Abstract: An artificial flower which contains an integral gift is disclosed. The integral gift enhances the value and appeal of the artificial flower, or likewise enhances the appeal of an arrangement of such artificial flowers. The invention relates to an artificial flower, or an arrangement of a plurality of such flowers, containing an adapter for holding a small gift member, and a gift member. The scope of the invention includes the artificial flower, adapter, and gift member. The gift member may be selected from a number of special, or thematic, items such as miniature beverage bottles, golf balls, cigars, gift boxes, jewelry, or any gift items.

Abstract: An ant sculpture is formed by removing a block of nutritious gel having with a network of ant tunnels from a formicarium container; placing the block in an p.v.c bag that serves as a release liner; and stuffing the bag containing the gel block back into the container. The tunnel network is then filled with a transparent epoxy resin which is permitted to harden in the tunnel network; the bag containing the gel body with set epoxy removed from the container and, the gel is then separated so that the hardened epoxy forms an ant sculpture replicating the network of ant tunnels. The epoxy resin is Bisphenol A epoxy resin.

Abstract: An improved mat is disclosed. Long and short legs support the mat and cause it to feel resilient although it is fabricated from hard rubber. The mat has drain holes on vertical surfaces. Ribs prevent the mat from embedding within grating. Grit is selectively placed upon the mat and physically supported. Adhesive for bonding the grit is retained by retention lips. Also disclosed is a process for creating drain holes on vertical surfaces of mats by attaching a grooving tool to a robot and programming the robot to cut through molded mat channels to create the desired drain holes. An additional process uses the robot to selectively place adhesive upon the mat. An adhesive dispenser is attached to the robot and the robot is appropriately programmed.

Abstract: An artificial stone material having an improved natural stone appearance and texture is prepared from thermosetting resin, curing agent, microspheres and additives. The resin and curing agent are thoroughly mixed to form a catalyzed resin mixture. The microspheres are added to the catalyzed resin mixture and mixed to a viscosity of about 950×106 to about 1590×106 to form a catalyzed base material. The additives are worked into the catalyzed base material to provide a catalyzed stone mixture having a desired natural stone appearance. The catalyzed stone mixture is molded or applied to a surface at the point of use and allowed to cure to form the artificial stone material.

Abstract: A decorative device to simulate a snowfield in a decorative winter scene. In one embodiment, the decorative device is comprised of white pigmented, silicone rubber elements having rounded edges and molded generally to resemble a snowfield. The decorative device can be applied to a structure in a decorative winter scene or it can also be applied to a surface surrounding a structure in a decorative winter scene. A method of transforming a decorative season inspecific model for use in a winter theme decorative scene is provided.

Abstract: An artificial turf system which includes a support layer, a base layer, and an outer layer. The support layer comprises an area of selected size and composition. The base layer comprises at least one grid which consists of a plurality of interconnected cells. The base layer is positioned over the support layer. Each cell forming the grid comprises an upstanding tubular member which includes an upper portion, having a first diameter, and a lower portion having a second diameter. The lower cell portion provides the cell with vertical flexibility. The plurality of cells provide the grid with selected vertical movement on contact providing the artificial turf system with improved softness.

Abstract: The invention provides a decorative object comprising a transparent or translucent substrate having a body and at least one surface bearing a thin film coating. The coating imparts in the substrate a body color that appears substantially constant at different angles of observation. This body color is imparted in the substrate at least in part by absorption of visible radiation that is transmitted through said coating. The coating includes a high absorption layer comprising film that is highly absorptive of visible radiation. Also provided are methods of coating gems and other decorative objects, as well as methods of heat treating coated gems and other decorative objects.

Abstract: A method for sculpting art including preparing an artistic line drawing of interconnected lines having varying widths. The artistic line drawing is converted to a format suitable for computer numeric controls for guiding cutting means. The sculpture is cut out of a piece of material using cutting means suitable for defining holes around the artistic line drawing. The sculpture and mounting means are finished. The mounting means provides a mechanism for spacing the sculpture from and attaching the sculpture to a structure. The mounting means are substantially invisible to a viewer when positioned on the structure. The sculpture having a combination of varying weight lines which appear to be drawn by a felt tipped pen.

Abstract: An artificial barrel cactus consisting of a plurality of sickles; and a plurality of welds laterally interconnecting and radially arranging the sickles about a vertical axis.

Abstract: Articles comprising simulated stone block walls and artist's canvases may be formed by providing a burlap or canvas substrate, coating the substrate with a layer of gypsum wallboard finishing compound or similar plaster-like composition, and folding or otherwise manipulating the substrate when a predetermined set or hardening of the composition has occurred to create cracks, crevices and chipped corners of the article, for example, to simulate a broken stone block or an aged artist's work.

Abstract: A rock laminate has been provided that includes a layer of rock and a flexible layer. The layer of rock has a plurality of pores that can receive fluid. The flexible layer is positioned above the layer of rock and has a portion which extends into the pores of the layer of rock. Additionally a method for making a rock laminate is provided. The method includes providing a rock having an exposed surface and applying a polymer that bonds with the exposed surface. The polymer is lifted along with corresponding bonded portion of the exposed surface is lifted from the rock.

Abstract: The invention provides a decorative object comprising a transparent or translucent substrate having a body and at least one surface bearing a thin film coating. The coating imparts in the substrate a body color that appears substantially constant at different angles of observation. This body color is imparted in the substrate at least in part by absorption of visible radiation that is transmitted through said coating. The coating includes a high absorption layer comprising film that is highly absorptive of visible radiation. Also provided are methods of coating gems and other decorative objects, as well as methods of heat treating coated gems and other decorative objects.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial grass lawn suitable for sports fields, which artificial grass lawn consists of a base layer, on which first artificial grass fibres are disposed. In accordance with the invention, the artificial grass lawn is characterized in that said base layer comprises a material having damping properties, which is present thereon and/or therein. Thus the properties of a natural grass field are approximated very closely, and also the style of play on the sports field is positively affected. Furthermore, the artificial grass field thus obtained is substantially free of maintenance and of injury.

Abstract: In a trim part for decorative purposes, especially in the interior, and in this case preferably for the interior trim of the passenger compartments of vehicles, a cover layer of natural stone is applied to the visible side of a base part. For this purpose, the negative shape of the base part is machined from a natural stone block and the two are combined permanently to form a sandwich. Then the surface is machined on the visible side, and finally clear lacquer is applied.

Abstract: A molding compound in swelling gel phase is prepared by crushing a swelling gel, swelled with a monomer in liquid phase which polymerizes a compound having three-dimensional linking by a radical polymerization reaction, into a predetermined size, and a molding compound (z) is made to adhere to a surface of the molding compound in swelling gel phase so that color difference between a color tone of the molding compound (z) and a color tone of the molding compound in swelling gel phase is not less than 3 in a case where the molding compound (z) is provided on the surface of the molding compound in swelling gel phase, which does not substantially dissolve in the monomer and has a weight change ratio ranging from 0 to +200% in a case where the molding compound in swelling gel phase is completely impregnated with the monomer, so that the molding compound in swelling gel phase and the molding compound (z) are molded under a thermal pressure, and a ratio of the molding compound (z) to a total amount of the molding co

Abstract: The invention concerns a product and the relative manufacturing process, said product, including at least a precast support (2) of expanded material and at least a layer (3) of agglomerated stone material in form of granulates bound by a binding phase, over at least one surface of said expanded support (2). According to suitability, the product (1) is made by a sandwich structure with an intermediate layer of expanded material and two surface coatings of stone material. The product (1) can also have a complex or modular shape, from which it is possible to cut and eventually to work finished pieces of predetermined dimensions. The main advantage of the invention consists in obtaining a finished product (1, 10, 100) lighter than a product made of agglomerated stones homogeneous in the thickness.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of selectively coating wood composites in a single step, while maintaining registration of the coating to the design of the molded or contoured wood composite. The invention also is directed to a structure provided by preparing a wood composite according to the inventive method.

Abstract: An artificial turf system that includes a base and a turf assembly. The base is readily constructed, at least in part, from naturally occurring ground elements that are present upon initiation of the construction of the base. The base is constructed to include a drainage mechanism that is disposed near the surface of the base. The turf assembly is laid out upon the base and is constructed to pass fluid, e.g., water, therethrough such that the fluid is specifically directed to the drainage mechanism of the base as it moves through the turf assembly. The turf assembly includes a plurality of layers such as an impermeable moisture barrier layer, a drainage layer, a filtering layer, and a turf mat.

Abstract: A method is described for repairing and consolidating a natural stone block (1), with internal fractures and structural discontinuities, in which around the block (1) a coating (2, 3, 4) is applied that wraps the block (1) below and along a vertical perimeter thereof and is higher than the block (1); the coating (2, 3, 4) is spaced from the block (1) and forms the liquid- and gas-tight housing and allows the resin to flow against the block (1). The containment of hydrostatic resin pressures and the control of resin consumptions are performed by an external formwork composed of the coating (2, 3, 4) and of structures (5) to a platform (11) for supporting and transporting the block (1).

Abstract: A resin-molded product has a surface formed with a patterned shape imitative of natural leather and its surface shape is formed so as to satisfy glossiness Gs (60°) in a value greater than 0% and equal to or less than 2.7% and to have a microscopic convexoconcave with an absolute value equal to or greater than 1.2 and equal to or less than 3.0 on a gradient SC of a straight line intersecting two points at 100% and 50% in a cutting level of a bearing curve corresponding to a roughness curve.

Abstract: An article including a rigid body, said rigid body being of a definitive shape and from ingredients containing a mixture of a petroleum based binding agent and a filler, said filler contains stone-like powder substances, the outer surface of said rigid body being applied and fast with a vinyl base film, said vinyl film having a decorative or ornamental pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial leather composed of fiber entangled structure and elastomer, wherein it has excellent elasticity with the longitudinal elongation of 15% or more and elastic recovery ratio 80% or more.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hardscape surface sheet and a method of representing a hardscape surface. The hardscape surface sheet comprises a substrate or sheet bearing an image of a hardscape surface. The substrate allows an individual to temporarily display the image in the area where the hardscape surface is desired and evaluate the appearance of the hardscape surface in itself, and in relation to its surroundings.

Abstract: A camouflage pattern for use on clothing and other articles for concealing a hunter or outdoorsman in a wilderness area where there are rocks and boulders with lichen formations growing on them. This camouflage pattern would be useful for outdoorsmen, photographers, and hunters that hide behind or amongst rocks, perch on top of boulders or conduct their activities in areas where lichen covered rocks are found. The pattern is comprised of a background of gray, slate or black. This background can be either of a uniform shade of black, slate or gray, or of a variety of different shades, and is overlaid by a foreground pattern of lichen formations of growths. The lichen patterns are comprised of repeating or random arrangements of circular oval, ring or doughnut shaped lichen growths being of one or more varying shades of green, gray, blue, white, and black.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suede-like sheet which is characterized in that, in a suede-like sheet comprising primarily ultrafine fiber of no more than 0.3 dtex and polyurethane, said polyurethane employs polymer diol containing 30 wt % to 90 wt % polycarbonate diol, said sheet contains from 20 wt % to 60 wt % of said polyurethane, the average nap length is 300 &mgr;m to 2000 &mgr;m, and the percentage retention of the local fatigue resistance before and after an accelerated ageing treatment is at least 50%, and it also relates to a method for the preparation of a suede-like sheet which is characterized in that, in the production of a suede-like sheet comprising a nonwoven fabric of ultrafine fibre of no more than 0.3 dtex and a polyurethane which employs polymer diol containing 30 wt % to 90 wt % polycarbonate diol, a buffing treatment is carried out after applying an antistatic agent to the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods and compositions for marking and removing turf lines and other markings from artificial and natural turf, including sports fields. The marking compositions include alkali-activatible acrylics, including one or both of alkali-soluble resin and an alkali-swellable thickener to enable removing the dried composition with an alkaline solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a covering shell comprising a shell body which is made of a transparent material. The shell body has faceting on a concave inside surface and/or on a convex outside surface, the concave inside surface further being coated with a reflective layer that generates multiple reflections when the convex outside surface is illuminated. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a covering shell by molding.

Abstract: The heat-resistant and refractory molded part in the form of an artificial log for fireplaces, a heat-insulating plate or a light-weight constructional brick having a density of from 400 to 1000 kg/m3 consists of hydraulically cured compositions, wherein the uncured composition contains from 10 to 60% by weight of aluminous cement and from 10 to 60% by weight of xonotlite in addition to water.

Abstract: An impact absorbing surface covering adapted for use with a high impact traffic area is provided. A shock pad of post industrial, recycled closed cell foam is used in conjunction with an impervious wear surface, such as rubber, sprayed polyurethane, or artificial turf, in order to provide a durable, impact absorbent area, which can be easily adapted to varying shapes and sizes in a seamless manner to create an economical and resilient alternative for indoor/outdoor, commercial or recreational use. A method for installing an impact absorbing surface covering is also provided in which shock pads comprised of foam, fabric, and mesh layers are positioned on the ground, cement, or a floor, and are covered by a substantially impervious wear surface, thereby creating a non-purous, impact-absorbent, product with an extended life span.

Abstract: An artificial insect comprises a body having a head end and a tail end. The body has an upper body section and a lower body section. The lower body section has an upper surface defining a cavity with opposite upwardly angled sidewalls. The upper body section has a lower surface that defines a pair of opposite upwardly angled sidewalls that are received within the cavity and cooperate with the sidewalls of the cavity in the lower body section to define a wing receiving slot. A one-piece wing component is disposed in the wing receiving slot between the lower body section and the upper body section and extends outwardly from opposite sides of the body. The upper body section is coupled to the lower body section, via a press-fit arrangement thereby firmly sandwiching the wing component between the upper body section and the lower body section.

Abstract: A gemstone is provided and has a large surface-area, plate-shaped support having a surface with least one pyramid-shaped depression. A thin vapor phase deposit layer comprises a thin, surface-shaped precious synthetic gemstone layer disposed on the large surface-area, plate-shaped support and has an upper surface facing away from the plate-shaped support and an underside having at least one pyramid-shaped projection disposed in and coinciding with the pyramid-shaped depression of the support. Side faces of the pyramid-shaped projections of the underside of the vapor phase deposit layer upon the plate-shaped support impart decorative, diamond-light-reflective qualities to the synthetic gemstone layer.

Abstract: The airport marking system of the present invention includes a multi-pigmented artificial turf segment having a backing with base fibers and marking fibers, wherein the marking fibers are visually different than the base fibers. The different marking fibers are adaptable to define a plurality of different shapes and patterns. The different marking fibers of the turf of the present invention define: (i) one or more characters including numbers and letters; (ii) a character having a border around it; (iii) a plurality of parallel lines; (iv) a dashed line; (v) a plurality of parallel lines and a plurality of intersecting lines perpendicular to the parallel lines; (vi) a plurality of chevrons; (vii) a plurality of parallel lines disposed at an angle relative to a side of the area; (viii) a plurality of checkered four sided shapes; (ix) one or more arrows; and (x) an arrow adjacent to a character.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a product of artificial rock and a product thus made for use, in particular, in aquariums, tanks, swimming pools and the like; the process comprises the following operating steps: carrying out a first deposition of a mixture of powdered aggregates, resin, additives, within a cast or mould; catalyzing the mixture of said first deposition; covering the surface thus obtained with isophtalic or bisphenolic polyester resin; carrying out a second deposition of powdered aggregates, resin, additives; covering the surface derived from the second deposition with a layer of structural component and with resin; polymerizing the intermediate product thus obtained covering the surface thus obtained with a layer of gel; polymerizing the product thus obtained; removing the product from the mould; subjecting the product to a heating treatment.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ornamental device adapted for rotation about an axis to produce a changing perspective that creates an interesting visual effect includes a series of angularly spaced apart strips, each strip having opposite ends and a length corresponding to the curvilinear distance along the strip between the opposite ends of the strip, wherein each strip is connected at one end to a first spine and connected at an opposite end to a second spine. The device can be made by cutting a sheet of material into a desired geometric shape, making cuts into the sheet material to form a series of disconnected adjacent strips, and bending the strips from a reference plane so that the strips are angularly spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A mold apparatus for manufacturing a surface patterned block. The apparatus includes a resilient template with a relief pattern supported in a support frame. A setting substrate is supported in the support frame and on the cloth template and has at least one moldable surface. The relief pattern contacts the moldable surface and transfers the relief pattern to the moldable surface to form the surface patterned block. A method of producing a patterned block and a patterned block are also provided.

Abstract: The artificial marble with good natural pattern and color in accordance with the present invention is prepared mixing ununiformly at least two liquid resins through a line mixer 1, feeding the ununiformly mixed resin on a moving steel belt 4 at a constant speed through a flexible hose 2 and an exit nozzle 3, and reciprocating the exit nozzle perpendicularly to the steel belt by a predetermined program for the exit nozzle to stop at different positions for different durations. The line mixer used in this invention is a Kenics type and has inner elements of eight or less than eight. A line mixer with four to eight elements can be more preferably used.

Abstract: Golf turf is disclosed and claimed herein which simulates fairway, rough or putting green surfaces. Golf clubs which strike the golf turf disclosed herein do not experience the shock of typical golf mats made from Astroturf® and the like, lessening fatigue and preventing injury to the elbow and wrist. Crimped filaments made of synthetic resinous fibers are used to make strip brushes having flared end portions which form a homogeneous surface. Receiving slots in a substrate retain a plurality of strip brushes spaced apart and parallel to each other. The strip brushes are configured to simulate homogeneous surfaces which approximate actual golf surfaces. Alternatively, the brushes may be inserted into a liquified plastic substrate and then the substrate is allowed to cool securing the brushes within the substrate. Still alternatively, the brushes may welded and then inserted into the liquified plastic substrate which is then allowed to cool securing the brushes within the substrate.

Abstract: A camouflage composition includes a plurality of fabric strips, each strip having a body portion and at least one fringed portion, said at least one fringed portion arranged along a margin of the strip, the first surface of the body portion of each fabric strip affixed to the first surface of the body portion of a separate one of said plurality of fabric strips along a seam, said seam being oriented adjacent said fringed portion of each strip, whereby the body portions of each of said plurality of fabric strips form a continuous material and said fringed portions extend outwardly from said continuous material to form a three-dimensional camouflage effect. A garment made at least in part of the camouflage composition and a method of making the camouflage composition are further included.

Abstract: A rock laminate has been provided that includes a layer of rock and a flexible layer. The layer of rock has a plurality of pores that can receive fluid. The flexible layer is positioned above the layer of rock and has a portion which extends into the pores of the layer of rock. Additionally a method for making a rock laminate is provided. The method includes providing a rock having an exposed surface and applying a polymer that bonds with the exposed surface. The polymer is lifted along with corresponding bonded portion of the exposed surface is lifted from the rock.

Abstract: A Christmas tree shaped artificial tree having a pole for a tree trunk with a plurality of guy wires attached to the top of the pole and extending downwardly and outwardly to the surface on which the pole is disposed. Profile cables are attached to a hoistable sleeve at the top of the pole but under the guy wire attachment. They extend downwardly and outwardly to spreaders radiating from the pole, then back to the pole a distance above the base end of the pole creating a Christmas tree shape. The guy wires may be rotatably attached to the top of the pole, with the base of the pole mounted on a rotating device, if a revolving tree is desired. Christmas tree light strings are suspended between the profile cables and additional hoistable sleeves on the pole to define a branch shaped form.

Abstract: A multifunction imitating-paper rattan body mainly comprise an imitating-paper rattan body containing a strengthened core inside. Said imitating-paper rattan body is a structure formed integrally, which resists wet, heat, and drawing. And, in the process of forming, the spiral body is formed integrally on the external diameter of the imitatin-paper rattan body, so that the imitating-paper rattan body becomes the structure with high structural strength.

Abstract: A process id disclosed for structurally repairing and aesthetically filling, and mutually coupling slabs (1) and layers (2-4) into a block (5), comprising the steps of: heating, drying and impregnating the slabs (1) with resin; penetrating the resin through atmospheric pressure; inserting positive pressures; applying a liquid- or gas-tight sealing coating (6, 7, 8) around the block (5) to allow resin to flow around and inside the block (5), containing hydrostatic resin pressures and checking resin consumptions through a formwork; directly supporting through the block (5) the thrusts generated by pressure differentials; when preparing the block (5), assembling the stone slabs (1) independently from mutual thickness and distance between centers with other stone slabs (1).

Abstract: A fixed moss plant material including a composition which contains ground paper and/or a paper precursor, and fine soil matter and a composition which contains ground paper and/or a paper precursor, fine soil matter, and a moss plant, wherein the latter composition is fixedly laid atop an upper surface of the former composition. Making use of a moss plant, the present invention enables provision of a material returnable to nature which can be produced at lower cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to create corsage or wristlet types of floral arrangements includes a planar base member having a preferred ornamental shape to which a length of ribbon is attached. A length of fabric netting is gathered and is attached to the base member on top of, or simultaneously along with, the ribbon. The gathered fabric netting is trimmed as desired to provide preferably an oval three-dimensional shape, thereby completing the assembly of the apparatus. In use, the bottom of a plurality of blooms are dipped in a floral adhesive and pressed into the fabric netting to which they adhere until the entire fabric netting is sufficiently covered with blooms. The ribbon is used to tie the arrangement around a wrist or the excess ribbon is cut off and a decorative pin is used to secure the base member to a garment.

Abstract: An article for use in an aquatic environment comprises a translucent polymer material that is configured to reproduce a form of aquarium life. In embodiments of the invention, the translucent polymer material comprises a highly pliable polymer material capable of substantially retaining its shape, such as, but not limited to, thermoplastics, rubbers, silicones, and Plastigoop®. In further embodiments of the invention, the form of aquarium life that the translucent polymer material is configured to reproduce can be a sea anemone, a sea plant, a sea weed, live coral, a scallop, a clam, a sea cucumber, a sea apple, a nudibranch, or a jellyfish. In another aspect of the invention, a process for reproducing articles configured to reproduce aquarium life comprises processing an appropriate polymer material, and in other embodiments, further processing one or more additives, such as dyes, whereby an article reproducing one or more types of aquarium life is formed.

Abstract: A seed treating apparatus used to inoculate and treat seeds, which consists of a portable tank, pump, valve and nozzle system. This system can be mounted on any agricultural hauling vehicle or seeding implement to apply inoculant to seeds before or during the planting process. On a seeder having a transfer duct with a feed hopper at one end for receiving seed from a supply, the spray nozzle is mounted above the duct for spraying the material into the seed as it enters the hopper.

Abstract: A method for the production of a trim part for decorative purposes, especially for the forming of interior and/or exterior trim parts for motor vehicles, having a thin ornamental layer made from an inorganic and/or crystalline material that is fragile in thin-layer form, especially natural stone, includes the following method steps: first, a flexible, at least partially transparent stabilizing material is applied to the surface of a block of inorganic and/or crystalline material and is separated together with a thin ornamental layer from the block of inorganic and/or crystalline material; then the laminate of ornamental layer and stabilizing material is placed in a casting mold for the trim part; the casting mold is closed by moving an upper mold and a lower mold relative to one another, and the ornamental layer is thereby shaped into a desired three-dimensional form determined by the casting mold; then the casting mold is filled with at least approximately transparent material and the ornamental layer is the

Abstract: A synthetic-grass flooring, for example for sports activities, is made starting from a substrate with a plurality of filiform formations extending upwards from the substrate to simulate natural-grass cover or turf, the filiform formations being provided with respective. proximal ends and distal ends with respect to the substrate. The aforesaid distal ends are subjected to curling to bestow upon said filiform formations a general tree-like conformation. The synthetic-grass flooring in question can be made in the form of the finished product of an industrial manufacturing process comprising a particulate filling material or infill withheld on said substrate by said curly distal ends of said filiform formations.

Abstract: A resin laminate 1 comprising a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO) layer 10, a primer layer 30 superposed on the TPO layer 10, and a polyurethane layer 20 superposed on the primer layer, wherein the primer layer is made from a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer containing an adhesion improver, and the adhesion improver comprises a compound having a functional group containing active hydrogen and/or a compound having an inorganic nature/organic nature ratio of 0.5 or higher.

Abstract: An organic shell inlay blank is provided including a first layer of organic shell matter having two opposed surfaces defining a first thickness therebetween rendering the first layer flexible, a second layer of organic shell matter having two opposed surfaces defining a second thickness therebetween rendering the second layer flexible. One of the surfaces of the first layer substantially overlaps and is secured to one of the surfaces of the second layer. A bonding agent secures the layers together to form the inlay blank. A method for manufacturing an organic shell inlay blank is also disclosed and includes the steps of cutting a plurality of flexible pieces of organic shell matter from an organic shell, stacking the pieces in a substantially overlapping relationship with a bonding agent between the pieces, and urging the pieces together while the bonding agent cures to form the inlay blank.