Workshop: Making Inlay Paterae

  • February 29, 2020
  • March 01, 2020
  • The Furniture Institute of Massachusetts, 116 Water St., Beverly, MA 01915


A 2-day workshop entitled "Making Inlay Paterae" is led by guild member Michael Patrick Wheeler at Phil Lowe's Furniture Institute of Massachusetts, 116 Water St., Beverly, MA.

What's a patera?  One of the distinguishing features of furniture of the Federal Period (1780-1825) were small ornamental oval inlays known as "paterae".  In this class, Michael will demonstrate how to lay out, cut, hot sand shade, brand, color and assemble pieces of veneers into a patera.  Shells, flowers, eagles, and geometric shapes were some different expressions used to embellish the furniture of that period.  Students will come away with a well rounded knowledge of techniques used in the period and still use today.  Observe a simplified development process...

Dates: The comprehensive, hands-on workshop will be held on February 29 and Mar 1, 2020; 9:00 - 5:00 both days.

Location: Furniture Institute of Massachusetts, 116 Water St., Beverly, MA  01915

Skill Level Required: Beginner/Intermittent.

Tuition: $375.00 which includes materials.

Registration: Call the Furniture Institute of Massachusetts at 1-978-922-0615.  To clarify any questions, you can reach Michael at 617.308.1799 or michaelpwheeler@icloud.com

Tools/Supplies: Bring the basics and what you may have from the list below.  Michael will provide supplemental tools including:

1. 12” Combination square

2. X-Acto Knife & extra blades

3. Pencils

4. Ruler/straight edge

5. 1/2” chisel     

6. Jewelers saw using Niqua Superior Blades #2/OS

    (0.008 x 0.023 x 31TPI)

7. Blue painters tape

8. Glue stick

9. Templates/Patterns

10. Veneer Pins

11. Butterboard

12. Tweezers

13. Garnet

14. Colors/D

15. Black & White Veneers, .09mm Thick

16. Electric Hot Plate