This Snowman Vase is 10" tall. It is made up of four layers. The front and back layers are 1/4" thick. The two middle layers are 3/4" thick each.
I was not able to get the edges rounded over in the rendered images but the vase looks better with rounded edges. Here is what they look like rounded over.
This is one of those patterns where the more accurate you cut the less time you will be at your sanding station. You want to have the seams of the layers as flush as you can get them. This always requires sanding. I am not a big fan of sanding so when I cut these vases I try extra hard toy stay on the pattern line.
How to get better with the scroll saw for new scrollers.
We have all heard the old saying, "Practice makes perfect!". For most arts and crafts that is just not true. We don't make perfect art. Perfect is boring. Our minor flaws just give the art character. Do not shoot for perfect. You will be disappointed.
The above statement does not mean that we don't have quality standards. The standards vary depending on your own judgment. There is a difference between entering a craft show to sell a product and just enjoying sitting at the saw to relax. So how do you get better at cutting on the scroll saw?
Naturally, practice is how we improve but how you practice can make a huge difference in your results.
Practice needs to be intentional. When you practice you need to pinpoint problem areas and intentionally work on that area.
To pinpoint a problem area you need to recognize that there is a problem. This requires an analysis of what you have cut. Let's say that you look at a cut and see that you are having difficulty staying on the pattern line. You need to take that issue and try to understand the cause. Are your blades dull, are you straining from fatigue, are you having trouble seeing the pattern line, or do you just need to concentrate on that issue while you are cutting?
For most of us the scroll saw is only a hobby. We don't want to work at the scroll saw, we want to play with the scroll saw. Because of this, we may be thinking about almost anything while sitting at the scroll saw. We may not be concentrating on a problem area. In reverse, we may be concentrating on a problem area so hard that we get frustrated. If you feel frustration you need to stop and take a deep breath. If the frustration does not go away then you need to take a break and come back to the saw later. Practice needs to be relaxing. Signs of frustration are forgetting to breathe when the cut gets difficult. Another sure sign is gritting your teeth. Frustrated practice almost always slows your improvement.
Also, consider that some problems may have nothing to do with your skill on the scroll saw. The saw itself can cause problems. If you are breaking blades it may be a saw that is out of adjustment or poor quality. The wood you are cutting may not be well suited for what you are cutting. You may be using a blade that is not ideal for the pattern you are cutting. These hardware-related issues are the toughest for beginners to recognize. A misadjusted scroll saw will almost always be recognized as a skill problem when it is not. We like to blame ourselves.
Everyone has different abilities when learning to use the scroll saw. If you have arthritic hands or other motor skill issues you may take a little longer to improve. In general, most people start to feel comfortable cutting on the scroll saw after only a few projects. With intentional practice, you can reach the expert level much more quickly than you expect. I have seen folks scroll very complex patterns after only a few days of practice.
The absolute number one tip for improving your scroll saw skills is to have fun.
2023 Personalized Christmas Ornament Patterns are open for orders.
I am taking orders for this year's personalized Christmas Ornament Patterns. The price is the same as always. Five names minimum for $5. $1 for each additional name.
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.
Pet ornaments are $2 per name. There is 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.
Email Newsletter Readers: Remember that the Newsletter is just a copy of the daily blog post. To see the post in its 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.
Over 3,900 Digital Pattern Books. Many with multiple patterns.
Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2022 on USB drive, or Instant Download. Over 3,900 Patterns!
Purchase the entire Scrollsaw Workshop pattern catalog for offline access.You will never run out of fun patterns to cut.
Two 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 skills are necessary to extract the file.
The USB drive will be shipped to the US only by 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.
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.
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