Odin's Toy Factory

    My Ornaments For this project, I am using shipping labels for the patterns. Half-sheet shipping labels are the perfect size for the hippo ornament project and require only minor trimming to fit the maximum number of hippos on each board. While I could attach one hippo pattern at a time to fit more on a board, that approach is very time-consuming.  I created the patterns using Inkscape, setting the page size to match the label dimensions to determine the best arrangement. Once the arrangement was finalized, I changed the page size back to standard letter size and copied the patterns to the bottom half of the page. All my patterns are printed on a Brother laser printer. The best method I have discovered for removing patterns after cutting is to soak the paper label with mineral spirits. After letting it sit for a couple of minutes, the patterns come off easily without damaging the wood. While I can peel off the patterns without using mineral spirits, the adhesive tends ...

My Ornaments Discover the beauty of handmade craftsmanship with the Victorian-style wooden fretwork cross ornament. This piece, crafted in the USA, brings a touch of elegance to holiday decor. Details: Material: Made from natural wood and hand-finished with clear shellac. Size: Approximately 5.25x5.25 inches. Custom sizes are available. Each ornament is unique due to the natural variations in wood, including differences in grain, color, and knots. These characteristics enhance the charm of every piece, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind heirloom. Keep in mind that the item received may differ slightly from the photos in the listing. Variations in thickness and appearance are expected and contribute to the ornament's distinctive nature. For customized requests regarding look or size, contact me before placing an order to discuss options. Proudly handmade in Tallahassee, Florida, this ornament promises to be a cherished addition to any holiday collection.

 My Ornaments All edge sanding is now complete. I've managed to fit 283 hippopotamus ornaments neatly into four Sterilite 2.5-quart Snap Lock boxes. I have many of these boxes in various sizes in my workshop, and while they are excellent for storage, I primarily use the 2.5-quart box for production purposes. In this instance, the hippo ornaments will be moved to a different box as they are processed. When I run a production line of toys with precision-fitted parts, I rely on these boxes to keep everything organized. Handmade wooden puzzles are a prime example of this; each puzzle is unique, and the pieces only fit with the ones they were originally cut with. If the puzzle pieces become mixed up, it is challenging and time-consuming to fit them back into the correct puzzle.    

  My Ornaments The Victorian-style wooden butterfly Christmas tree ornament is a unique addition to any holiday decor. Handcrafted and finished with clear shellac, each piece is made from natural wood, ensuring that no two ornaments are alike. This uniqueness means that variations in wood grain, color, and knots contribute to its charm and character.   When purchasing this ornament, keep in mind that slight differences in appearance and wood thickness may occur. These variations are not defects; rather, they enhance the item's overall appeal. If you have specific preferences regarding size or appearance, contact me before placing an order to ensure your expectations can be met.   Add a touch of elegance to your Christmas tree this year with this exquisite ornament that promises to become a cherished heirloom.

My Ornaments  After cutting out all the hippopotamus ornaments, the sanding process begins. The first step is to sand the edges. There is usually a slight bump at the beginning of the cut that needs to be smoothed out, and sometimes some shaping is required. I perform this step before removing the labels so that I can maintain the shape while sanding the edges. While sanding, I closely inspect the edges of the hippo ornaments under bright lights to identify any imperfections. In this batch, I discovered several ornaments I had neglected to cut the tails. I sent them back to the scroll saw for a quick cut. Sometimes, feeling the edges can help me locate imperfections that I can't see with my eyes. The sander I am using is a Delta 1x42-inch belt sander that I've owned for about 40 years. It operates at a single speed, so I have to be very gentle when using fine-sanding belts; otherwise, it can overheat and burn the wood. Similar to using a scroll saw, mastering this sander requir...

My Ornaments  If you're looking to enhance your holiday decor, consider a handmade Victorian-style wooden Christmas tree ornament. Crafted from reclaimed wood, these ornaments bring a unique touch to your tree. Each ornament is hand-finished with clear shellac. Since every piece is handmade, no two ornaments are alike. This individuality is part of the charm, as natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots contribute to the overall character of each item. It's worth mentioning that the item you receive may differ slightly from what you see in the listing photos. This includes potential variations in wood thickness as well. Such differences should be embraced as traits that enhance the ornament's appeal rather than defects. If you have specific preferences regarding appearance or size, it's best to contact me before placing your order. I am happy to discuss and accommodate your requests as much as possible. Proudly handmade in Tallahassee, Florida.