Looking for the right piece

When you start a project, what is the first thng you do? When I create a piece of work, the first thing I do is draw up my plans. Then I try to find the pieces that fit in just the right spots to get the effect I want. Every type of wood has a variety of properties. Walnut has beautiful flare marks. Cedar often has lighter, redder tones. All of these change from piece to piece; no two pieces look alike. And if I have pieces that don't fit just right, I save them. There's always another project they are just right for. Nothing goes to waste.