THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF FRENCH MARQUETRY
During the past decade I have worked very hard to create the same environment for the practice of French marquetry techniques in my shop as that I enjoyed at ecole Boulle, in Paris. Each of the student interns I have received from ecole Boulle has contributed to making that dream a reality. When Dr. Ramond retired from his position at ecole Boulle last year, he encouraged me with his full support to make his methods available to new students by starting The American School of French Marquetry in San Diego.
 

ASFM is located in the heart of San Diego, California, on the northeast corner of Balboa Park, within walking distance of the San Diego Zoo. The school "atelier" is designed to reflect the working environment of the "atelier" at ecole Boulle, and uses the same designs, materials, tools and methods. Like in Paris, ASFM students perform various "etudes" in marquetry, increasing in complexity, using two primary methods:

  • The Boulle Technique, which requires cutting all the elements of the design simultaneously with the background.
  • The Classic Method, which requires that the design elements be cut independently of the background.
 
  One of the Boulle etudes uses three layers of material, such as brass, pewter and ebony, to produce three different results. Since all three layers are sawn simultaneously, using a perpendicular blade, the result is a perfect fit every time. Stage I students will complete three different Boulle projects with wood veneers during the class, making a total of 13 different pictures.
 
At some time in the mid-18th century, the Classic Method was developed in Paris workshops to meet the popular demand for highly decorated marquetry furniture. It served the trade nicely, since it allowed for an infinite variety of woods, bone, horn, tortoise-shell, ivory, brass and pewter to be used in the designs. But the real advantage in the Classic Method was that it allowed production of many copies of marquetry panels at the same time with very little extra effort.
 
  The procedure used in the Classic Method is to create many identical copies of the original design on paper, using a "machine a pique". This machine is like a system for making tattoos, and is used to pick the design onto a Kraft paper. This "picked" pattern is used to create a dozen exact copies, which are cut up in the process. The original "picked" pattern is saved for future use, and often remains usable for many decades.
 
The students at ASFM create packets of veneers and other exotic materials according to the requirements of the design. The individual elements of the drawing are cut out in paper (from the copies of the design) and these paper elements are glued onto the face of the veneer packets. Stage II students will complete a traditional floral picture, in three copies, with hot sand shading for dramatic effect.
 
The "chevalet de marqueterie" allows for extremely precise and delicate cutting. The carriage which guides the hand operated saw frame keeps the blade perpendicular. The lines of the design are about a tenth of a millimeter wide, and, if your eyes are good enough, you can saw away the "outside" half of the line. Thus, by sawing away the "outside" half of the line for all the "inside" pieces of the design, you can then saw away the "inside" half of the line for the "outside" (background). This method eliminates the saw kerf completely, using perpendicular cutting, and allows from 8 to 12 copies to be produced at one time.
Once all of the elements are cut out, they are each placed in hot sand for a few seconds at a variety of angles and depths for "shading" effects. The hot sand "burns" each of the woods differently, according to density, and wonderfully realistic shadow effects result.
  At ASFM, the majority of the work in preparing the veneer packets, designs, sand shadowing and marquetry assembly takes place on these work benches. Here the students have access to specific work areas for each process. The different drawers contain materials, designs and tools for the classes and each student is assigned a parts tray for their projects.
 
Located along the west wall of windows at ASFM are three of the six "chevalet de marqueteries", which vary in size to accommodate each student's personal physique. The tallest chevalet in the back would be used by someone over 6' while the two in the foreground fit students under 6' more comfortably. One of these chevalets can be converted to operate left handed, but are normally set up for right hand workers.  
 
  Since there are a total of six chevalets, the class size is limited to a maximum of six students at a time. In addition to the standard chevalets, there are two vertical saws which stand in another corner of the classroom. The largest of these has a throat clearance of nearly 5 feet, and operates by motor at 180 strokes per minute. It uses an ash bow for support, and is driven by a wide leather belt, with a foot clutch to vary the speed.
The second vertical saw is an antique saw which was donated by marquetry friends in Alsace, France. It was originally used by one of the workers in the workshop of Spindler, a well known three generation marquetry studio in Alsace. It is powered by foot action, which moves a large wood frame saw vertically, leaving both hands free to manipulate the work.
         

 

ASFM MOVES INTO A NEW BUILDING AT THE SAME LOCATION
 
During the summer of 2005 construction was completed on the new building which was designed specifically for the marquetry school. The workshop and layout of the school was directly inspired by the workshop at ecole Boulle, in Paris, with all the same equipment and features. With 2000 square feet of space, this new room is 5 times the size of the original school room, and reflects the growing demand and success of the American School of French Marquetry. We are proud to be the only school in the world, outside of Paris, which offers this program. Here are some pictures of the new facilities.
 

View of the lecture area of the classroom, with veneer press in the foreground.

  

The cutting room area, with 6 French chevalets and a Germanic foot saw.

The assembly area is where students can make their packets and assemble their projects.

 

This foot saw was donated to the school by the descendants of a marquetry worker from Spindler's workshop in Alsace, France.

The overhead saw allows cutting packets up to 60" in size, and has a foot activated speed control.

  

Stage I students with their project trays working on the third Boulle etude.

The teacher working with the students on a Stage I project.

  
 

Students cut out their projects on the French chevalets.

Using hot animal glue, this Stage II student is making his packet.

  

The small class size allows plenty of interaction between teacher and student.
     
 


2008 Schedule of Classes

FULL WEEK CLASSES (5 DAYS)*
March 10-14
March 17-21
June 16 - 20
June 23 - 27
October 13 - 17
October 20 - 24


* Full week classes are held Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Click here to download the 2008 schedule in pdf format
Click here to register in advance


 

CLASS DESCRIPTION AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION

All classes (Boulle Method, Classic Method, Tarsia Geometrica, and Independent Study) are offered concurrently. These classes use the "chevalet de marqueterie" to cut the pieces, the same process as used at ecole Boulle in Paris. Class size is limited to 6 students. Teachers are Patrick Edwards and Kristen Arrivee. No previous experience in woodworking or marquetery/veneer is required. Class text book is "Marquetry" by Pierre Ramond. A student handbook is provided.

The cost for the program is $750 for each class, which includes all materials. A deposit of $350 is required for each class, and must be sent in with this application to reserve a place in the American School of French Marquetry. The balance of $400 is due on or before the first day of class. Any payments received are fully refunded if cancellation is made six weeks before class begins. Past cancellation time, we will reschedule for another class. Visa, Master Card or checks are accepted.

Two different classes in French marquetry techniques (Stage I and Stage II) will be offered each month. Both stages are one week in length, each a total of 35 hours. Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00. All stages are offered concurrently during the school year. These classes use the "chevalet de marqueterie" to cut the pieces, the same process as used at L'Ecole Boulle in Paris. Class size is limited to 6 students. Teachers are Patrick Edwards and Kristen Arrivee.

No previous experience in woodworking or marquetry/veneer work is required.

Stage I class : Boulle Technique
Each student will be instructed in the following techniques used to make French marquetry pictures in wood: design considerations, making the veneer packets, cutting techniques using the "chevalet", assembling the picture, gluing the finished marquetry panels, and finishing. The Boulle Technique stage involves cutting several layers of veneer or other materials simultaneously, using perpendicular cutting. This technique produces both a "positive" and a "negative" image of the design, each with a different background.

Stage II class: Classic Method (prerequisite Stage I)
Utilizing techniques learned in Stage I, students will be instructed in the Classic Method. This technique differs from the Boulle Technique in that many identical copies of the design are produced at the same time. With this method the students will cut each element of the design separately, learning to eliminate the gap left by the saw blade and creating a perfect fit. The primary advantages of the Classic Method are realized using techniques of design and layout, sand shading and assembly to create the final project.

Independent Study classes: (prerequisite Stage I, Stage II)
Students who complete both Stage I and Stage II may return for advanced instruction in the Independent Study which will be offered continuously during the regular class schedule. The Independent Study class is $750/week or $25/hour for instruction less than a week, and is offered on a space available basis.

Tarsia Geometrica Class: No previous class required
This class does not use the chevalet to cut elements, but instead uses a simple, low tech method to make geometrical patterns in wood veneers. Students will design and build cutting jigs for their patterns, and with a simple back saw or veneer saw produce large numbers of repetitive geometrical elements necessary to complete the project.
 

WHERE TO STAY IN SAN DIEGO

The American School of French Marquetry is in North Park, a community within the city of San Diego. We are centrally located and within four minutes of every major freeway in San Diego, and about a mile from the zoo and museums and Balboa Park. The school is within 5 miles of the San Diego Airport. Accomodations throughout the San Diego City area will allow for access by car or bus to ASFM.

We do have several suggestions for you which we hope will help you find lodging during your stay.

The San Diego Concierge at 1 800 979-9091 can be very helpful in assisting with rooms, prices and locations. ( And you get to speak with a live human!)

Hotel Circle is located below UCSD Medical Center and is in the valley. There are many varied choices of hotels and prices in this area.

The Inn Suites is the closest to us and it has been used by some of our students. It is an "older" two star
hotel with weekly rates from $49 - $99 per night. It sports an Olympic size pool and famous Red Fox
Room for dinning.
(619) 296-2101 or 800 468-3531 www.innsuites.com

The Balboa Park Inn is a charming guest house. Each of the Twentysix rooms is distinctively different in décor and theme and includes with jacuzzis, whirlpool tubs and patios. The rates vary, starting at $99, for two, per night.
(619) 692-5200 www.balboaparkinn.com

The Sommerset Suites Hotel is in the Hillcrest area where restaurants, theatres and shops abound. It is a newer hotel with kitchenettes, small pool and covered parking. Rates are nightly $129-169
(619) 692-5200 www.sommersetsuites.com

Throughout the harbor, hotel circle, and city are hotels with a great range of accommodations. I suggest that you search the web and let us know if we can be of any assistance.
 

"I took Stages I & II at ASFM and it has truly been exciting to learn French marquetry and how to manage veneers." - Dr. Ken Stover, Rancho Santa Fe, CA
"I cannot say enough about this experience. I think the quality of instruction is more then I anticipated and I can recommend this school to anyone interested in learning a highly specialized type of woodworking grounded in the past." - Chuck Walker, Hopewell, NY