Funny, Pat, as I just reread the chapter of on "Other Backings" written by John Strunk in the TTB this morning. That you this post has me thinking about trying this idea in the near future.
I, like the fella from Pa, have quite a bit of black cherry available. I am wondering if the large flaky scales were scraped off if it would work? I may have to harvest some to see. I'm sure it won't look like what you have there, though.
Again, beautiful bow.