Windmill Project Video

Frank from FranksWoodshop.com has put together a great video, demonstrating how he put together a windmill plaque. This 3 part video shows you each step of the way as he cuts and assembles his windmill plaque. The steps are covered in detail along with plenty of commentary. A very cool project. After you're done watching these great videos, be sure to check out his website. He has some really great stuff in his gallery. He also has another video in the video section, showing you around the scroll saw.

Armstrong Puzzles

Conrad Armstrong is a puzzle crafter from Boston who creates rather unique puzzles. He breaks away from the traditional key and lock method we are so familiar with. Instead, he uses a very organic, amoeba like swirl to interlock his pieces. He also uses custom figure pieces that fit with the theme of the puzzle. He shares his techniques of creating these one-of-a-kind puzzles, covering tools, materials, and mounting procedures. If you're a puzzle maker, or an aspiring puzzle maker, be sure to check this great resource. And while you are there, be sure to check out some of his great puzzles.

Scroll Saw Fonts

There is no such thing as too many fonts. Scrollers love them! But often we have to modify our favorite fonts in order to get them cuttable. Wouldn't it be nice if there were some fonts designed specifically for scrollers? Well, Mike from Scrollcrafters has come through by offering 3 different fonts for your computer. The first font (Deskset) is designed for desk nameplates. The other two (Scollsoni and Stencil) is intended for fretwork. Be sure to add these free fonts to your collection. While you're there, check out some of his cuttings. He does fantastic work!

Classic Lathart

Lath art has really caught my imagination. I like the rustic/folk art feel that it provides. Since there isn't a lot of information about this great American folk art, I'm always excited to see a new website pop up. Rod Skramstad from Classic Lathart has a number of pictures of his one-of-a-kind creations. His lath art paintings range from simplistic to intricate. Each piece full of personality and stories waiting to be unveiled. While he doesn't sell patterns, his work is certainly inspiring. Check it out. And be sure to read the history of lath art on the front page. Very interesting reading.

Compound Scroll Saw Creations

This week's Book of the Week comes from the queen of compound cutting, Dianna Thompson. Compound Scroll Saw Creations is a great book for those wanting to get started in 3d cutting. Those with more experience will find some great patterns too. Not sure if compound cutting is right for you? I've written an article about Dianna before, where she provides a free tutorial and pattern to get you started. You can read the article here. Once you have the basics down, be sure check out her book for a lot of great patterns.

New Feature: Book Of The Week

I love books. I read mostly informational/how-to books, but I love 'em! So, I'm always on the lookout for new books to add to my library. The great thing about the scroll sawing hobby, there is no shortage of books to look at. So I thought I'd start a new feature on this blog. Introducing, Book Of The Week. But wait, Travis, you already have Book Of The Week. While it is true that I have highlighted a new book each week for the last 17 weeks, it wasn't a regular blog feature. You'll still be able to find the Book of the Week in the upper right corner of the website, but in addition, I'll write a quick article each week talking about that book. I'm hoping to expose my dear readers to a wide variety of resources for scrollers, as well as archiving these recommendations for future readers.

What kind of books do I cover? I'm glad you asked. I cover a wide variety of books I feel you may be interested in. I cover pattern books, intarsia, clipart, business books for crafters and the list goes on! I hope you enjoy this new feature and I invite you to take a look at the previous Books of the Week.

Happy reading!

Double Vision

Here's a fun site for you compound cutters! Bill and Kathy Coons from Wood Lovers Shop has a creative way of turning a generic compound cut figurine into something extra special. These figurines have two images, depending on which angle you look at it. They have a video of the figurine turning on their website. Just like magic, the image comes together before your eyes. They have cut a number of these designs for their customers. I don't think they offer their patterns, but this clever idea can easily be adapted for your own designs. Check it out. While you're there, check out some of their other great products. A very talented team, indeed.

Update: Thanks to the Anonymous poster in the comments section below, it turns out these patterns are available from Sam Keener's book 128 Compound Scroll Saw Patterns. So if you like to try your hand at these patterns, check out his book!

Jesus Falling Beneath the Cross

If you read any of the scroll saw magazines, or hang out on the scroll saw message boards, you already know Kevin Daly of Scroll Saw Patterns Online. He has designed a lot of great patterns, but he's best known for his wildlife and scenic designs. Kevin has posted a free pattern of Jesus falling beneath the cross for anybody who wants it. The pattern is provided in JPG format for easy scaling. It looks like he swaps out his free patterns from time to time, so make sure you take advantage of this great pattern. While you're there, check out his other designs. I'm sure you'll find one you can't live without!

Scherenschnitte Patterns

I have mentioned before that scherenschnitte (paper cutting) is very similar to scroll sawn portraits. The only difference is the medium in which we work. But the principles of design remain the same. Since the two art forms are so similar, us scrollers can easily look to scherenschnitte for patterns and inspiration. I recently came across a great collection of scherenschnitte patterns available for download. The collection also includes the Back Street Collection, an archive of out-of-print scherenschnitte books made available to the public. The patterns are provided in JPG format for easy scaling and printing. There are so many wonderful patterns to choose from, you won't know where to begin. Check it out!

Adapting Patterns

Need a little help adapting patterns for scroll work? Sue Walters has written a great article for Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts covering just that. The article first appeared in the Summer 2006 issue of SSW&C. She explains the overall concepts of breaking down a line drawing or photo into sections. She explains negative and positive space in conjunction with bridges, which scrollers rely heavily on. These simple concepts will take you on your way to designing your own patterns in no time. Check out this quick article. You will look at patterns in a whole new way.