Thursday, July 30, 2009

A couple dollars and a little time = a priceless memory.

Rick sent me these photos last night. Look at the expression on his 21 month old son Bobby. Bobby loved the animated movie Cars. Rick used my pattern and some scrap wood to build these toys. He also designed his own "Mater" pick-up truck from the movie. I would say that was money and time well spent. I bet Bobby agrees.

We are so blasted with high tech toys and over priced gadgets on television that it's easy to forget that a simple hand made gift can be even more appreciated sometimes.

Use you skill as a craftsman/artist to build someone you love a gift. Okay, not everyone will be as excited as Rick's son was but you never know when you will create a life long memory.

Thanks Rick for allowing me to share these photos. They made my day.



The following text is from the American Academy of Pediatrics. It has some great guidelines for safe toys. I thought it would be appropriate to add this to the post. Making toys for small children carries a responsibility to protect them from accidents. My patterns are designed for adults.


Choosing Safe Toys

Children love to play with toys. Toys can be a great way for children to learn about themselves and their world and to develop their skills. As a parent, you are responsible for ensuring that your child's toys are safe and appropriate for his age. The following guidelines can help you make decisions about what toys are best suited for your child.

1. Read the label before buying the toy. Warning labels provide important information about how to use a toy, what ages the toy is safe for, and whether adult supervision is recommended. Be sure to show your child how to use the toy properly.

2. Think LARGE when it comes to choosing toys. Make sure all toys and parts are larger than your child's mouth to prevent choking. Avoid small toys intended for older children that could fit into your child's mouth. This will decrease the risk of choking.

3. Avoid toys that shoot small objects into the air. They can cause serious eye injuries or choking.

4. Avoid toys that make loud or shrill noises to help protect your child's hearing. Ask to try the toy in the store. Check the loudness of the sound it makes. Don't buy toys that may be too loud for your child's sensitive hearing.

5. Look for sturdy toy construction. When buying a soft toy or stuffed animal, make sure the eyes, nose and any other small parts are secured tightly. Make sure it is machine washable. Check to see that seams and edges are secure. Remove loose ribbons or strings to avoid strangulation. Avoid toys containing small bean-like pellets or stuffing that can cause choking or suffocation if swallowed.

6. Watch out for sharp points or edges and toys made from thin plastic or other material that may break easily. Don't buy toys with metal parts for a baby or toddler. If your older child plays with darts or arrows, make sure they have blunt tips made of soft rubber or flexible plastic. Tips should be securely fastened.

7. Avoid toxic items and materials that could cause poisoning. Look for paint sets, crayons and markers that are labeled nontoxic. Small batteries are not only toxic, but they also can pose a choking or swallowing hazard.

8. Avoid hobby kits and chemistry sets for any child younger than 12 years old. If these kits are purchased for older children (12 to 15 years of age), make sure you provide proper supervision and store them out of reach of young children.

9. Electric toys should be "UL Approved." Check the label to make sure the toy is approved by the Underwriters Laboratories.

10. Be careful when buying crib toys. Strings or wires that hang in a crib should be kept short. They may pose a serious strangulation hazard when a child begins to crawl or stand. Remove crib gyms and mobiles as soon as your child can push up on her hands and knees.

11. Choose a toy chest carefully. Look for smooth, finished edges that are nontoxic. If it has a lid, make sure it is sturdy, with locking supports and safe hinges. It should stay open in any position and hinges should not pinch your child's skin. The chest also should have ventilation holes to prevent suffocation if your child becomes trapped inside. The best toy chest is a box or basket without a lid.

Age recommendations

Age recommendations printed on toy packages are very important. They reflect the safety of a toy based on four categories. These include:

* The safety aspects of the toy and any possible choking hazards
* The physical ability of the child to play with the toy
* The ability of a child to understand how to use a toy
* The needs and interests at various levels of a child's development

These recommendations are based on general developmental levels of each age group. However, every child is different. What is right for one child may not suit the skills and needs of another. Match the toy to your child's abilities. A toy that is too advanced or too simple for your child may be misused, which could lead to an injury.

Despite your best efforts to choose the safest toy for your child, injuries can sometimes still happen. One of the best ways to prevent toy injuries is by properly supervising children's play. Also keep in mind these additional tips:

* Keep all toys with small parts away from your young child until he learns not to put them in his mouth, usually by about the age of 5 years.
* Keep uninflated and broken balloons away from children of all ages, as they are a serious choking hazard. When a child tries to inflate a balloon, he can easily inhale it. Also, never allow a child to place an inflated balloon in his mouth.
* To prevent injuries, stop reckless or improper play. Make sure your child never plays with toys near stairs, traffic or swimming pools.

Store Toys Properly

* Store toys on a shelf or in a toy chest. They should be out of the way and off the floor, to avoid being stepped on or tripped over. A toy designed for an older child should be stored far out of reach of a curious toddler.
* Teaching your child to pick up and put toys away will help him learn to become responsible for his belongings.
* Never store a toy in its original packaging. Staples can cause cuts and plastic wrap can lead to choking or suffocation. To avoid injuries, immediately discard toy packaging before giving a new toy to your baby or toddler.

Keep Toys In Good Condition

* Make sure you examine toys regularly. Look for damaged or broken parts that may pose a hazard. Look for splinters on wooden toys, loose eyes or small parts on dolls, rips or exposed wires in stuffed animals, or rust on metal toys.
* Never leave metal toys outside overnight. Rain, snow or even dew may cause them to rust. Repair or replace any broken parts.
* If you're ever in doubt about a toy's safety, throw it away.


© Copyright 2000 American Academy of Pediatrics


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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Useful Tip From Larry Cooper

Here is an email I received from Larry tonight. Thanks Larry for taking the time to share you technique with everyone. I know this will be useful for many of the readers.

Steve,

I saw your pyramid article and thought I would send along my way of supporting or suspending my scroll saw projects for spraying the finish.

I just took a piece of three quarter inch plywood about fifteen inches square and used my Air Nailer to shoot two inch air nails through the plywood. I drew lines on the plywood about one quarter inch apart so the nails would be evenly spaced. I then screwed a small Lazy Susan to the bottom side so I could spin it around as I sprayed a lacquer finish to my "Kiss The Cooks". Works real good.

I really enjoy your Scrollsaw Workshop web site.








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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Work From Rob Rennell

Here are a couple more pictures I received tonight. These come from Rob Rennell. Rob is pretty new to scrolling but he made some changes to my 2x4 truck pattern. Making toys from rough construction grade material is one of my favorite projects. Rob says he is going to make a series of different trucks based off this concept. Thanks for the pictures Rob and keep us updated on your new trucks.





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Артём Куприянов Scroll Saw Art

I have not posted any user submitted pictures in a while. Tonight I received this set of pictures from Артём Куприянов. Артём lives in Russia the Yakutia Republik.

I have very few readers from Russia so I was thrilled to get this email. It's wonderful to see that the hobby is in good hands. Thanks you Артём and please let your fellow scroll saw users know about the Scrollsaw Workshop. I would love to see their work.









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The Nose


I know I'm going to get some email about this one. :) Before you think I have totally lost it this was a request. If I could remember who sent the request I would blame, I mean thank them. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Sit this nose beside you favorite reading chair or bed and your reading glasses will be waiting for you when you need them.

Legal notice:

Neither Steve Good nor the Scrollsaw Workshop can be held liable for any trauma caused by "The Nose". User assumes all responsibility for any mental scares inflicted on small children or persons with heart conditions. Severe freight or other serious conditions may arise from improper use of "The Nose". If used beside your bed it is advised you sleep facing the other direction otherwise a weird feeling that someone is watching you might occur. Should symptoms last more than three days immediately discontinue use of "The Nose" and consult you physician.




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Monday, July 27, 2009

60 Second Scroll Saw Tip

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Sunday, July 26, 2009

Road Time Mini Clock Scroll Saw Pattern




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Friday, July 24, 2009

Silly Word Art Scroll Saw Patterns

Here is a book of five silly word art patterns. Enjoy.



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Thursday, July 23, 2009

www.banished.stsy.com

If you are reading this post in the email newsletter you may not be able to view the video. Please visit my blog and watch it there.

Just a neat little video I found on YouTube.com.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Cowgirl Mini Clock Scroll Saw Pattern




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Monday, July 20, 2009

Weekly 60 Second Scroll Saw Tip

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Peace on Earth


I just realized that I lost several emails while I was away on my business trip the last two weeks.
I have been able to recover them but now I am way behind with the replies so be patient if you are waiting to hear from me and I will get caught up sooner or later. Thanks



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Saturday, July 18, 2009

Gumball Machine


Here is a fun little project for you to make. This gumball machine is easy to make with very few cut. It uses 1/2 inch gumballs that I purchased at Walmart. The glass top is a 16oz Ball Mason Jar. You can find these jars in most grocery and department stores.

I have put together a short video to give you some tips to assemble the machine. After you watch the video you should be able to make this project in an hour or two. Let me warn you that you will have to make more than one after you show this one around. That's good because you have to buy 12 of the mason jars in a package. There pretty cheap so you might as well make a few gumball machines for gifts.

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Friday, July 17, 2009

Wood Deals Online

Travis over at Scroll Saw Village has put together a new online tool for finding lumber for your scroll saw projects. The name of the site is Wood Deals Online. I have put together a short video review of the site. Take a look then go over and check out the new site.

Wood Deals Online is just a portal for finding ebay auctions for lumber. Travis is not a partner in the transaction. Your deal will be with the seller on the auction page. Make sure you check the feedback of the seller.


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Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Weekly 60 Second Scroll Saw Tip

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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Salute the MLB All-Star Game

The 2009 MLB All-Star game is tonight. I thought I would do a baseball trophy. You could use the trophy for the little league all-star in your family.



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Monday, July 13, 2009

The Parrot






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Mini Clock Scroll Saw Pattern


This pattern requires a 1 7/16" mini clock insert.



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Sunday, July 12, 2009

We need your help.

A good friend of the scrolling community is in trouble. Jim Stiek of Tulsa Oklahoma had his trailer, 16" RBI scroll saw, Display tent and many crafts stolen last Tuesday July 7th 2009. Please keep an eye out for the trailer in the picture below. If you think you may have seen the trailer or any of the other items contact me and I'll pass the info on to Jim.

Good luck Jim.



Air Engine by Matthais Wandel

I know there are several of you that are fascinated by wooden mechanical machines. This air engine I found on YouTube is quite interesting. Matthais has a web page dedicated to the construction of the engine here. It is definitely not much on efficiency or power but it makes up for that with a cool factor. If you scroll to the bottom of his page you can purchase the plans online.

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Thursday, July 9, 2009

Don't try this at home.

Fingers are a valuable thing. This is a trained professional. Don't try this at home unless you want the nickname "Stumpy". Cool video and fun to watch.

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Picture Frame Making Video Series by Colin Knecht from Wood Work Web

This is a basic frame building video series by Colin from www.woodworkweb.com. If you get a chance drop by Colin and Paul's site and take a look around.

Many scrollers like to cut portrait style patterns and need frames. It can be difficult to find inexpensive frames that will fit. Take a little time to learn to make your own frames and this problem is solved. Colin does a good job of demonstrating his techniques for building custom frames.

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Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Far Behind by Al Martin

Several of you have been kind enough to offer help while I'm away from home. It is very much appreciated. Al Martin sent me one of his patterns to post. Thanks Al.

It's taking me a while to answer all the email so be patient with me and I will eventually get to them.



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Monday, July 6, 2009

Traveling Man



Work has me away from home for a couple weeks again. This time I am in Rochester NY. The website will be a little slow updating until I get back. I should be able to get a few patterns out but my hotel internet connection is poor so we will see how it goes.

For those of you that are new to the site enjoy the free patterns in the online catalog and check out all the video tutorials. All of this can be found in the left hand column of the web site.

If any of you would like to submit a guest article about scrolling tips, selling crafts or anything else you would like to share just email it to me and I'll get it posted. This would help me out while I am away and give you a chance to share your information with scrollers around the world.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Michael Jackson


The King of pop.




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