I am about to start building a Guillimot single, with is my first attempt at strip building , or any boat building for that matter. (I am experienced as a furniture maker of period style and 18th century reproduction pieces and have a well equipped shop). I would like make a design where contrasting colored strips of a lighter wood like maple and walnut flows (swoops) from the bow all the way to the stern and cris crosses in front and behind the cockpit as in the photo. These contrasting strips would taper. First I'd appreciate any suggestions as to how to create the taper, since each of these decorative strips would consist of 5-6 narrower strips of the same color. I guess each of the smaller strips would have to be slightly tapered by hand with a block plane and no cove/bead between them. (just guessing) Secondly I'd appreciate thoughts on how the cedar boards filling in between them should be oriented. (straight fore to aft) or parallel to the swoops.

Please see the images on redfishkayak.com for reference. There is a kayak called the "return" or the "silver" and that is what I am trying to do. Thanks so much.