I have seen these billholders springing up all over the place. They certainly seem like a cute way to give the gift of cash. I thought my Fred the reindeer pattern from two years ago would fit this idea so I shrunk him down and used him as the centerpiece.
This pattern calls for 1/8" thick wood. I used Baltic birch plywood. If you have not cut wood this thin you may be surprised that it can be tricky. The wood does not provide enough resistance to the blade and the cut can get away from you really easily.
Two tricks to make this an easier cut. Stack cut two or more at a time. The thicker wood gives more resistance to the blade and gives you more control.
The second trick goes against all the rules. You will normally be told to keep a sharp blade in the scroll saw all the time. In the case of very thin wood that may not be helpful. Keep some of your old dull blades around just for these thin wood projects. The dull blade provides the resistance you need for better control.
This is an excellent project for you folks who have laser cutters.
When I export my patterns to the PDF I make sure the pattern pages remain vectors. This makes it easy to convert my patterns to files that work with most laser cutters. You can use the free program, Inkscape to do the conversion. Here is a link to a video showing the conversion process.
I cut the project below on my laser in under five minutes. I used the laser to engrave the name on the name tag to personalize the gift.
Let's Talk Money:
This is always an awkward subject to discuss but I'll give it a shot. I received an email yesterday from a new reader of my blog. He wanted to know what the catch was and why my patterns are free to download. The internet is a wild place so his question is valid.
I guess there actually is a catch. Technically my patterns are not free they are donationware. I earn my living when someone feels that the pattern I provide is worthy of a donation. The donation is optional. I do not track who donates vs the number of patterns they download.
I can run my business this way simply because the internet is so big. Only a small percentage of people donate but a small percentage of a big crowd adds up to enough to make it a viable business choice.
I like doing it this way because it makes me work hard to earn your donation. If I slack off then the donations tank. That is why I try to be so active in posting new patterns almost every day. The harder I work the more I earn. That is the way my dad said things should work. You work hard, and you earn a living. Be lazy and be broke. 😀 He liked to say things like that.
About 70%+ of my income is from donations. The rest is from the few items I sell. Personalized Christmas Ornament patterns. Signature coins, backup catalog, etc. I do earn some money from advertising through Amazon and YouTube but that number is not large.
If you decide to give a donation I appreciate you very much. If you decide not to donate I still appreciate you very much. Either way, I have had the opportunity to get up every day and do what I love to do. That is pretty lucky.
2022 Personalized Christmas Ornament Patterns are open for orders.
The order form will accept up to twenty names. If you need more than twenty then start a new order form. PLEASE double-check the spelling of names. PLEASE, make sure that you select an ornament style for each name entered. After the order form is complete scroll to the bottom and hit the SUBMIT Button.
I will complete the order and email you the patterns as a PDF just like all the patterns in my catalog. You will not need to pay for the patterns until they are delivered. If you are pleased with the patterns there will be a payment link in the email. There will also be an address to send cash or check payments
My goal is to complete the orders within three days. As the holiday season gets into full swing I may need more time. I will keep times posted on the blog.
Click for a larger view.
Click to Order
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Unique Wooden Vases:
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Personalized Pet Ornaments are $2 per name with no minimum order.
$12 per sheet of 12 coins plus $3.50 shipping
Inlay with a 1" Forstner Bit.
The perfect way to sign your work.
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Over 3,600 Digital Pattern Books. Many with multiple patterns.
Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2021 on DVD, USB drive, or Instant Download. Over 3,600 Patterns!
Purchase the entire Scrollsaw Workshop pattern catalog for offline access.You will never run out of fun patterns to cut.
Three delivery options.
After payment, you will receive an email with the download link. This is a large file. You should not attempt to download it on a tablet or smartphone. It is a compressed file that will need to be extracted to your hard drive. Basic computer skill are necessary to extract the file.
The USB drive will be shipped to the US only first-class mail. Shipping time varies but you will get a tracking number. I normally ship within three days. USPS shipping normally varies from three days to a week.
The DVD is manufactured and shipped by my distributor. They ship to several countries but not all. Check their shipping list to see if your country is supported.
Here is a quick video showing you what you will get when you purchase the offline Scrollsaw Workshop Catalog
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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.
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