One of yesterday's patterns was originally missing a page. It has now been corrected and should download fine. The project's thickness was on the last page but the pattern was missing. Here is the link to that blog page. You can also now download it from the email newsletter.
Today's pattern is a guitar player wall hanging. It is about 9.5" tall. There are three layers including the arm.
Pattern Design Process
I often get asked about my process for creating scroll saw patterns. I started back in 2007 and the process has changed a great deal in that time. I still use the same software, just newer versions. I use CorelDraw for all my designs and drawings of the patterns. I use Corel Paintshop Pro to edit images. For many years those were the only tools I used.
I still use those tools but I have added AI to the list and it has been unbelievably effective. Before AI, when I needed a source image it could take hours to source a copyright-free image that was usable for my purpose. Now when I need source material I simply ask AI to draw what I need. The image below was the inspiration for today's pattern. I asked AI to create a photo of a man sitting on an ottoman playing an acoustic guitar. Sometimes I trace the image and sometimes it is just an idea. I did not trace this image but it started me thinking how to make today's pattern.
I can also get images like the black and white image below. I always still have to make changes to the image to make it a pattern that can be cut on the scroll saw. In today's pattern, I made several changes to the image I got from AI. I need to make sure the interior cuts are large enough to get the blade in. I have to eliminate all the fallouts. I need to adjust the layout of the image to get it to fit on a single sheet of paper. Sometimes I extend the pattern over two pages but many people will ignore those patterns so I try to limit them.
I add any text that is needed. I create a backer board when needed and I add slots and tabs for assembly. Not all patterns use this process but many do.
Before the new tools became available I probably averaged four hours a day for one pattern. Now I often do two patterns a day and spend 2 or 3 hours. Today's pattern took less than an hour. It's not one of my favorite patterns but it is usable for guitar lovers.
The new productivity is very helpful. The holiday season can often lead to 10-hour days and that would have not been possible with my recent health issues. By the way. I had good news from the doctor last week. Cancer was a possibility as a cause of my issues. We did several tests and it came back as benign. No cancer is good news. I'm still low energy but at least I'm not overly worried. I have an upcoming procedure that should help but it is a few months off. Very few doctors are trained to do the procedure so it takes a while to get an appointment. Sorry, I got way off track there.
Every pattern has some challenges and I am far from the best designer doing this but I am probably the most productive so if you do not like today's pattern there will be another one tomorrow. Occasionally I get one right. 😁
My Latest Game
Please feel free to ignore this content if you are not interested. I know that many of you are not gamers and that is fine. I just enjoy creating these games and like to share them with those who enjoy a new challenge.
This game is a 3D marble time maze. The goal is to get the marble from the start to the finish as quickly as possible. You control the maze with the four arrow keyboard keys. The tilt of the maze against the ball uses gravity to roll against the tilt. This is actual motion physics in action so it feels pretty natural. The mazes are randomly generated but you can keep the same maze to get faster times.
It might take a few minutes to get the feel of using the arrows but once mastered they are effective.
As always there may be bugs so if it has a problem feel free to let me know. It runs in your browser so any device with a keyboard and arrow keys will probably work.
Game Link
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.
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