Does anyone have any advice as to where I can find relatively inexpensive woods.  I'm looking for those which, when varnished will have a unique grain or color.  I'd even be happy with walnut, cherry and mahogany.  I don't need large pieces, as what I am making is about six to seven inches long, three to four inches wide and only 1/4 inch thich (at the maximum).  I found a place on E-bay, but I wasn't sure if there is any store that carries woods, or if I will have to buy these sight unseen.

Update - A local Amish furniture shop has agreed to sell me some of their scrap boards, and they will even sand them down for me.  I'm not sure exactly how much this is going to cost me, but I'm pretty sure it's more reasonable than anything else.  They told me that all I would have to pay for is the time it takes to plane the boards down to the size I need.  They're even going to sand them for me!  The man sent me 8 boards home, each about 2-3 feet long of cherry to work with until he has more time, so I'm set for awhile.  I think I'm going to be very happy with this arrangement. 

If there is a cabinet shop in your area that makes custom cabinets you might check with them for scrap wood.  In my city there is one that uses walnut, cherry, maple and other woods.  The cabinets are fairly expensive but the scrap should be fairly cheap, depending on the size pieces you are looking for.

Oh, MY! you are blessed.  I wonder if i could find a place like that around here.

My work is also with fine hardwoods.  If i may bring you up to date, a soft wood [by definition comes from an evergreen tree.   A hard wood comes from a deciduous tree [drops its leaves].     There are soft hard woods and hard soft woods.  I have found about 50 woods that are suitable for my work and many i have had to reject. 

MIne have to be at least 1" x 8 " x 1 [full] inch.    They have to be resiliant and have a fine grain.  Many are exotic [imported] but two of my favorites ae domestic [grow in the USA.    They are:dogwood and boudack [osage orange].     I make eatingsize forks and spoons.   

If you would like to communicate with me further, my e-mail is      wjltruitt@yahoo.com

Shalom,          theLilyLady