Odin's Toy Factory

Made-to-order puzzles are prepared and ready for the eyes to be added.   My Puzzle Collection   The puzzles are large and need to be cut out first to allow clearance for the drill press to make the eyes. I primarily make my puzzles from poplar, but I also use oak or pine for a few.   I create patterns on my computer and print them. Then, I attach the printed patterns to the wood and cut the puzzle using my scroll saw.

  My Itty-Bitty Animal Collection I learned the craft by making small animal cutouts when I started using a scroll saw. I have created hundreds, if not thousands, of these cutouts. I typically use small pieces of leftover wood from other projects but make larger batches for custom orders. Recently, I crafted 326 elephant cutouts from African padauk wood, which were transformed into Christmas tree ornaments. My animal cutouts are extremely durable and can last for generations. My children played with them, and many were gifted to their cousins. Forty years later, these cutouts are still enjoyed by grandchildren, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

      The Dragon is availble here  It's a challenge to get the parts aligned and the feet level so the dragon will stand without rocking. I use the full-scale drawing you see under the dragon to align and attach a wing on one side. Once the glue has cured enough that the wing will not move, I do the same with two legs on the same side. I then align and glue the wings and legs in place. While this all sounds easy, I assure you it is not. The glue is slippery, and sometimes things will move. Slipping happens most often when the clamps are not perfectly aligned. If the wings are off a tiny amount, this is of no consequence, but if the legs move out of position, it can ruin the project, and I need to start over.