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.
