Scroll Saw Village

Here’s a fun little project for a kid’s room to help keep the CD clutter under control. This free Dachshund CD holder pattern is provided by Sawdust Making. The materials are inexpensive and can be accomplished with minimal tools. But you end up with great results. I really like the CD holder unfinished, but you can easily paint it for a little extra flair. One note, however. When you look at the pattern for the body parts, the image is distorted. This is easily fixed. Just right click the image and choose the View Image option before printing. That should fix it. So if you’re looking for a quick project, be sure to take a look at this great CD holder project.

Last post, I talked about Darryn’s (Whitewolf) patterns. He has designed a nice collection of patterns. He was kind enough to zip his entire collection for one easy download! His collection includes all of the patterns shown on his myphotoalbum.com website, as well a few new patterns. In fact, he has over 200 in all! The download is a hefty one, weighing in at about 15 megs. So those with dial-up may want try downloading the file while you sleep.

Not only has he made these patterns freely available, he has also included a on how to create your very own patterns. I checked it out and it looks pretty good. So if you want to try your hand at designing your own patterns, this is definitely a great place to start.

Darryn has 2 files available for you to download:

• WhiteWolfPatterns.zip is Darryn’s pattern collection with over 200 patterns!
• WhiteWolfPhotoshopTutorial.zip is the Photoshop tutorial. I checked it out and it looks pretty good. A great place to start if you’re looking at trying your hand at pattern making.

Native American portraits have always been popular. So I was excited to see a number of great Native American patterns designed by Darryn (aka Whitewolf) from The Wolf’s Den. The patterns are hosted by myphotoalbum.com. Unfortunately, myphotoalbum.com’s free service only provides low resolution pictures. But Darryn is happy to send you a high resolution copy of any pattern you wish. Just shoot him an email with your request. His email is located on his profile. You can find his profile link on the lower right corner of the screen (just look for Darryn’s name) or just click here for direct access. Check it out! He also has a great collection of tiger patterns along with several other portraits. Definitely worth checking out!

UPDATE: Darryn has made his pattern collection available in one easy zip file. He has included a great Photoshop tutorial. You read more about his collection and tutorial here.

As a blogger who highlights scroll saw resources on the internet, I have a difficult time not constantly writing about Steve Good’s website, Scrollsaw Workshop. If I was to write an article each time Steve creates a wonderful pattern, this blog would quickly turn into a Steve Good fan site. So I constantly have to reel myself in and only write about the patterns I really find extraordinary. Today, Steve came through with this wooden toy bi-plane pattern. The thing I like best about this pattern is that this design isn’t bogged down by excessive detail. I think a lot of designers get caught up in detail. There’s a fine line between too much detail and not enough, and I think Steve found that balance. The simple elegance and smooth curves really make this project stand out. This free scroll saw pattern is provided in PDF format for easy printing. Steve has also included a great video covering construction tips. Check it out! You won’t be disappointed.

It’s hot and firecrackers are popping over head. That must mean we’re getting close to the 4th of July! BBQ, lawn chairs and horseshoes with a late night lighting of the sky. This is a great time of year to really appreciate our great country. In honor of that, here’s a neat little project to get you in that patriotic mood. This pattern is provided by Hawk Woodworking Tools. I believe it first appeared in Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts (Spring 2002) designed by Mike and Vicky Lewis. This patriotic scroll saw pattern is provided in PDF format for easy printing. Check it out!

There’s no doubt. My favorite blog is Scroll Saw Blog written by David at Tuliptree Crafts. Its on my daily read list and I look forward to each entry. He has so many clever ideas. What I like most about his blog is that he writes while he develops these ideas into a final piece. So you get a chance to witness a pattern come together from idea to prototype to final product. It may take a couple of days, or it might take a couple of weeks. But it’s always a fun journey.

David’s been working on a woven box pattern. We’ve seen these before, but what makes his unique is the incorporation of beads into these boxes. Plus, in order to save lumber and money, he has broken each level into 4 strips/sides. Most woven designs I have come across uses a solid piece of wood for each level, which has a lot of waste. David has made his pattern available to those who would like to try their hand at this beaded/woven box (called The Evealle). Check it out. And be sure to read his previous posts on how he developed this pattern. Very interesting reading!

Got twenty minutes to kill? Here’s a quick and fun little project that’ll use up some of that scrap lumber. Uglier the wood, the better! Then plant this lil’ ol’ bird in the garden to keep the other blackbirds company! This garden bird pattern is provided by Free Wood Puzzles. Check it out, and while you’re there, be sure to check out their puzzle patterns. They have a lot of great stuff.

Father’s day is right around the corner. Do you have a gift for your dad yet? If not, Sue Mey from Scrollsawartist has another great pattern she’s offering for free. This plaque will show dad how you really feel. It’s a quick project that really turns out nice, and your dad will be thrilled! Check it out.

While you’re there, check out Sue’s tutorials on how she makes her wonderful patterns. She has 3 different tutorials covering various software (Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, and Corel Photo Paint). If you’re looking to start designing your own patterns, this might be a good place to start!

Do you have your garden planted yet? We don’t. It’s been raining much too much to get into the garden. Since we’re inside anyway, here’s a little project that will keep you organized in the garden. Garden stakes! No more guessing where you planted what. This cute project is provided by AOK Corral Craft and Gift Bazaar. This is an easy rainy-day project. But instead of painting on the letters, be sure to break out your trusty scroll saw and cut the letters instead. And for a little more decoration, h’bout a few cutouts of some veggies? There are lot of opportunity to get creative. What can you come up with?

David from Tuliptree Crafts has another great puzzle pattern. He has made this elk pattern available for free on his blog called (oddly enough) Scroll Saw Blog. This elk puzzle is similar to Jim Sweet’s Woodimal puzzles. This is David’s second attempt at this style of puzzle, and I must say he’s getting pretty good at it. It’s a fine balance between making the text readable without sacrificing detail. Give it a try. While you’re there, be sure to read some of his blog entries. He’s always working on something new and innovative. I know I read it everyday. I’m sure it will become one of your favorites too.

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