Basically, you take a branch of walnut, olivewood, something like that, and slice off endgrain segments which are then fit together to make a complete surface. I've never tried it but I think it is beautiful when done well.
I hope you make something like this just for the shear irony of it
Woodworking is terrific for keeping in shape, but it's also a deadly serious killing system...
For a really fun time, Zach, stop by Stephen's place of business, This Is The Place historical village in Salt Lake City. He's an absolutely delightful guy to meet and talk with. My wife and I stopped there and met him a few years back.