Scroll Saw Village

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!“

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.