I finally tried some intarsia, but I have to give credit to my grandma for the turtle idea. While she may not have thought about it, a turtle was perfect for my first try. The shell could be cut all out of one piece of wood which meant that I didn't have to worry about getting them to all fit back together. I designed the pattern myself, the shell is made out of walnut and the legs, head, and tail were cut out of maple that I recycled from a broken chair. For my first time doing intarsia, I think it turned out ok. I might have rounded the shell pieces a little less if I did it again.
This was also a good idea because I have a turtle (little yellow-bellied slider named reggie) and this piece is now on the wall above his tank.