Introducing Scroll Saw Village

What? It doesn't look like I redesigned the site! Yup, it's true to a certain extent. The truth is, I've been working on a completely new site! Can I get a drum roll please? I'm happy to announce...Scroll Saw Village! A brand new online community for scroll saw enthusiasts. Join us in the forum where you can talk with fellow scrollers about our favorite past time, share ideas and techniques, and maybe brag a little about our latest project. And not lets forget about the free patterns! We've installed a Pattern Library where you can easily browse free scroll saw patterns. No more wasting hours looking through file names. Patterns are provided in a photo album format so you know right away if its something you're interested in. But that's not the coolest feature. When you find a pattern or two (or three, or five), add them to your Download Cart. When you're ready, click one button and your favorite patterns will be automatically downloaded to your computer! No more fussing with 'right click, save image as, blah blah blah...

Along with the Pattern Library, each user gets their own personal User Gallery. Show off your latest cuttings, newest tools, or the shop makeover! Organize your personal User Gallery with any number of sub albums to keep things nice and tidy. Or just shove them all in one album. Its up to you! And the best part is, you don't have upload limits! Anywhere! So upload away!

Want to stay in touch with your scroller buddies? The private message system allows easy messaging between other members. Add your friends to your buddy list to keep easy track. With the file attachment feature, you can easily exchange pictures, patterns or whatever!

What about Scroll Saw Goodies? Are you giving that up? Heck no! I've moved Scroll Saw Goodies over to Scroll Saw Village and will continue to blog on a regular basis! Those of you who subscribe via email and RSS, don't worry because I'm taking the feed with me. So you won't have to change a thing. For those of you who like to read Scroll Saw Goodies the old fashion way, you can find me by navigating Scroll Saw Village, or just type in my new URL http://www.scrollsawgoodies.com. You'll be automatically forwarded to the right place.

Wow! That's quite a makeover, huh? Well, to help celebrate the new website, I'm having a contest! I'm giving away a Pattern Designer's Pack! The pack includes 3 clip art books from Dover Publishing (Big Book of Silhouettes, Ready-to-Use Sports Silhouettes, 1500 Decorative Ornaments). This is royalty-free clip art that can be used in designing your own patterns! Entry is easy. Head over to Scroll Saw Village (http://www.scrollsawvillage.com). Register for your free account and just post in the contest thread that you want to be entered! Want a better shot at winning? For each picture you upload to your User Gallery or a pattern you designed to the Pattern Library, you get one additional entry (for a total of 5 possible entries). I'll be doing the drawing on Feb. 14th and will announce the winner in the forums.

So be sure to join me over at Scroll Saw Village and lets ring in the new year with, what I hope to be, a great year for scrollers! Check it out!

Are You Excited Yet?

Are you ready? Are you as excited as I am? Because, tonight at midnight is the grand unveiling of Scroll Saw Goodies redesign! A complete overhaul with a couple of new features that I think you'll really enjoy! So be sure to stop by and see what all the hub-bub is all about! Tonight at midnight, Midnight, MIDNIGHT!

Happy Holidays!

I wanted to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I hope you all enjoy your time with your families and hopefully create a few memories along the way.

I know it has been quiet around SSG for the last couple of weeks. I've been working hard on the redesign of the website and will be launching the new changes in 6 short days. So join me on January 1, 2009 to ring in the new year and a very special Scroll Saw Goodies. I've added a couple of new features I think you'll really enjoy!

A Little Update

Here's a little update for those of you who take the time to follow my modest blog.

As you know, I haven't been posting as frequently as I normally do. For that, I apologize. So what's the deal? Have I been slacking? Nope. I've been working on a project that's been keeping me pretty busy, lately. I've been working hard on redesigning the website. I've even added a feature or two that I think you'll really enjoy. "What is it," I hear you saying. I can't tell you. Its a surprise. A New Year's surprise! So, make sure you stop by on January 1, 2009 and find out what the special surprise is. I think you'll like it.

Anyway, I'm still around and will continue to provide more Scroll Saw Goodies. Even if it is less frequent right now. But the end result will be worth it.

I hope you all are having a wonderful Holiday season. Be safe in your travels, and Happy Scrolling!

---Travis

Automata Dog

Here's a fun little automata project that's perfect for the scroll saw! This project is provided by Lee Valley Tools. They include detailed instructions with plenty of photos. They also provide the pattern in PDF format for easy printing. The project is easy enough for an afternoon in the shop. Check it out! And while you're there, be sure to take a look through their woodworking catalog. It's like being a kid in a candy store!

Color & Shapes Puzzle

Here's a fun project that would make a perfect gift for the little ones in your life. This Color and Shapes puzzle was designed by relfEZ of Tangible Art Projects. The pattern is provided in JPG format for easy scaling. This quick project can be easily cut from plywood or MDF. Paint the shapes with craft paint, a quick clear coat of acrylic spray and you're set! Check it out. And while you're there, check out his other projects. He has a lot of unique scroll saw patterns freely available for download. Very cool.

No More Handmade Toys

We all remember the massive toy recalls back in 2007. Toys made in developing countries, namely China, contained dangerous amounts of lead and other chemicals. This brought a lot of fear and concern about regulations regarding toy manufacturing. As a result, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) was passed in August 2008. This act requires third party testing and certification of all toys distributed in the US. This testing could cost up to $4,000 per toy. Large manufacturers could easily absorb this cost. Unfortunately, it will kill the handcrafted toy industry. Thousands of home crafters who make toys to supplement their income will have close up shop because they can't afford to have their toys certified. Parents who want a natural alternative to Mattel products will no longer have that option. Can you imagine a world without handcrafted toys? No more wooden cars and trucks. No more plush teddy bears or dollies.

The Handmade Toy Alliance has a website that explains the details of the CPSIA and how it will affect crafters. I urge you to send a letter to your Senator and Congressperson and request changes to the CPSIA so we can save handcrafted toys. You can find a sample letter and the name and address of your representatives on the Handmade Toy Alliance website.


Addendum:
You can also sign an online petition here.

Easy Book Ends

Here's a fun project for that little reader in your life. This bookend project is provided by Sabrina of Seeds of the Heart blog. This is a great afternoon project that turns out really neat. The instructions are pretty straight forward. For the letters, choose your favorite font in a graphics program or word processor. Enlarge the letters until the fit and you're set! Definitely give this project a try. It goes to show you that even the simplest of projects can turn out extra special.

Taking Lath Art To The Next Level

Dave Lampman has been doing lath art since 1979. He describes his work as "Casual art with a touch of understated elegance." Whatever it is, it certainly is beautiful. Check out his online gallery of some of his work. Perhaps it will inspire you to give lath art a try. When you're ready, head over to Lath Art Discussion Help and Examples blog, where he's a contributing author. There you'll find some great tips and more examples that will get you on your way!

Wood Mosaics

Here's a neat video about wood mosaic artists Robin and Kathy Tucker. It isn't scroll sawing per se, but it should interest those of you who do inlay, marquetry, or intarsia. Check it out!