I received dozens of emails about the CorelDRAW demonstration I did a few days ago. It was loud and clear that many of you want to design your own pattern. You told me that you either already have CorelDRAW or want to purchase it. If you are in this group I will be doing a series of tutorials showing you how to get started. I will be starting with the basics and quickly move into actual pattern design.
This video is a little long and is a introduction about why you would want to design patterns and why you might choose CorelDRAW as your application of choice. I recommend you click on the full screen button to be able to see the details.
Please provide feedback on how I'm doing as we go through the different tutorials. Send your questions. It's unlikely I will be able to answer your questions directly but I will compile them and try to include them in the tutorials.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Let's get started. CorelDRAW for scroll saw pattern design.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sheila Landry Designs Shamrock Pendant Sample Pattern.
Sheila has offered my readers a sample of 1 of a set of 15 Shamrock pendant/ornament patterns. Download and cut this free sample then jump over to Sheila Landry Designs and buy the complete set. This is a perfect pattern for stack cutting so maximize your cutting time and make several.
For those of you who are new to my blog let me once again introduce Sheila Landry. It's actually a pretty simple introduction. She is one of the finest scroll saw pattern designers in the world. Her artistic style is captured in all of her patterns in an eloquent and still simple design. Her patterns are within the reach of even the inexperienced scroller. If you are looking for patterns with the wow factor do yourself a favor and download her catalog.
Here is another tip. While you are at it spend some time reading her blog. Sheila blogs about her experiences as a professional pattern designer. It's a fascinating read and you will quickly understand why she is so good. She works long hard days to make herself good at what she does. 
Monday, February 27, 2012
Kentucky Spring Scroll Saw Pattern.
When you do portrait style patterns you can use different types of background paper or glass for different effects. In the Kentucky Spring pattern above I used stained glass sheets and black paper. If you try the stained glass sheets you will need a deep frame to hold both the glass and the cutting. This might mean making your own frame.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
God bless America. May she shine.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Let's Play in the Dirt.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Boot Scootin Scroll Saw Pattern.
I received a ton of email today about the CorelDRAW demo yesterday. More than I expected. I'm thrilled that so many of you want to design your own patterns. I will do more detailed tutorials on the program in the near future. I have to decide at what entry point to start the training. It's probably not feasible to begin with the absolute basics like installing the program. I will try to do the tutorials from the stand point of what we need to know as patterns makers. Thanks for all the feedback. I'll get started working on the tutorials this weekend.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
CorelDRAW Demonstration for scroll saw pattern design.
I receive a lot of email asking about designing patterns for the scroll saw. The most common are which software I use and how hard is it. The answer is that I use CorelDRAW and it's actually not that difficult. It's true that there is a learning curve but like anything else it just takes some effort and time.
The good news is that as pattern designers we only need to learn a small part of what CorelDRAW has to offer. We need to be able to draw basic shapes, manipulate text and trace or draw graphics for the pattern. Then we need to be able to size and edit the graphics. There is not much more to it than that.
In this video demonstration below I'll take you through the process of designing a complete pattern. This is not a tutorial. This is just to peak your interest and show you how simple it can be.
Watch the video and let me know if you would like to see more actual tutorials. If the interest is there I'll do more. If not at least you can see how I do what I do.
This is the pattern created in the video demonstration.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
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Tropical Fish Bowl Scroll Saw Pattern.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Delta PEC in Anderson, SC
This post moves away from my typical scroll saw only information but I think it's worth time. The Delta UniSaw table saw has long been considered one of the best made. I am always browsing YouTube for woodworking videos and came across this one presented by Woodcraft.
In 2011 Delta moved their assembly plant to Anderson, SC. This video shows the new plant and the assembly process of the UniSaw. The video is so well done that I though some of you may enjoy seeing it also.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Man of the Sea
Snow Kids scroll saw pattern from copyright free clipart.
Here is an quick and easy way to get started designing scroll saw patterns. There are many copyright free vintage clip art books available on Amazon.com. I used a piece of available clip art and added a very simple mini clock frame for the pattern below. It only took me a few minutes to complete the pattern. Of course it's not that creative but I just want to make a point that you can get started designing patterns even if you think you can't draw a stick figure.
Some of the books come with a CD of the images and some are paper only. Of course for the paper only you will need to scan the image into your computer but most printers these days have scanners.
After you have the image you will need a way to size and edit it. There are lots of options out there including free and commercial graphics packages. I use Corel Draw but there is a wonderful free option called Inkscape. I have talked about many of these software packages before so I won't go into details here. You can find info in my video library or simply email me questions and if there is enough interest I will go over the subject again.
The subject of copyright needs a little discussion here. Some clip art is free to use for commercial purposes and some is not. Make sure you understand the license before you start selling the patterns or the projects.
Designing scroll saw patterns can add a lot of enjoyment to the hobby. It gives you the chance to personalize your projects and make things no one else will have. Give it a try, I think you will find it's easier than you might think. It has to be because I can do it.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Cat and Mouse wall huggers.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
St. Patrick's Day Lucky Charm.
Use 1/8" Baltic Birch plywood for this charm. Paint the charm green and leave the backer board natural. Glue the charm to the backer board and you have a handy little pocket charm. There is also a pattern to make this an ornament.
There are a few small interior holes in this pattern so a #1 blade will come in handy.
Valentine's Day Bear.
This little guy stands 5 inches tall. He is very easy to cut and assemble. You should be able to get him ready for your sweetheart in plenty of time for Valentine's Day. I used plastic eyes but the plan includes eye patterns if you can't find them in your craft store.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Steering Wheel IPad Cradle. Read the warning.
Warning: This cradle is to be used only while the vehicle is not moving. Please do not email me about the dangers of distracted driving. I am a proponent of safe driving. This cradle is designed specifically so it will not work while driving. It is not attached to the wheel and will fall off if the wheel is turned.
I spend a lot of time in my vehicles. Often while I am waiting in the car I like to use my IPad to browse the web, check email or read a book. I wanted to have a way to attach the IPad to the steering wheel because that seems like the logical place. I also wanted a design that would not tempt me to drive with the IPad on the wheel.
This design puts the IPad at a comfortable height for me but you could easily adjust the design to make it lower.
The two top dowels sit on top of the steering wheel. This holds it in place securely unless the wheel is turned. Always remove the IPad before you begin to move the vehicle.
I used 1/4" Baltic Birch Plywood for strength and stability. I plan to leave the cradle in the car and I'm sure that hardwood would warp over time.
You can cradle the IPad in either the portrait or landscape orientation.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
SEMPER FI
It is my extreme honor to introduce you to Marine Sergeants Kass and Kyle Stewart.
Kass, on the left will begin his second enlistment early next year. He is an instructor at the Marine detachment at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. He is also a black belt MCMAP instructor and currently attending the Marine sergeant's school at Marine headquarters at Quantico, VA. In early summer he will attend drill instructor's school at Paris Island. S.C. and hopes to be a drill instructor upon completion of the school
Kyle on the right will begin his second enlistment next year. He is an Air Traffic controller assigned to the Marine detachmant near Camp LeJeune, N.C. and will be going to the MCAS on Okinawa later this year. Kyle is married and has a son three years old.
Ken and Barb Stewart are the parents of these fine soldiers. Ken is also a reader of my blog and a talented scroller. Ken has cut several of the Marine Sergeant plaques I published the patterns for some time back. As a celebration of both sons being promoted to sergeant Ken decided to cut these plaques for his sons. Ken normally uses white corian but the marine color is red. Ken found red corian but unfortunately the red has a different hardener which causes problems when cutting on the scroll saw. It changes the color of the corian at the cut. Luckily Ken found a guy with a high pressure water jet cutter. The water jet did not change the color but the corian exploded under the pressure. The guy suggested using aluminum and painting them red with auto paint. That's what you are looking at in the pictures above.
When Ken sent me the picture I knew I wanted to share it with all of you. If you have been with me very long you know how much respect I have for the men and women who serve out country. I also though the story behind what Ken went through to get them cut was interesting. I also knew all my female readers would enjoy seeing two handsome soldiers. :) You can thank me know ladies.
Eagle Saw Blade Scroll Saw Pattern.
Creative Wooden Boxes from the Scroll Saw
My friend Carole Rothman has her new book on the shelves. The new book contains 29 creative boxes you can make on the scroll saw. In the two videos below Carole shows the process for making the Cup Cake Box from the book. The videos will give you a taste of what is included in the book. Carole has a background in teaching which translates into an easy to understand set of instructions for her projects. This book is sure to follow on the success of Carole's first book (Wooden Bowls from the Scroll Saw).
Monday, February 6, 2012
Valentine's Day Puzzle
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Scroll Saw Man.
Here is a fun little 3d scroll saw sculpture. I used Baltic Birch ply for the project but some nice hard woods could add color to the project. You will need 1/8" and 1/4" thick pieces to complete the project.
Another option would be to paint the project.
Friday, February 3, 2012
The Guitar Player.
This piece is cut then glued to a painted board and framed. The size is 8" X 10". Use 1/4" thick wood to cut out the player. Make sure the interior veining stands out by using a thicker blade to widen the kerf. Use a lighter colored wood (Baltic Birch Ply would be fine) then paint the backer board a dark color.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Nerd Glasses. Trust me, I'm a nerd.
The richest man in the United States is a nerd. Enough said.
Heritage Wood Specialties. Scroll saw ready boards!
Heritage Wood Specialties is a nationally recognized supplier of superior quality hardwoods to fine woodworkers across the US and Canada. Novice hobbyists and experienced enthusiasts alike can enjoy the high quality woodworking materials and kits available from Heritage Wood Specialties. Great source for scroll saw ready boards.
Seyco
Free Pattern Catalog. 1000's of free patterns.
Thousands of FREE scroll saw patterns. No registration or signup required.
The projects form these patterns can be sold without restrictions. The patterns cannot be sold.
Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw Book $12 Each
Watch the following video to see how easy these beautiful scroll saw vases
are to make.
Order the $3 pdf Catalog
Stencil Printer 1.7
Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1
Scroll Saw Keychain Pattern Maker
Use the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker to start a small keychain business. Build yourself a nice display and make up severl keychains with common names. Sell at craft shows, on Ebay or at work. Everyone needs a keychain. Take custom orders. Heck just make them and give them away as gifts. It's all made easy with the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker.
Watch the video demonstration then download the file below and get started with the fun.
Download the Oval Keychain Pattern Maker.
Philip Lowndes Noah's Arc Pattern Available. Watch the video below.
The Scrollsaw Workshop Blog is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts Magazine formerly (Scroll Saw Workshop Magazine) or it's publisher Fox Chapel Publishing.
Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts
