Astronaut Acrobats from Toymaker Press.

I have talked about Toymaker Press before but I'm going to again. I love this site. I admit that I am a great big kid at heart. I like toys. I especially like wooden toys. John and Cynthia over at Toymaker Press are two of the most creative toy designers I have ever come across. When you visit their web page you are swept back to a time when toys were simple, imaginations were required and no batteries were needed.

They are constantly coming up with new ideas. The video below shows Cynthia demonstrating their free download called Astronaut Acrobats. She also shows how to package and label the product to sell at craft shows. Watch the video then jump over to their web site and download the free pattern. While you are there do yourself a favor and look at the collection of books. There are some great Christmas gifts to be made from their patterns.

If you are reading this in the email newsletter you may not see the video. Click this link to watch it in your browser.

Question:
Do you have trouble watching the videos embedded in the email newsletter? If so could you give me some feed back of the trouble. I want to make sure as many people as possible are able to watch the videos. I know there are some who have slow internet connections or capped bandwidth and make watching online videos difficult or impossible. What are the other issues you have. You don't have to get technical. Just drop me a quick email if you have time. Thanks for your help.



The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Five Simple Christmas Ornament Scroll Saw Patterns.

Sometimes simple is better. These five scroll saw ornaments are simple to cut and lend themselves to stack cutting. If you cut all five and package them in a small gift box they will make a nice quick and easy gift.

A nice touch is to use one of the DecoColor Liquid Gold paint markers to sign the back of the ornaments. I buy the Extra Fine marker. It adds an eloquent touch to a simple project. I buy mine at Michael's Craft store but they are available online also. Here is one online source. Uchida.com. They come in gold and silver and work great on wood. I usually just write "Christmas 2011" with my initials.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Dave Van Ess and Scrollmania.com

Would you like to design patterns to create bowls and vases like those in these pictures? Dave Van Ess has designed a website that has the tools you need to do just that. In the video below I will take you to scrollmania.com and briefly demonstrate how to use the tools.

Take a few minutes to watch the video below then in a later video we will take the pattern created and go in the shop to build the project. In the mean time visit the scrollmania.com and read the tutorials. It might seem complicated at first but if you take some time reading the tutorials you can figure it out.

Thanks Dave for taking the time and effort to build such a useful set of tools.

Swag Bowl pattern by Carole Rothman.

Carole Rothman's book on Amazon.

Another beautiful bowl by Carole Rothman.

If you are reading this in the email newsletter you may not see the video. Please click this link to watch the video in your browser.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Special Delivery Mini Picture Frame.

This project requires a 2 inch mini frame insert. One place you can find these is at Klockit.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

I hope everyone in the U.S. has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. I'll be spending my day with family and friends watching football and eating turkey. I would say the likelihood of a long nap is pretty high. I love Thanksgiving.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Thanksgiving Trivet Scroll Saw Pattern.

This Thanksgiving trivet is 7 inches in diameter.

If you are reading this in the email newsletter you may not see the video. Please click this link to watch it in your browser.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Another Christmas ornament to cut.

As we move into the holiday season many of you will be in the shop building projects. We all get busy this time of year which makes it even more important to think about shop safety. Take a few moments to look around the shop for hazards.

Check for obstacles laying around the shop floor. Watch for potential fire points. Dispose of soiled rags properly. Make sure the fire extinguisher is in working condition. Take time to make sure all you cutting blades are sharp. A dull blade is a dangerous blade. Check electrical cords are still in good condition and replace or repair as necessary.

The best safety tip is to think. Think about what you are about to do. Are you using the safest method? Do you even know the proper use of that tool? If not then read the manual.

I want all of you to enjoy making your holiday projects. A few minutes thinking about safety might just prevent an accident. Your holidays will be much better if you still have all your fingers to open presents. Be smart and be safe.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

North Eastern Ohio Scroll Saw Picnic 2012.

Click to Enlarge.

I want everyone to mark your calendars for the North Eastern Ohio Scrollers Picnin 2012. The event will be held Friday - Sunday May 4, 5 and 6. The location is the Richfield Ohio Days Inn and Conference Center. There will be vendors, demonstrations, seminars and a chance to meet new friends in the hobby.

Dayton Ohio Artistry in Wood Show Videos.

I know many of you have a passion for woodworking. These videos are not about scroll sawing but I think you will enjoy them anyway. Every year the Dayton Carvers Guild hosts this incredible show. The talent at this show is rivaled by none. You can visit their website here.

These videos are produced by the Woodcraft woodworkers blog. Thanks for uploading the videos.

If you are reading this in the email newsletter you may not see the video. Please click this link to watch part one of this video in your browser.

Click this link to watch part two of the video in your browser.

America mini clock scroll saw pattern.

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

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Playing with shapes.

Four Ornaments designed using hearts, circles, squares and stars.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Christmas ornament with deer scene.

Important Note.
If any of you ever stop receiving the email newsletter that you signed up for make sure you check your email spam folder. This has happened to a few readers. This also applies to any of you who have ordered Custom Christmas Name ornaments and not received them. All orders before 11/2/11 have been completed. If you have not received them look in the spam folder.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Mini Nativity revisited.

Click the picture to see enlarged view.

The other day when I posted the mini Nativity set I mentioned that I did not like the design of the hut. After thinking about it for a day I received an email From Jutta. Jutta is a good friend from Australia. She keeps me straight when I royally screw something up. :) Her comment was basically "why are you making it so complicated?", "Why don't you just make a scroll saw box?". That was the perfect idea.

Sorry if you have already built the previous version but making the new hut won't require re-cutting the figures. I think this is a much nicer project now. I hope you agree.

Custom Christmas Name Ornaments.
My goal is to complete every order I have received so far before Thanksgiving. I know many of you have been waiting several days and I am working hard to get them completed. Any orders that come in after today might not get completed until after Thanksgiving. Thanks for all the orders. Here is the link to the order form if anyone wishes to make some of these keepsake ornaments.




The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Pattern transfer method by Chad Bridges.

The video below is by Chad Bridges. Chad sent me this video so I could see the method that he uses to transfer patterns onto wood. Apparently this is a common method of transfer in the pyrography world. I have never used this technique but it looked interesting so I thought I would share it with all of you. It does have a requirements that many of you may not have. The technique only works on patterns printed from a laser printer. Inkjet printers will not work. it should also work on patterns that you have copied on a copier.

Another issue is the use of a chemical. I know many of you would like to reduce the number of chemicals in your workshop. The name of this particular chemical is Xylene. Like most chemicals this one can be used safely as long as you follow the directions on the can. Just make sure you read those directions before you get started.

I don't personally think this would be my go to method for pattern transfer but it is interesting and I think it has its place.

In this video chad also shows his technique for stack cutting which many of you might find interesting. The video is pretty long so get comfortable and watch what Chad has to offer.

If you are reading this in the email newsletter you may not see the video. Pleasce click this link and watch it in your browser.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Seal Team 6

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

I Love You Scroll Saw Pattern.

It's simple to cut and it will only take minutes to finish. Guys go out in the shop and make this for for your wife or girlfriend. All too often we don't take the time to say those three words enough.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Three inch minature Nativity set.

This miniature Nativity set can be cut in just a couple hours. It's small enough to sit on your desk at work or just about any place with a few inches of space. I cut this Nativity from 1/4" Baltic Birch plywood. It could just as well be cut from different species of hard wood. I found it best to use a #2/0 blade to help keep the details sharp.

I have a confession to make. I idea to store all the pieces in the hut was an after thought. That's why not all the pieces fit. I'm going to change that by extending the walls and roof all the way to the front of the porch in the next one I build. I will work on the design changes tomorrow if I have time. If you want the update go ahead and cut the characters and I'll have the revised hut soon. If you don't want to wait you can easily change the depth of the walls and roof pieces.

I also wanted to pass on a note that I am way behind on email again. I do try to read all the email but unfortunately can't always answer them all. Please keep them coming and I'll do my best to keep up.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Sign for your office.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Cross Necklace.

This cross can be cut as a necklace, pin or a large cross. The pattern includes all three sizes. The spike represents the sacrifice of Jesus.

The smaller necklace pattern requires a small blade. I recommend a #2/0 or a #1 for the lettering.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Love Angel Scroll Saw Pattern.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Sobriety Gift.

I designed this for a father who wanted to let his adult son know how proud he was of his sons sobriety. Alcohol and drugs affect almost every family at some point. Maybe a few others would like to let their recovering family member or friend know they are proud of that important one year mark.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation

Beautiful Collapsible Frame by Columbian Artists.

The video below is a video response I received on YouTube. I lifted the picture above from a frame of the video below. The video shows how these Columbian scroll saw artists make a collapsible basket into a beautiful frame. I have never seen this type of basket used as a frame but I like it a lot.

Do yourself a favor and watch the video. The gentleman cuts the spiral freehand without a pattern. He keeps the spiral extremely concentric. It's obvious he has cut many of these frames. His technique is fast and accurate. It's a pleasure to watch and very creative.

If the person who sent me this video is reading this I want to thank you. It's just fun to see something new and different.

If you are reading this in the email newsletter you may not see the video. Please click this link to watch the video in your browser.

Cowboy Scroll Saw Pattern.

The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this link. Your support is greatly appreciated.Make A Donation