Another Intarsia Wood Question

[FrankEV]

There seems to be two types of Intarsia.  Images that are produced using just simple variations of contrasting common wood shadess and then there are Images that are made, still using only natural wood, but are in color.

There are many shades of Red, a few Yellows, as well as the many shades of Brown wood that are all easy to find.  Ash is somewhat Gray and I understand Green can be found in Poplar. 

Then there is wood like Maple that are, IMO, simply a very pale shades of Brown, albeit almost colorless.  Good for contrast, but not useful to represent a color for something like Sky or Water.  

That being said, my question is: I there any woods available that are used for White or shades of Blue?

Thanks  

[barb.j.enders]

Blue pine is often used for water and sky.

[FrankEV]

13 minutes ago, barb.j.enders said:

Blue pine is often used for water and sky.

deleted: did not see  the word "Pine"

Edited July 18, 2024 by FrankEV

[don in brooklin on]

White is a problem

Holly is usually as white as it gets.  Hard to find plus it is expensive. It will also amber over time if exposed to UV rays.

Aspen is also used but you have to pick it  over carefully.  Judy Gale Roberts has a FAQ on white wood.  https://intarsia.com/pages/copy-of-faq-1

For Blue pine you some times you can find in the piles at the big box stores.  It has become popular lately so tougher to find as people use on accent walls.

 

 

[Dave Monk]

I use aspen for white. When I go to ILL to visit my son I always pick up some at a big box store called Menards. I can find it there pretty darn close to white. 

[TAIrving]

On 7/18/2024 at 7:48 AM, don in brooklin on said:

White is a problem

 

 

 

Thanks @don in brooklin on, I have been struggling with white.  That helps me to understand what I am facing and what I might do about it.  

[rjweb]

Wow Dave that is a beautiful piece, RJ

[tomsteve]

for the blue- that's a tough one. IF you could find blue mahoe that would be the closest. however, there could be an issue with is as with woods with shades of red in that it might fade.

other than blue stain pine the only thing I can think to come close would be blue mahoe. however finding with the blue can be a challenge then there's the possibility of it fading like some red woods.

you could cheat a bit and use an analine dye to get the blue you are looking for