Fine Scroll Saw Patterns

Now that you have a taste for vintage scroll saw patterns, Pedro from Fine Scroll Saw has a treat for you! He has nearly 100 free vintage patterns scanned. Each pattern is presented in PDF format for easy printing. Remember these patterns are antiques, so there may be wrinkles or tears on the originals which will show up on the scan. This may skew your results a little, but a little hand work should be able to get you back on track in no time. If you'd rather have it completely restored pattern, Pedro has a number of patterns he has meticulously redrawn and offers them for sale at a very reasonable price. These patterns are beautiful and would make a great addition to your home. Not only does he offer a multitude of scanned and restored patterns, but he also has a couple of historical books he has scanned which is very interesting. Take a look and be sure to browse his site. He has so many wonderful things to look at.

Victorian Mirror Frame

Add a touch of elegance with this free Victorian Mirror pattern from Mike at Scrollcrafters. The pattern is in JPG format for easy scaling, and it gives lumber dimensions to take the guess work out. He also has a overlay guide so you know exactly how to glue the pieces on. Using 2 contrasting species of wood would really make this elegant pattern stand out. Take a look. While you're there, take a look at some Mike's work. He has a nice product line of finished scroll sawn pieces. He also has a few patterns for scrollers available for sale too.

Vintage Scroll Saw Patterns

New scroll techniques and styles are always popping up. We're constantly pushing the boundaries of what we can do with this great tool. But instead of constantly looking forward, what about looking backwards for a bit? The scroll saw (fret saw) has been around for centuries. What was popular back then?

Richard Preator of Peculiar Fretworks has been preserving and restoring vintage scroll saw patterns from the late 1800's and early 1900's. He finds old patterns from antique magazines and books, and carefully scans and restores each pattern. He makes these patterns available through his website. He has a lot of projects to choose from, from furniture to picture frames. He also has several free restored patterns he has made available! Take a look. And be sure to take some time to browse through his site. He has some really great stuff.

Kathy Wise's Intarsia Kits

Kathy Wise is another master of intarsia. She has several award winning designs to her credit. In fact, she recently published her first book, Intarsia Woodworking Projects. Her work is very inspiring and really motivates you to want to try your hand at intarsia.

One of the problems with getting started in intarsia, is that it requires several different species of wood to create your projects. When you're starting out, this can be quite expensive. But Kathy makes it easy by offering intarsia kits. Each kit includes the pattern, step by step instructions, hangers and the wood required to finish the project. Check it out. This may be the solution for you! Be sure to check out her other patterns too. They range from beginner to expert and cover a wide variety of subjects.

Intarsia MSN Group

One of the great things about the internet, is the number of specialized communities that are there to help. If you get stuck, post a question and before long you'll have all kinds of advice from the resident experts.

Intarsia is an MSN group of fellow intarsia artists. They are a very friendly group that offers support, tips, and advice to help develop your skills. Along with the normal message boards, they have galleries of member's work broken down by subject and artist. I really enjoyed browsing through this section. It is such a great source of inspiration! Each month, they post the Pattern Of The Month. This pattern is a free, member created, pattern that is available to all members of the Intarsia group. Application is easy, just tell them a little about yourself and you'll receive confirmation in no time. So jump on in, make a few new friends, and share your sawdust stories!

Judy Gale Roberts Intarsia

You can't really mention intarsia without thinking of Judy Gale Roberts. She has been on the forefront of intarsia since the 70's and has written numerous books and articles about the subject. Her website has a lot of great stuff, that it's hard to pick just one to talk about in this article. So I'm gunna jump right in and highlight a few.

First, she has a couple of free intarsia patterns. We all like free stuff, right? She offers a whale pattern which is quite nice. But I really like her Santa Teddy bear. Christmas seems so far off, but this Teddy bear is such a great pattern, it's hard to pass up. So definitely take a look.

Second, check out her newsletter/catalog Intarsia Times. She has several great articles in each issue, along with the patterns available she has available for sale. Intarsia Times is distributed in PDF format with a hefty download weighing in at 15.8 Megs! But don't worry, you can request the catalog be sent to your home if you can't handle the bandwidth. You can also find back issues of Intarsia Times here.

If you are looking to learn intarsia from the masters, check out their classes. 3 full days of intarsia goodness, complete with Jerry's famous BBQ. You'll walk away with a full belly and some mad intarsia skills. But sign up soon, because their classes are filling up quickly.

So, take a look around Judy's website. There's plenty of stuff to look at. Check out their patterns too. They do some amazing work! If nothing else, it'll provide the inspiration for your next project.

Intarsia Down Under

G'day Mate. Looking for some Aussie art for the wall? This free intarsia pattern from Fantastic WoodWorking is a sure fit. To get a hold of this great pattern, plus 2 other free patterns, just fill in your email and the link to the pattern will be sent your way in no time. The pattern is provided in PDF format for easy printing. It includes detailed instructions and photos showing you every step of the process. When you sign up, you'll also get an informative newsletter, full of tips, articles and updates. While you're there, check out their other patterns they have available. They're nicely organized by skill level, so you don't get in over your head. Check it out!

Rock The Wood

Ready to rock the intarsia world? Here's a fun little project that will do just that. This free intarsia rocker is designed by Shawn Lloyd of Intarsia Plans. It is presented in PDF format for easy printing. The design is also 'exploded' for easy placement on your wood. No more spending valuable time breaking the pattern apart! Give this fun and easy pattern a go. While you're there, check out his other patterns. He has a nice selection of easy and whimsical intarsia patterns to choose from.

SawBird Intarsia Patterns

Need a jump start to get you started with intarsia? Garnet Hall of SawBird Intarsia has a few patterns to get you on your way. He is offering 3 free patterns that progress in difficulty. Each pattern is presented in JPG format for easy scaling. He also includes wood recommendations for each project, most of which can be found at home improvement centers.

So if you're new to the world of intarsia, or a veteran looking for a quick project, check these patterns out. While you're there, take a look at his other offerings. He has a lot of great patterns to choose from, intarsia kits to get you going, and accessories you'll be wanting to add to your shop!

Bull Puzzle

My favorite blog has got to be David's from Tuliptree Crafts located at scrollsawblog.com. He writes daily posts about the behind the scenes work of his scroll saw/craft business. He has plenty of pictures of the projects he is working on. I especially enjoy reading which items tend to sell better than others and his time saving techniques to reduce labor costs. Its a very interesting blog and I make a point of reading it every day.

One of David's popular items are Woodimal puzzles designed by Jim Sweet. It seems like he can't keep them on the shelf for very long before he's sold out. David recently tried his hand at designing these unique puzzles. It turned out great. He has made his pattern available to anybody who wants it. Check it out. While you're there, be sure to check out his other blog entries. I think you'll find yourself going back to his blog on a daily basis too.

If you like this Bull design, be sure to check out Jim Sweet's Woodimal pattern site. He has a ton of designs to choose from!

Spittin' Image Woodworking Patterns

I'm a big fan of wildlife portraits. Capturing the spirit in an animal wood is almost magical. Rick from Spittin' Image Woodworking really has a knack of capturing those moments in the patterns he creates. He has a wide variety of other patterns available too. But you can certainly tell that wildlife portraits are close to his heart.

Rick has several free patterns available for download. Getting his patterns from his site is pretty easy, but it does take a few steps. First you add the pattern to your Shopping Cart and proceed to checkout. Since they're free, you won't be asked for payment info. An order confirmation email will be sent to you. Just click the Order Status link in the email, and you'll be brought to your Order Status page. Click the order, and you'll have the link to your free download! If you have any trouble, shoot Rick an email. He's very good at answering any of your questions quickly. Check it out! And while you're there, check out his other patterns he has available for sale. I'm sure you'll find one you just can't live without!

Bible Verse Patterns

There's no doubt about it. Bible verses make great wall hangings and offer inspiration and motivation to face the day. Saw4Fun put it best when they said "We believe the word of God should be free and readily promoted." They stay true to their words by offering a great selection of free Bible verse patterns. Each verse has several plaque styles to choose from and presented in PDF format for easy printing. While you're there, check out their other patterns they have available.

Flowers For Mom

Mother's Day is right around the corner. Have you started a project for your mom or wife? If not, Sue Mey from Scrollsawartist has a wonderful Mother's Day pattern for you. The pattern is free to download and presented in JPG format for easy scaling. While you're there, check out all of her other great designs. You might also want to sign up for her newsletter, where she'll notify you of new designs and freebies.

Simple Toy Bus

Once you start making toys, every kid in the neighborhood will be knocking on your door wanting their own. You certainly don't have the time to make a detailed toy for every kid who wants one. So here's a very simple toy bus that you can make in no time. Best of all, you can use scraps laying around the workshop! Just cut it out with your scroll saw, drill the holes for the windows and wheels, sand, glue and maybe a clear coat and you're done!

Heirloom Train Set

Here's a Train Set that will be sure to please. The project is provided by ShopSmith. Much of it can be cut with the scroll saw and a few basic tools. Unfortunately, they also require a lathe to turn the boiler and smoke stack. But, with a little imagination, I bet you can alter the pattern to suit the tools you have in your shop. The project has detailed instructions for each step of the way. It includes plans and exploded drawings for ease of assembly. Give this project a go. When you're done, you'll have an heirloom project that will be passed down for generations.

Doggie Pull Toy

My son loves doggies. And why wouldn't he? They're a loyal and obedient friend. Here's a doggie that will follow you around and be a close companion for any child. The pattern is provided by Don Firt of Grandpa's Workshop. It can easily be cut with a scroll saw and a drill to finish the hinge. Instead of using wood for the ears, consider some leather scraps instead! Doggies are much cuter with floppy ears! The pattern is provided in JPG format. It's pretty small, so you'll need a graphics program or photo copier to enlarge it to the appropriate size. But that shouldn't pose too much of a problem. While you're there, check out his other woodworking plans. He has so many great projects to try.

Lil' Bugger

Bink from Bink's Woodworking has a great little toy Volkswagen bug project. Using complimentary hardwoods is what makes this simple little design really stand out. The project is pretty straight forward and should be able to complete it in an afternoon. Bink takes you step by step through the construction with clear descriptions and accompanying photos. This will surely please young and old alike. When you give your toy car away, be sure to slug the recipient in the arm and yell "Slug Bug Brown!"

3 Piece Construction Set

We're all kids at heart. There's a certain part of us who still loves pushing around toy trucks. But a bigger thrill is building that toy truck and watching a delighted child push that truck around for us.

Shopsmith has a great article on how to build a bulldozer and truck set, designed by Norm Marshall. Much of the design can be cut with a scroll saw and a small assortment of hand tools. It can easily be finished off on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The article starts off with an interview with Norm about toy making and how he goes about it. Then it is followed with detailed instructions on how Norm built his bulldozer and truck. The article includes several illustrations and measured drawings to make assembly easier. Check it out! I'm sure there's somebody you know who would love a hand crafted toy truck.

Eagle Spirit Pattern

Native American themes are rather popular in my neck of the woods. So I was pretty excited to see Steven Mercer's Eagle Spirit pattern. The pattern is free for downloading from his website, Creative Scroll Saw Patterns. The link to the pattern is in the upper left corner of his website. The design is in JPG format for easy scaling. Give it a try. While you're there, check out the many patterns he has for sale. He has a lot of great patterns to choose from.

Getting Your Craft Show Business Off The Ground

by: Shawn Vincent

For years, family, friends and even people who you just meet, have really liked the crafts you produce. They are the centerpiece for conversation at holiday dinners, or the, “that’s a great idea” thing when neighbors come over for a coffee. So, you’ve decided that you might be able to make a profit off of selling your crafts to others. Great! Here’s what you need to do to make it work!

1.) Have a plan – Even if you just scrawl it down on a piece of loose leaf paper, that will work – but you should definitely go into this with a plan. You will plan for things like: how many craft shows you will attend, the cost to make the craft and how much you should sell it for, craft show expenses (they vary from show to show), how many crafts you want to produce, and so on.

By going into this without a plan, you are essentially going in blindly, without a path to follow. This can be a precursor to failure – and that isn’t what we want. Set some goals, determine a few craft show costs and you are going to be much better off.

2.) Search the markets – A lot of people have expressed an interest in your craft, but are they going to buy it at craft shows? In order to find out, you need to go to a few craft shows before you start out on your own and decide if this product you have will sell. Are others selling it? If so, how is it selling?

Further, you can talk to craft store employees, other crafters, people at the craft shows – essentially anyone who might have an interest in your product and see if your craft is something they would buy. This is a slimmed-down version of market research – but it will be valuable to help you get your craft show business off the ground.

3.) Present well – If you have put together a plan, done your market research and you are ready to take this crafting business to the next level, then here is something you need to think about – presentation. If you just have a few tables with your crafts strewn about on the table – people will be less likely to buy.

However, if you create an attractive sales area, make your products easily accessible and provide a simple transaction for the customer – they are far more likely to buy!

4.) The price is right – You bet it is! You will have to do a little bit of price discovery when you start, just to see the price when most of your crafts are going to sell. Some tips for finding the best prices are: go a penny lower than the next highest number; for example $9.99 instead of $10. Ask people what they would be willing to pay for it. The question may come as a surprise to them, but chances are they will give you an honest answer.

The above points are just the tip of the iceberg. If you are starting a business to sell your crafts at craft shows, you need to do a little bit of groundwork before you start. Talk to others who are in the business and you will find out more along the way. Good luck!

About The Author
Shawn Vincent is the author of Craft Show Success Biz - http://craftshowsuccess.nitchmarketers.com. Here you will find loads of information on selling your crafts at shows, and online. You will also find lots of ideas on crafts to make as well.
vincent.shawn@gmail.com

Compound Cutting Chess Pieces

Monday I talked about the chess sets that were being created in the SSW&C forums. Chiz Wolfe from Wood'n What-Knots has a nice set of progression pictures on his website as he creates a chess set for his son. Each piece is compound cut with the scroll saw. He has 3 pages of pictures that take you through each step. He also includes a nice description with each set of pictures. The end result really turned out great, especially since it was his first time with compound cutting. Seeing his pictures makes compound cutting your own chess set a little less intimidating. So, give it a try! I'll bet learning to cut your own chess set will be easier than you think. Learning to play a good game of chess, on the other hand, is a whole different story!

BigWood2LittleWood Patterns

Are you itching to cut a few portraits? If so, I've got a site for you! Brenda Herthel from BigWood2LittleWood has a huge collection of designs that will keep you busy for the next year! With over 150 free patterns to choose from, you'll have a tough time trying to figure out which one to cut first! Each pattern is in JPG format and high enough resolution for easy scaling. They are organized very well so you can find what you want with ease. While you're there, check out the rest of her site. She has a some nice sections like her own gallery and finished projects from her readers. Very cool.

Poll Results & New Poll For April 2008

It looks like we have a pretty dedicated group of scrollers. We had 112 people vote. 39% spend 4-10 hours/week scrolling. And 1/4 of our visitors spend 10-20 hours per week! I guess that's why they call it an obsession, rather than a hobby. The final results are below.


How much time do you spend scrolling per week?

• 0-2 hours --7% (8 votes)
• 2-4 hours -- 12% (14 votes)
• 4-10 hours -- 39% (44 votes)
• 10-20 hours -- 25% (28 votes)
• 20-40 hours -- 12% (14 votes)
• 40+ hours -- 3% (4 votes)

OK. Time for a new poll! Since we tend to spend a lot of quality time with our saws, we have a ton of finished projects, right? What do you do with them? The new poll has been posted on the side panel. Cast your vote now!

What do you do with most of your finished projects?

• Keep Them
• Give Them Away
• Throw Them Away
• Donate To Charities
• Sell Them Online
• Sell Them At Craft Fairs
• Other