Wonder if there's an ideal material to pull this kind of stuff off?

[marmak3261]

That’s the right question. What kind of material can you use. Some rubbers work. If you read Spanish, this will help you explore what is possible at the University of Buenos Aires:

Today's Project: A walnut veneer card wallet

If anyone can do it, these folks could. In Spanish but very much into exploring curves and shapes, design, materials, and fabrication, mixed with lasers and other CNC.