This Halloween pattern is three layers cut from 1/4" thick wood. The layers have tabs on the bottom to attach them to the base. There is a small space between the layers to give a shadow effect.
Here is a bit of an interesting fact about my Halloween patterns. Most holiday-themed patterns are seasonal. After the holiday is over the pattern will not have many downloads. Halloween patterns are different. They don't seem to be as seasonal. They will peak around September and October but they will continue to be downloaded throughout the year. I have no idea what that happens.
Christmas patterns are by far the most downloaded of the holiday patterns but strangely Halloween comes in second.
What equipment do I use for my YouTube videos?
From time to time I get asked about the video equipment that I use for my YouTube videos. This week the question came up three times. I thought I would share my rig. It is getting pretty dated but this is what I use.
The tripod was ordered from Amazon. It was their Amazon Basics model. It is a 67 inch model that is no longer for sale on Amazon. It sits on a Ravelli Tripod Dolly that allows me to roll the tripod around the shop. It is no longer available but here is a similar one.
The video camera is a Conon Vixia HF M30. This camera is very good in low light. The color is vibrant and it maintains focus very well. It is still available but only as a refurbished model. Here is the link. Canon Vixia HF M30. I purchased mine as an open box a few years ago. It is still working good but I may update someday soon. This camera is only HD and many YouTubers upload 4K so I may make that change also. Not high on my priorities list.
The microphones that are built into video cameras are poor. You need an external mic to get decent audio. I use a RODE video Mic. It is a shotgun mic so it is very directional. That helps stop any extra shop noise from being a distraction. This is also an older version but here is a link to the RODE mics on Amazon. They work very well for the price.
When filming by yourself you need an external monitor to set up the shot. I use a Pyle 7" monitor. It's under $150 and does a decent job for setting up shots but would not be good for viewing for video quality. I can easily see this monitor from across the shop.
This is the best feature of my rig. It is the Bescor motorized pan and tilt head. This motor allows me to pan and tilt the video camera from across the shop. I purchased the remote extension cable so I can access the motor from anywhere in the shop. This motor paired with the 7" external monitor above and the zoom remote that comes with the Canon Vixia gives me total control without having to run back and forth to the rig. If the tripos had a motor so I could move it I would be totally set. Oh well, that's getting pretty lazy.
This is the remote for the Bescor pan and tilt motor. Very basic but smooth control.
The video is recorded on an SD card so it's easy to take to the computer room when I'm finished. I leave the camera in the shop. I have to cover the rig after I am finished recording to keep the dust out but that has not been a problem so far. It's been in the shop for a few years.
I do my video editing in Pinnacle Studio Ultimate. I also have DaVinci Resolve for editing but I have not switched over to it completely yet. I am still evaluating how well Resolve works but so far it looks like I may be switching because it is more stable than Pinnacle.
For some short videos, I will use my iPhone 8 Plus with the DJI gimble. The DJI gimble does a great job of smoothing out the handheld video. If you take video with a smartphone then you should take a look at buying a gimble. The video is much improved when you use one.
For those who may be interested let me talk a minute about YouTube content creation. I primarily use the videos I post on YouTube as a feature for the blog. The video will generally go along with the blog post as a demonstration or teaching video.
You can grow a large following on YouTube. If you have a website where you sell a product or service then YouTube can be a great place to find new customers. If you post videos that are beneficial to the viewer they are very likely to visit any website you link to on the video. I get new blog subscribers every day who find me on YouTube. Only Pinterest gives me more new customers.
I don't do a great job of marketing on YouTube because it's a lot of work but the opportunity is there if you want it. YouTube provides professional help to grow your channel once you get a certain number of subscribers. They have tried to help me quite a bit but I'm a pretty hopeless cause.
I am working on the Personalized Christmas Ornament Pattern orders. I'm guessing that the turn around should be three days or less. That may change if the orders continue to come in at the same pace as today. I expect they will slow down. Thanks for all the orders. I will get them to you ASAP.
$12 per sheet of 12 coins plus $3.50 shipping
Inlay with a 1" Forstner Bit.
The perfect way to sign your work.
Email Newsletter Readers: Remember that the Newsletter is just a copy of the daily blog post. To see the post in it's proper formatting click this link. If you ever misplace a pattern or any item you see here you can always find it on the blog. Everything stays on the blog forever.
Products for your consideration:
Scroll Saw Pattern Design Tutorial: DVD
Let me teach you to create a beautiful wooden portrait pattern. I will show you everything you need from start to finish. The video will show you the free software program you can download for Windows or Mac OS. I will show you how to install the program and configure it for best results.
Let me teach you to create a beautiful wooden portrait pattern. I will show you everything you need from start to finish. The video will show you the free software program you can download for Windows or Mac OS. I will show you how to install the program and configure it for best results.
Then I will show you the technique to take your photograph and make a pattern from it. When the pattern is complete we will go in the shop and cut it.
The DVD is $10 plus shipping. This is a data DVD that you will use on your computer to watch the video tutorial
Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2017 in DVD
Purchase the entire Scrollsaw Workshop pattern catalog for offline access.
This DVD has 2,300 patterns published from 2007 thru 2017.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.
If you use the DVD on a Windows PC there is a simple viewer program to browse through the patterns.
The DVD also works fine on a MAC. The viewer program is not MAC compatible but there is an included PDF with all the patterns shown as thumbnails for easy viewing.
Want to create beautiful wooden vases on the scroll saw?
My two "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books make it easy.
The books are $12 each and available for instant download after purchase. Click for Video Demonstration.
My Sponsors:
Support the businesses who support our community.
Home of Pegas scroll saw blades.
