Need advise, about to carve or make an Intarsia Inlay to a Jewelry box.  The size of the carving will be 3″ wide and 7″ high.  The design will be an Iris with the leaves at the bottom, several of them and one flower at the top.  The carving will be inlayed into the front of some walnut drawers.  A relief carving with some hape and texture to the leaves and flower.

To be honest, I haven’t carved anything but letters before, and both times it was using locust, which is a difficult wood to carve for me at least.  I want to try this, so that I can get the carving tools ( LV has a inexpensive set) but then again, I want the finished piece to look good, so I am questioning my ambitious endeavor in the carving.  I have done some Intarsia, and I think I could shape the pieces to kinda look like a carving, and it may turn out better in the long run.

Whadya think, you veterens?  Should I give it a try or stick with what I know.  BTW, I have been lusting for some carving tools, just so you know my real hidden motives 😉

Steve