make than they seem. We then make a half-round fan and curved crossbanding to complete the necessary techniques for making round or oval tabletops.
Veneering for Furniture Makers II - Radial Veneering
intermediate class
course length: 2 days
- One radial panel with inset fan, perfect for a tabletop
you'll leave with:
2025 dates
apr 26-27
contact dave to sign up
Investment: $1300, includes all class materials & course book
- How Dave designs and makes furniture
- How to make a stable substrate with solid wood edging
- How to lay out and cut a radial veneered table top, crossbanding and fan
- How to make and veneer a brick-laid half-round skirt
- How to cut and fit bridle joints in a curved surface
- How to taper table legs
- How to accurately install Dominoes into a curved surface
What you'll learn in addition to level II above:
This class is meant for Intermediate furniture makers who want to learn how to make a traditional veneered piece of furniture from scratch in seven days. We will make a half-round table with solid wood edging, a radial veneered cross banded top, a brick-laid then veneered skirt with solid edging and tapered Federal legs attached with bridle joints. We will use power tools for the grunt work, and hand tools for all of the finished surfaces.
Veneering for Furniture Makers III
Demilune Table
intermediate intensive class
course length: 7 days
you'll leave with:
- One completed demilune table and a whole lot of confidence
2025 dates
June 17-23
one spot left!
Sign up here
Investment: $200
- Kickstart a project of your own design with Dave's expertise and guidance
- Stop second-guessing your methods, and get real time feedback
What you'll accomplish:
New for 2025, after feedback from our more advanced students looking to further their own work - an open studio session in Dave's workshop.
Intended for woodworkers with a project in mind after taking introductory or intermediate sessions, this is an opportunity to come together and work with other marquetarians in a collaborative environment to get that project you've been planning off the ground.
After signing up for the class, Dave will get in touch to strategize and get you set up for success at the studio session.
NEW! Open Studio - Collaborative Session
advanced session
course length: 2 days
you'll leave with:
- A plan for accomplishing your goals for your marquetry project
- 2 quality days of work advancing your design
contact dave to get started
Investment varies by course length and content; please email to start the conversation with Dave.
- Father & son seven day introduction to marquetry
- Two day introduction to radial veneering
- Advanced veneering four day intensive
Examples of custom classes:
If none of the above are exactly right for you, Dave offers custom classes tailored to precisely what you want to learn. For individuals or small groups, these classes can be set up to reflect your interests and schedule.
Custom classes can be used to combine the individual classes we offer into a more broad introductory, and then intermediate or advanced session. If you're looking to produce something specific in your class, just let us know!
Dave is also available to be a guest instructor at your woodworking school - contact us for more details.
Design Your Own Class
custom instruction
course length: 2-7 days
you'll leave with:
- Personalized instruction guidance & knowledge
I was hesitant to sign up for fear of not having enough woodworking experience as other participants. I was afraid it would be too difficult and I would be too slow to catch onto the instructions. [However] you supply the class with a generous amount of material and make time to answer so many questions. I feel like I wouldn’t be practicing and excelling at marquetry as much as I am if I didn’t have such a positive experience taking your introduction classes.
"you have a unique way of tailoring the instructions to each person’s needs and ability"
repeat student - Amanda
" I wanted to make a chess board to go with a chess set I inherited from my father. I enjoyed the class and was very happy with the results. Dave was great, and I learned a lot. [I]t was a good experience and I appreciate Dave's patience. I enjoyed meeting both Dave and Elizabeth and appreciate the great coffee."
"I started with absolutely no knowledge of veneering."
chessboard class - lynn
[You] are going to learn a woodworking skill that is rarely taught- there's a zillion craft schools where [you] can learn to cut a dovetail or turn a bowl, precious few where [you] can learn to work with veneer and, especially, learn marquetry. [You] are going to learn with someone who has thought deeply about working with veneer [&] marquetry, someone who can "do" both at an expert level, and someone who has a knack for teaching... Given what you're going to learn, this class is a value.
"there's a zillion craft schools where [you] can learn to cut a dovetail or turn a bowl, precious few where [you] can learn to work with veneer."
repeat student - fred
We love to hear from our students after the class. We encourage you to practice the techniques you learned with us, and Dave is happy to answer questions or work through solutions in your work after you visit us.
After your class
Classes are typically 8:30 to 5ish, with a break for lunch thats works best for the flow of the class. We provide coffee and tea.
During instruction, the focus is on technique and real time problem-solving. Mistakes happen, and our classes feature lots of on-the-fly demonstrations to get back on track when things go awry.
During your class
Expect an email from Dave about a week before your class with details, suggestions, and any pre-class homework to best prepare you for a successful class
Before your class
our success is measured by yours
in all classes
Interested in seeing what you can do with these skills?
Dave made all of these pieces using the same techniques he teaches -
and made mistakes he can help you avoid!
why learn marquetry & veneering from us?
contact us
If you want to learn more about how to take your skills to the next level, or to start your marquetry & veneering journey, send us an email and let's chat.
Woodworking school or group looking for a guest instructor? Email Dave for more details the classes he can bring to your students.
Let's do this.
get in touch
If you're not sure, Dave is more than happy to talk you through classes in more detail. Click here to head to our contact page, and get in touch.
how do i know this class is right for me?
All materials and tools are provided for the class, however many students find reading glasses or similar magnification to be helpful. Lunch is not provided, so you should either bring your own or we can recommend local options.
what should i bring?
You're in luck - Charlottesville is a beautiful place to visit. We do have rental accommodations on site for up to one student/couple (contact us for details), but there are many area hotels and room rental options available.
If you are able to bring your family with you, there are many choices of activities, museums, wineries, hiking trails, and more they can enjoy while you are in class. We would be happy to recommend our favorites to you - just ask!
I'm from out of town - where do i stay in charlottesville?
Woodworking classes typically fall into two categories: one with emphasis on making a product, the other with emphasis on learning the technique. These classes are decidedly the latter - every effort will be made to ensure you leave our shop with as complete a knowledge of the techniques as we can cover in the time allotted.
What style of teaching is this class?
Frequently Asked Questions
Dave is currently a featured instructor at both Wood & Shop here in Virginia, and at the Sam Beauford Institute in Michigan. He also demonstrates frequently with member organizations he is a part of, like the Society for American Period Furniture Makers (SAPFM) and the Washington Woodworkers Guild.
If you're a school or a woodworking group looking for a guest instructor, Dave will travel - send us an email to find out more about the classes Dave could bring to your shop.
Can I take your classes somewhere else?
©️ 2023 Heller & Heller Furniture | Privacy Policy | Terms