Palmette Scroll Crest Onlay

A crisp symmetric crest that caps a panel like a crown. This onlay is a mirror-image cartouche, not the mandala its tags suggest. A central upright palmette — a fanned acanthus leaf with a deep spine down the middle — sits at the peak, and from its base two matching scrolls sweep outward and roll into tight spiral volutes, each finished with a small curled leaf tail. The whole thing spans wide and low, deeply undercut so the curls throw shadow and stand well off their mounting face. It's a classic crowning ornament: fit it above a door frame, mirror, cabinet or headboard, use it as a clock or picture-frame topper, or centre it on a drawer front. Its symmetry means it sits happily on its own without needing a mirrored partner. Print notes • CNC as an appliqué in lime, maple or oak; a ballnose roughing pass then a 1–2mm tapered finisher keeps the spiral eyes sharp. • For 3D printing, lay it flat on the back face so the scrolls print support-free and the mounting surface stays flush. • The spiral tips are the weak point — keep a touch of extra depth there so they don't chip when you release or sand. • Finish with a rub of gilt cream on the high points over a dark base for a convincing carved-and-gilded look.