Here are a few pictures I have received from readers lately. I think we can all agree that their are many talented scrollers out there. The really exciting thing is that many of these scrollers are new to the hobby. I get email every day from people who have recently found my blog. They are new to the hobby and are just looking for help to get started. I'm no expert but what I do have is passion and experience. I try to give a little of my passion to these readers because we all benefit when the hobby grows.
When you have an opportunity to promote the hobby of scrolling don't think you have to have all the answers. None of us do. Just tell the person how much pleasure you get from creating something with your own hands. Tell them how exciting it is when you give a one of a kind gift to a friend or family member. In other words just share your creative passion.
All this might sound a little dramatic on my part. You would have to see the email I get. When a new scroller has finished their first project. When they have sat down with a computer and designed their first pattern, they are very proud. You can't buy that joy you have to earn it.
It is nice to give someone a gift. It can be life changing to give them a passion of their own that they can share the rest of their life. Find someone who is interested in your work and share your passion.
This first picture comes from Mark Anderson. Mark has only been scrolling less than a year. Just look at the beautiful work he has been able to accomplish in a very short time. Mark tells me he is addicted to scrolling. He obviously has found a passion. What a gift.
This next project is from Ken Rugaber. Ken redesigned my pattern for the book holder. He made this project as a gift for the for the nursing staff at the cancer clinic where he received treatment. Just imagine the passion that went into this project. This was more than a scroll saw project. It was a project from ken's heart. This is a hobby making a difference in someone's life.
These next two projects are from John Purdue. Every time I get an email from John there is a theme. He always has a story about how he is making a gift for a friend or family member. The portrait of the pointer is for a good friend of John's. He wrote in his email "I hope she likes it". John, I can honestly and certainly say that she will love it. Why do I know this? Because you show your passion for your work in every picture you send me. From the craftsmanship of the scrolling to the wonderfull framing it says you care.
This next picture is from Dennis Martino. Dennis was working with his son on a derby car. He had a question about selecting the right blade for his project. Just think about the good that comes from being able to share a hobby with your children. His son will remember working with his dad forever. A couple days later Dennis sent me this cross he had just completed. He was concerned his curves were a little off. Looks fine to me Dennis. I bet if you give that cross to someone special in your life all the will see is the passion you put into the gift.
Carolyn sent me the next two pictures. She is a brand new scroller. These are her first projects. Hard to believe I know. The two nativity projects are for Christmas gifts for her daughter and daughter in-law. The reason these came out so nice, other than Carolyn's obvious talent is that they were projects of love. Carolyn had a passion to make something special and she did.
Carolyn's son is a senior football player in school. She is investing her time and love for her son and the kids into makeing every player a unique gift. I told Carolyn that when I was a high school basketball player a mother of a teammate knitted us hats to wear to the state tournament. 30 years later I still have that hat and I still remember the mother that took all that time to say she cared. My teammates mother and Carolyn shared the same passion. They cared about kids and they were able to show that love with their hobby.
Okay, I think I have made my point. Hobbies can be more than something you go into your garage and do for fun. Hobbies can be life changing and wonderful life long passions. The only time in my life I ever cried over a gift was the Christmas that my Mother and brother made me a hand made chess set and chess board. My mom hand painted plaster cast chess pieces and my brother made the board. They spent weeks to finish that gift. You could not buy that from me for any price.
Share your hobby and passion with a friend. You never know, it could change their life.
I received an email from April. She is a Bear Den Leader for her son's Cub Scout pack. The pack is working on their whittling chip card. Part of the learning process is how to handle a pocket knife safely. April was looking for a wooden knife pattern to demonstrate with.
