Laurel Leaf Spray Onlay

A symmetrical leaf spray that spreads like a sprig of laurel pressed into relief. This decorative onlay is built around a horizontal stem: at its centre sits a plump, pointed seed-pod — an almond-shaped bud split by a crease — flanked by a single round bead, and from there rows of full, veined leaves fan outward and taper to a point at each end. The leaves overlap in tidy pairs above and below the stem, each carved with a soft central rib so light rolls across them. The overall shape is a long, lens-like cartouche: an applique meant to dress a drawer front, a door panel, a mirror crest or a length of trim. Made for furniture makers and picture-framers who want a ready-carved accent to drop into place. Carve notes • A raised relief onlay — machine it on stock a touch thicker than the deepest leaf, then part it off the waste and glue it in position. • A ball-nose finishing pass with a small stepover keeps the leaf ribs and the pod's crease smooth. • It's fully symmetrical, so it mirrors happily — pair two for a matched left/right set on a cabinet. • Carve in a fine-grained hardwood, or print in resin and gild or paint it for an antique look.