Cherry darkens to a warm reddish brown color in just a few months. However, sometimes the various pieces of stock will darken differently. I color the cherry evenly with a very light wash coat of aniline dye. Experiment first to find a color that you find attractive; you don't have to limit yourself to shades of cherry. Afterwards, several coats of 1lb cut shellac will warm up the color further and seal the dye.
-Clark Van D.
Semmes, AL