Well, I've made an address sign on my carvewright using a nicely figured piece of QSWO.

Like most, I want the rays to be quite prominent. The sign will hang outside, so the topcoat will be oil based Pettit Flagship Varnish (awesome stuff, my grill woodwork seems impervious to UV light after 2 summers). The varnish does yellow the wood somewhat.

Thoughts:
1) I've ruled out fuming since it seems to darken the piece evenly and not emphasize the flecks. Nor do I like those fumes...
2) Danish oil seems popular, and easy to use. I never really know what I'm using on those oil/varnish blends. Would I need to washcoat between the Danish and Pettit UV Varnish? I presume I'd stain first on this? So gel stain > danish oil > Pettit UV Varnish
3) Stickley Style - Raise Grain > Sand > Dye Stain > Sealcoat > Gel Stain > Pettit UV Varnish

Other ideas? Favorites?

I'll try to add pics of my storyboards later.