Scroll Saw Village

Welcome back!  We’re picking up with part 3 of the 7 part series where we convert a photo into a scroll saw pattern using Adobe Photoshop.  This time we’re working on the ear and left side of the face.

Note: I ran into a little technical problem when recording this episode.  You’ll notice the audio drifts a little bit.  Which basically means the sound and the video start getting more and more out of sync as the program progresses.  You’ll notice it more at the end of this program than at the beginning.  I apologize for this.  I have a few ideas on how to fix this, but in order to keep on schedule, I’ll post this episode the way it is.

Have a question or comment?  Join us in the forums!  We’d love to have ya!

Anyway.  On with the show!

This is part 2 of the continuing series where I convert a photo of a beloved pet into a scroll saw pattern using Adobe Photoshop.  We pick up right where we left off and work on the eyes, the forhead, and a little on the left side of the face.  For those interested, I’ve included the original photo along with the finished pattern so you can see where we started and where we ended.

If you have any questions regarding the techniques I describe, please let me know by posting a comment or asking in the forums.  On with the show!

There has been interest in the Scroll Saw Village forums on how to create a scroll saw pattern from a photograph. While there are hundreds of ways to design a scroll saw pattern, I share one technique that I use when it comes to difficult patterns. I’m using Adobe Photoshop in this screen cast. But these techniques can easily be adapted to your favorite graphics program.

Fair Warning: This is a monster of a tutorial. Each episode runs about 30 minutes and we have 7 episodes. So if you do the math, the whole series runs 3.5 hours long! Why so long? Well, first, the pattern proved to be a little more difficult than I originally anticipated. Normally it doesn’t take that long to create a pattern. And secondly, there has been interest to see the complete process. So, those who like to see the whole process will enjoy it. Those who only want the bullet points will be bored to tears. However, most of the information and techniques can be found in part 1.

One other note.  This is an experiment, so I’d love to get a little feedback. You can email me directly at scrollsawgoodies[at]gmail.com, leave a comment on the blog, or reach me on the Scroll Saw Village forums. Future episodes will be much more concise. I also plan on covering other graphics programs as well. If you’d like to see something specific, please let me know and I’ll see what I can do.

On with the show.

You already read through Andy Deane’s tutorial about making patterns with Paint Shop Pro. But what about us Photoshop users? Well he hasn’t left you out. He has provided a great tutorial on how to create scroll saw patterns with Photoshop too! Each step is clearly written with accompanying illustrations. Armed with this info, it won’t be long before you’re a pattern-making machine! Check out his great tutorial. And while you are at it, take a look at his main page where you’ll find galleries and some really great patterns he has available for sale!

Are you tired of cutting other people’s patterns? Want to make your own? Andy Deane of 80 Art Designs has created a great tutorial about creating scroll saw patterns with Paint Shop Pro. The 7 page tutorial takes you step by step through the entire process. He has also included a practice photo so you can follow along. The instructions are clearly written and he explains everything in detail. He has also included screen shots and illustrations as he works. It is very well done and worth a look. Check it out.

While you are there visit his main page where you’ll find his gallery and patterns he has available for sale. Very cool.

Need an easy way to make name plates? Steve Good over at Scrollsaw Workshop has written a great program that makes name plate patterns a snap. With Scroll Saw Pattern Printer, just type in the name, print, and you’re ready to go. No more fussing around with graphics programs or trying to get your word processing program to print something cuttable. He also has a quick video that explains the features of this handy little program. The software is free to download. It is donation ware, so if you find it useful, a donation of $5 is appreciated. Give it a try. It’s pretty slick.

Your significant other surprised you this Christmas. They bought you every new tool you could imagine. And on top of that, they told you they no longer need to park in the garage because that is your space. What a dilema. This will take some serious organizing! Well, your shop layout is easy with this cool little Shop Layout program from Workbench Magazine. The program is completely web based, so there is no need to install anything (unless you don’t have flash player, but most web browsers have it preinstalled). Size up your workshop and then start dragging your tools over. Before you know it, you’ll have the feng shui of your workshop at its best! Give it a try.