Crafting a Custom Order: 275 Hippopotamus Christmas Ornaments

 

 

Custom Orders

As the holiday season approaches, I've been busy crafting some unique decorations for my customers. This year, I have an exciting custom order for 275 hippopotamus Christmas ornaments made from 1/2-inch black limba wood. The unique texture and rich color of this African wood will make each ornament a standout piece.

To bring my vision to life, I rely on Inkscape, an open-source vector graphics editor that I use on my Linux Mint operating system. Inkscape allows me to create precise patterns that fit the requirements of my project.

I am using half-sheet labels for this project. They fit the six-inch-wide wood, and this approach eliminates the need for messy spray adhesive, allowing me to work more efficiently and help keep my workspace clean. 

I spent some time trimming the labels to maximize the wood's use. This practice not only helps me reduce costs but also minimizes waste—a philosophy I strive to incorporate into all my projects.

Crafting Elegant Fretwork Shelves in Oak

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For woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts! If you're like me, there's nothing quite as satisfying as turning a simple piece of wood into something functional and beautiful. Today, I'm sharing how I make a pair of intricate fretwork shelves made from 1/4-inch-thick oak, all cut using my scroll saw. These little gems are perfect for displaying small items. The process was a mix of precision cutting, careful assembly, and a bit of patience while waiting for the finish to dry. I'll walk you through the steps, complete with photos from my workshop. Let's dive in!

Materials and Tools

Here's a quick rundown of what I used:

• Wood: 1/4-inch-thick oak plywood
• Pattern: I prepared a flowing, ornamental fretwork pattern inspired by Victorian scrollwork – think swirls and flourishes for that elegant touch.
• Tools: Scroll saw with fine blades (I used #3MGT for the intricate cuts), clamps, wood glue, sandpaper (220-grit), and shellac.

Preparing and Cutting the Pieces
I started by printing out my fretwork pattern and adhering it to the oak using spray adhesive. The design features symmetrical curves and cutouts that give the shelves their airy, decorative look. With the pattern in place, it was time to fire up the scroll saw.

The key here is slow and steady – scroll sawing intricate designs like this requires a light touch to avoid blade breakage or splintering the wood. I cut out the main shelf brackets first, following the lines meticulously. Drill small pilot holes for interior cutouts for threading the blade.

Once the brackets were free, I moved on to the smaller decorative elements and the shelf platforms themselves. The collage shows the pieces laid out after they were cut.
 

Assembly and Gluing
With all the parts cut, it was time for assembly. I dry-fitted everything first to ensure a snug fit, making minor adjustments with sandpaper where needed. Then, I applied wood glue to the joints – nothing fancy, just good old Titebond.

Clamping is crucial for strong bonds, especially with thin material like this. The images capture the gluing process: orange clamps holding the brackets together while the glue sets. Let it cure for at least an hour, or overnight if you can wait (patience is a woodworker's best friend).

Finishing Touches
After unclamping, I gave everything a thorough sanding to smooth out any rough edges from the saw. Then, it was time to finish. I opted for a couple of coats of shellac.

The final photos in the collage show the completed shelves hanging up, drying in the workshop. They're lightweight yet sturdy, with a small ledge at the bottom for stability. No hangers are required. A tiny nail or pin will do. 

The Finished Product
And there you have it – a pair of fretwork shelves ready to grace any wall! Total time? About 4-5 hours spread over a couple of days, including drying time. 

 

What Should I Look For In A Scroll Saw

 

Excalibur EX-21 Scroll Saw

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Avoid purchasing a saw that uses pinned blades. You will regret it.

For me, the ease of use and speed of blade changes are paramount.

 

My saws:

• Excalibur EX-21 was purchased used a lot. I have completely rebuilt it. 
• Pegas 21-inch I bought used in like-new condition.

 

What I appreciate about these saws is that when they are properly aligned, no tension adjustment is necessary. You flip a lever to change the blade, then flip it back into place. This design tilts the blade instead of the table, which makes angled cuts easier to achieve. I have access to parts for both of these saws and have completely rebuilt the Excalibur EX-21.

 

The Harbor Freight Bauer scroll saw operates similarly to the EX-21/Pegas saws. The lift mechanism is different. It is the lowest-cost saw of all the saws mentioned here. Harbor Freight's in-store warranty is as good as it gets. If it breaks during the warranty period, you can return it to the store and they will provide you with a replacement. If I were in need of a new saw, I would give this one serious consideration.

 

The Seyco saws are quite similar, but they feature a larger table and a

different tilt mechanism. However, I'm not fond of the table on the Seyco saws. Seyco saws have awesome support. They also support Excalibur and  Pegas saws with parts available for both.

 

Other Scroll Saws

• The Dewalt DW788 is well-regarded and widely available in the US. I have never used a DeWalt saw, but I understand they cut very aggressively. DeWalt saws can be rebuilt.
• Hegner scroll saws are known for their exceptional durability, but I find the blade mounting and tensioning system to be cumbersome. Additionally, they are quite expensive.
• Hawk scroll saws are known for their durability and are made in the USA. I used an older one for several years, but I eventually became frustrated with the blade mounting system. When a blade broke, the clamps would sometimes go flying, and I often found myself crawling on the floor with a flashlight trying to locate them. The newer models may have an improved clamping system.

Why I Think A Scroll Saw Is A Better Tool For Toymakers Than A Bandsaw

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I own two bandsaws and two scroll saws. For making toys, a scroll saw is much more useful than a band saw. In making toys, the only thing I have used my bandsaw for is resawing and rocking horses. Scroll saws cut smooth and require very little sanding. Scroll saws easily make inside cuts, something you can't do with a bandsaw. You can make bowls, baskets, puzzles, bandsaw boxes, and much more with a scroll saw.

Woodworking Projects

• Fretwork: Intricate designs cut into thin wood, often used for decorative panels or overlays.
• Intarsia: Mosaic-like wood art where different wood pieces are cut and fitted together to create images or patterns.
• Marquetry: Similar to intarsia, but typically involves veneers to create detailed inlays for furniture or wall art.
• Puzzles: Wooden jigsaw puzzles with interlocking pieces, customizable in shape and complexity.
• Toys: Small wooden toys like cars, animals, or figures with smooth, detailed cuts.
• Ornaments: Holiday or decorative ornaments, such as Christmas tree decorations or seasonal cutouts.
• Clocks: Decorative clock faces or components with intricate patterns or numbers.
• Boxes: Small jewelry or keepsake boxes with detailed lids or inlaid designs.
• Signs: Custom wooden signs with letters, numbers, or logos cut out for home decor or businesses.
• Furniture Accents: Decorative trim or inlays for furniture, like table edges or cabinet panels.
• Picture Frames: Custom frames with unique cutout patterns or designs.
• Shelves: Small decorative shelves with scrollwork edges or supports.

Craft and Decor

• Wall Art: Stand-alone cutouts or layered designs for wall hangings, often with nature or abstract themes.
• Silhouettes: Profile portraits or thematic silhouettes (e.g., animals, people, or landscapes).
• Plaques: Personalized name plaques or inspirational quote signs.
• Coasters: Thin wooden coasters with engraved or cutout patterns.
• Bookmarks: Thin, decorative wooden bookmarks with intricate designs.
• Lampshades or Lanterns: Delicate wooden panels for light diffusion with patterned cutouts.

Functional Items

• Keychains: Small, detailed wooden keychains with custom shapes or names.
• Utensil Handles: Custom handles for kitchen tools or knives.
• Plant Stands or Holders: Small decorative stands for potted plants or vases.
• Pen Holders: Desktop organizers with scroll-cut designs.

Specialty Materials (Beyond Wood)

• Plastic Projects: Cutting thin acrylic or plastic sheets for signs, stencils, or decorative pieces.
• Metal Crafts: With the right blade, cutting thin non-ferrous metals (e.g., brass, copper) for jewelry or small art pieces.
• Foam Crafts: Cutting foam for model-making, cosplay props, or packaging inserts.
• Leather Accents: Cutting thin leather for detailed patterns in accessories or decor.

Miscellaneous

• Model Components: Parts for scale models (e.g., architectural models, trains, or ships).
• Musical Instruments: Decorative parts for instruments, like guitar inlays or ukulele soundhole designs.
• Stencils: Reusable stencils for painting or etching on various surfaces.
• Custom Gears: Small wooden or plastic gears for mechanical or decorative purposes.

Personalized Handmade Christmas Ornaments: Choose from a Santa, Sleigh, Teddy Bear, Peace Dove, or Nativity scene.

 

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The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with personalized ornaments that add a unique touch to your festive décor? This year, I'm announcing the return of my personalized, handmade Christmas ornaments, featuring a selection that is sure to bring smiles to family and friends.

Choose Your Favorite Style
You can choose from a variety of enchanting designs, including:

• Santa in His Sleigh: Capture the magic of Santa’s journey with this whimsical ornament.
• Teddy Bear: Adorned with a classic Santa-style hat, this sweet bear is perfect for kids and the young at heart.
• Peace Dove: Symbolizing hope and goodwill, this dove carries a beautiful olive branch for a message of peace.
• Nativity Scene: This timeless depiction of the Christmas story serves as a lovely reminder of the season’s true meaning.

Craftsmanship You Can Trust
Each ornament is meticulously handcrafted from 1/4-inch thick maple hardwood plywood, ensuring not only beauty but also durability for years to come. Whether you're hanging them on your tree, using them as gift tags, or displaying them in your home, these ornaments are a charming addition to your holiday traditions.

Custom Orders and Patterns Available
In addition to the current set of designs available for order, I’m also working on two other sets to expand your options this holiday season. As soon as the final design is complete, I’ll make those available as well!

If you’re crafty and would like to make your own ornaments, I can create a pattern for you! Feel free to contact me to purchase a custom pattern—either through my Etsy shop or via email. 

Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these personalized handmade ornaments. Whether you’re keeping them for yourself or giving them as gifts, they’re sure to bring joy and warmth to your celebrations. 

Halloween Bat Cutout Handmade Unpainted And Freestanding Use For Decor Or Crafts From My Snazzy Spooks Collection

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 This year, I've put my woodworking skills to work, crafting some delightful unfinished Halloween bats that are perfect for adding a spooky touch to your home.

These bats are made from 3/4-inch thick wood, giving them a sturdy feel that makes them quite special compared to many of the thinner cutouts you often find. Each bat has been carefully sanded with 220-grit sandpaper, ensuring they're smooth and primed for your creative touch—whether that involves painting, staining, or even adding some fun embellishments. What's really great about these designs is that they are freestanding, making them versatile for use in crafts or as toys!

I offer a variety of sizes to suit any vision you might have, and I'm more than happy to accommodate larger quantities and sizes through custom orders. Customization is a big part of my process, and I welcome the opportunity to work with you to bring your ideas to life.

Every piece I create is handmade from natural wood and wood products, so you can be assured that your bats will have their own unique character. This unique character means that their appearance may differ slightly from what you see in the listing photos, adding to their charm. As with all natural materials, the variations in wood grain, color, and even knots contribute to the individuality of each piece. These characteristics aren't defects; they're signs of the natural beauty of the wood!

If you're looking for something specific or have particular preferences for the look or size of your bats, please don't hesitate to reach out before placing your order. I'm committed to doing my best to meet your requests. 

All of my creations are handcrafted right here in Tallahassee, Florida. I take pride in my work and in the distinct charm of each item. As I gear up for Halloween, I can't wait to see how my bats find a home in your celebrations.

Discovering a New Resawing Technique

The wings, arms, and horns on this baby dragon were resawn from thicker wood on my Shopsmith table saw.

 

Buy This Dragon In My Etsy Shop
Buy This Dragon At Odin's Toy Factory
 

A little while ago, I stumbled upon a fantastic way to save wood while working on my projects. Rather than resawing and planing thick piece, I began cutting out parts from thicker stock and then resawing the parts to the desired thickness. This technique started on my scroll saw with a zero clearance insert but soon transitioned to my band saw.

My latest project was a dragon figurine, which presented a bit of a challenge. The parts were quite small, and the wood I had on hand was too short for my planer. To add to the dilemma, my bandsaw was acting up, so I decided to experiment with the table saw instead.

Using a simple method, I attached the small part to a larger piece of wood with two-sided tape. Running it through the table saw slowly, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. The cut was incredibly smooth, leaving only a tiny nub where the blade exited. This method allowed me to resaw not just the main body of the dragon but also the wings, horns, and arms—all essential components that required precision.

Unfortunately, I got so caught up in the process that I forgot to take photos of the the other parts along the way. But the result was well worth it, and I’m excited to share this breakthrough with others. If you’re working on small, intricate pieces, I highly recommend giving this technique a shot. It’s a great way to maximize your resources and achieve clean, precise cuts.

This is the baby dragons are attached to a larger piece of oak using double sided tape.

This is the setup I used to resaw all the thinner dragon figurine pieces using my Shopsmith table saw and a 5 1/4 inch thin saw blade.