Janette Square, Intarsia Woodworking

Janette Square is an accomplished, internationally recognized intarsia artist who, after living in Eugene, Oregon for 20 years, now resides in Yachats on the Oregon coast. She began using wood as an artistic medium around 1999. The natural color and grain of the wood are the perfect medium for creating colorful and realistic pieces based on nature. She has a unique gift of being able to create, from a photograph – first a pattern, then a finished piece of intarsia artwork. Custom pieces, including pet portraits, are her specialty.  She has created custom pieces for clients worldwide.  Self-taught, Janette has the ability to capture an animal’s personality and expression in wood.   

Janette has been a regular contributor to Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts and other woodworking magazines since 2006.  Many of her pieces have been chosen to be featured on their covers.  In 2006, one of her custom pieces received both “Best in Show” and “People’s Choice” awards at the Rhododendron Festival’s annual art show in Florence, Oregon.  The same piece was selected by Woodcraft Magazine in March of 2007 from over 300 entries for their intarsia contest.  Throughout her career, she has been featured in numerous publications and even local TV news. She is recognized as one of the premier Intarsia Artists by her peers.

In 2014, Janette took her career to the next level by giving seminars at the Fine Woodworking Showcase in Saratoga Springs, NY, and the Fox Chapel Publishing Woodworking Show in PA. She enjoys teaching and has found that meeting other Intarsia enthusiasts and helping them to become better at their craft is very rewarding. 

Recently, Janette was asked to write a “How To” book on Intarsia.  Her book “Intarsia Woodworking Made Easy” is due out in July 2023. It contains skill-building projects from beginner to advanced with detailed instruction, tips, and techniques for both learning and improving intarsia skills.

Starting with a pattern, Janette selects the types of wood she will use in a project.  The color and grain selection of the wood is an important first step. Each piece is first cut out with a scroll saw, then shaped and sanded utilizing different types of sanding and carving tools.  Once each piece has been shaped, they are all glued together and several coats of a clear satin finish are applied to protect and enhance the natural colors of the wood. Stains are rarely used, although there are some colors that nature simply doesn’t provide in wood.  When used appropriately, stains or dye can greatly enhance a project.  The project is then glued to a backing for added strength.  Each finished project is numbered and signed by the artist.  On the back of each piece, she lists the types of wood used.   She sells both finished pieces as well as pattern designs for other intarsia artists to utilize.