How the Flower Inlay Evolved.

1. The flower was inlayed as one piece right over the fret slots.
2. Lines were engraved between each of the flower elements and were filled with black paint to give the flower more definition.
3. The brass and copper stamen were inlayed.
4. The shell was then buffed by hand to bring out its vivid color. The flowers were cut to re-establish the fret slots. The frets were set in – they cover the spaces between the different pieces of inlay making it look like one continuous vine. The ebony is given a light coat of walnut oil to deepen its black color.