For centuries, decorative string and banded inlays have been highly valued embellishments that were applied to the finest furniture. Among the many techniques and styles of inlay, string inlay is perhaps the most common and useful method. Even today, some designers and craftspeople use simple string inlays to define, highlight, or bring focus to elements of an object — be it furniture or other decorative art.

In this comprehensive video tutorial Jeff Williams, inlay specialist for the Irion Company, demonstrates his period correct method of cutting the recessed groove, making traditional holly string, and applying this string into your workpiece. Mr. Williams is a master artisan and as an Irion Company employee, Jeff has crafted some of the finest antique reproductions of Federal Style furniture being built today. In filming Jeff, I had the opportunity to meet him and get to know him. His modest, easy-going nature makes him the perfect guide as he patiently shows us the ropes. Making and applying string inlay never seemed so accessible. You can do this too. — Keith (9 Minute Woodworking Video)

The Irion Company specializes in the restoration, conservation, and hand-made reproduction of American antique furniture from the 18th and 19th century. Jeff Williams specializes in period correct Federal style furniture with an emphasis on veneering, inlaying, and marquetry.

In this video, we join proprietor Todd Felpel as he takes his ritual end-of-day tour through the highly acclaimed, 60-year old, Irion Company cabinet shop. During our tour, Todd hints at how cabinetshops of the past were run and how custom furniture was ordered and created. And it all starts with the patterns.

Irion’s pattern room is reminiscent of many early American cabinet shops that dotted the east coast of the United States 200 years ago. In this room, countless sample-parts dangle from the rafters, each group memorializing a specific antique masterpiece. Irion has relationships with some of America’s most prestigious museums (the Yale, the Metropolitan, and Winterthur) allowing them “back door” access to measure and document some of the most significant examples of Early American decorative arts. Based on these visits, where photographs and copious notes are taken, Todd describes how sample patterns are then carefully made. Each documented piece must include key reference points, i.e. the sweep of a table leg ankle, key carving points, the subtle dimensions of the foot’s ball & claw, and precise molding details. All are carefully defined and then detailed in measured drawings. In the end, the entire collection of drawings, sample patterns, and photos, are stored for future reference — guideposts for the next the generation of cabinetmakers.

This nightly walk is how Todd monitors the hand-crafted work of Irion’s skilled artisans. As we tour with him, Todd reflects on 250 years of furniture making tradition. It’s a calling he clearly relishes as he says, “it’s better than diamonds”. I can’t tell you how much fun I had on this trek. Come join me. (4.5 Minute Woodworking Video)

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The Irion Company specializes in the restoration, conservation, and hand-made reproduction of American antique furniture from the 18th and 19th century. Irion is based in Christiana, Pennsylvania.