I had to replace the badly damaged top of an end table. I decided on this simple frame-and-panel construction that leaves space for a removable laser-cut design that can be swapped out for variety.
The frame-and-panel is traditional carpentry, walnut with a cabernet stain and shellac finish around a plywood panel. (I considered using a sturdy premade picture frame, glueing a plywood panel inside, and adding reinforcement on the corners. That might have been strong enough; I’m not sure.)
The insert is 1/8" maple plywood with laser-cut scrollwork over a dark brown backdrop. The whole thing is topped by tempered glass, custom-cut by a local glazier.
I had in mind a more complex colorful marquetry piece for the insert, but decided to do this simpler pattern first, so the job could be done by Christmas. (Which it wasn’t, of course!)
Yes. I probably went through around 100 images. The trick is coming up with one that is simultaneously “complex enough to be interestingly beautiful” and “simple enough to actually construct with a laser cutter” — not to mention “gets my wife’s approval”.
The “more complex colorful marquetry piece” I mentioned might have been be this one, which would be a nice Christmas piece, but would require a lot of effort to make into something usable:
I love everything about this. What a wonderful way to enhance small tables and large boxes.
Great ideas are the ones that foster more at least good ideas. I’m thinking of an artist I know who might want to collaborate.
I really love this!! And thank you so much for the share. I must say, I like the one you did more than the marquetry piece. I think it has a more timeless, beautiful aesthetic.
That’s gorgeous! If you’re looking for more inspiration, you might take a gander through some cutwork lace scrolls. They’re already designed to be 2D so very little modification would be necessary
This is beautiful, @Purplie! I’ve been thinking about refinishing a table top, and this has opened up a whole new world of possibilities! Thank you for sharing!
