Crafting a Forest of Christmas Tree Cutouts For A Custom Order

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My Other Christmas Items

The holiday season is just around the corner, and that means it's time for festive crafts. Recently, I had the pleasure of working on a custom order to create a small forest of Christmas tree cutouts. The client requested 20 trees in total. 

I cut each tree by hand from 3/4-inch pine using a scroll saw. Once the cutting was complete, I carefully sanded each piece to ensure a smooth finish. Now, the trees are all ready to be painted.

While I usually keep some Christmas tree cutouts in stock for such occasions, this request for twenty trees is more than I had in stock, so I made this batch. If you don't see what you want, please ask.

I can't wait to see how they turn out after painting.

Making A Zero Clearence Inser For My Hitachi C12RSH Miter Saw

My Etsy Shop

 
I am currently working on a project that requires cutting wood at a 10-degree angle. I usually don't work with angles other than 90 degrees. Until now, my zero-clearance insert for my Hitachi C12RSH miter saw was simply a piece of hardboard attached to the saw with carpet tape. This setup worked well for several years, but I ran into issues when I needed to adjust the saw's angle; I had to remove the hardboard each time. By the way, I wouldn't recommend using carpet tape for this—it took me over an hour to remove it from the saw.

Now is the time to create a better zero-clearance insert. I use blue painter's tape to hold the two pieces of the plastic insert that came with the saw together, so I can remove them and use the factory insert as a template. This method worked well enough for me to trace the pattern onto a piece of plywood that was the exact thickness needed for a zero-clearance insert. However, because the tape was flexible and the factory's insert holes were slotted, locating the screw holes proved challenging. As you can see in the photo, I messed up two of the holes.

While working, I discovered that the factory insert spacing matched that of the plywood I was using. Next time, I will place a piece of wood into the slot.

Hippopotamus Christmas Tree Ornament Project: Sanding the Hippos

My Ornament Collection

The holiday season is just around the corner, and that means it's time to get crafty! This year, I've taken on an ambitious project: creating a large collection of Christmas tree ornaments in the shape of hippopotamuses. It sounds whimsical, right? However, the process is far from simple, especially when it involves sanding 283 of these little beauties!

Sanding one ornament isn’t a big deal. You can typically get it done in a few of minutes. However, when you're facing a daunting total of 283 ornaments, the task can quickly become overwhelming. After some calculations, I’ve figured that each ornament takes about 2 minutes for each of the four sanding steps. So, when you multiply that out, it comes to a whopping 2264 minutes of sanding! That’s over 37 hours of work dedicated solely to sanding.

The ornaments are crafted from black limba wood, chosen for its beautiful grain and dark hue that adds an elegant touch to the holiday decoration. I can already envision how stunning they will look adorning the Christmas tree, each one a unique piece of art. 

Handmade Miniature Birdhouse Ornament: A Unique Mitten-Shaped Decoration

 

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My Birdhouse Ornament Collection 

My Ornament Collection

 

Discover a delightful addition to your holiday décor: a handmade miniature birdhouse ornament shaped like a mitten. This charming ornament is crafted from select-grade hardwoods and finished with a custom blend of beeswax and mineral oil, showcasing a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. 

Each ornament is a testament to traditional woodworking. The attention to detail makes it not just an ornament but a small work of art, perfect for adorning a Christmas tree or gifting to a loved one. The unique design and craftsmanship create an opportunity to support American artisans while adding a personal touch to any occasion.

With a height of 2.5 inches and a width of 1.25 inches, this ornament is small enough to fit neatly in the palm yet large enough to be appreciated as a standout piece. The individual nature of handmade items means that each ornament carries its distinct character, with variations in wood grain and color that enhance its charm.

Expect to find unique ornaments that reflect the beauty of natural wood. These characteristics are not defects but rather elements that contribute to the piece's individuality. For those with specific preferences regarding appearance or size, there's an option to contact me before placing an order for tailored requests.

This handmade ornament is not only a decoration but also a collectible, part of a broader collection of 42 birdhouse ornaments, ensuring a perfect fit for every taste. 

Handcrafted with care in Tallahassee, Florida, this ornament celebrates both artistry and the spirit of the holiday season. Embrace the opportunity to make this charming ornament part of your own tradition or consider it for a thoughtful gift or stocking stuffer. Enjoy a unique addition to this year's seasonal décor.

 

Handcrafted Wooded Birdhouse Ornament: A Collectible Heirloom Quality Christmas Tree Decoration, Made In USA

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All My Ornaments

This handcrafted wooden birdhouse ornament is shaped like an acorn and made from high-quality hardwoods. Each piece is hand-sanded and finished with a custom blend of mineral oil and hot-applied beeswax, utilizing traditional woodworking tools. This collectible ornament adds a unique touch to your holiday décor.

The ornament not only serves as a beautiful tree decoration but also makes a wonderful gift. It is part of a collection featuring 42 unique ornaments. Be sure to explore the entire collection and add this heirloom piece to your holiday decorations.

Approximate Size:
Height: 3 Inches
Width: 1.25 Inches
Depth: 1.25 Inches

All of the items I create are handcrafted from natural wood and wood products. Each piece is unique, so there may be variations in appearance from one item to another. The item you receive may differ slightly from the one shown in the listing photos. Additionally, the thickness of the wood used in your item may vary slightly from the dimensions specified in the listing.

It's important to understand that the natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots make each piece unique, contributing to its character and charm. These variations are expected and are not considered defects. If you have any concerns about the variations or if you'd like to request a specific look or size, please contact me before placing your order. I will do my best to accommodate your request.

Handmade in Tallahassee, Florida, USA

 

Handmade Wooden Toy Car Convertible From My Speedy Wheels Collection - Made In USA

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My Speedy Wheels Collection
All My Toy Cars 

Discover the charm of handmade wooden toy cars, crafted with care in my toymaker's shop. Each vehicle in the Speedy Wheels Collection is built using traditional woodworking tools and techniques, showcasing craftsmanship at its finest. The cars are finished with multiple coats of clear shellac, ensuring both beauty and durability.

The wooden convertible measures approximately 5-1/2 inches long, 2-1/2 inches wide, and 2 inches high, making it a perfect fit for little hands. With an assortment of ten unique designs in the Speed Wheels Collection, there's a variety to choose from, each one built to inspire imaginative play.

Every piece is crafted from natural wood, so no two cars are identical. The unique variations in wood grain, color, and knots add to each toy's character, making it a special item for any child. These natural features should be embraced, as they enhance the beauty and uniqueness of each creation.

For those interested in a specific look or size, contacting me before placing an order is encouraged and adds a personalized touch to the selection process. 

Visit the link to explore the full collection and find the perfect wooden toy car. Each purchase supports handmade craftsmanship from Tallahassee, Florida, USA.