Just after Christmas this year I bought myself a scroll saw. It was a really exciting purchase because I wanted one for a loooong time, but I was intimidated by such a ‘big tool’. I don’t know what I was thinking, my little baby is just like the kitten of tools. Nothing to AT ALL to be afraid of!
I’ve been sharing my projects on Instagram for a few weeks now, and thought it was time I shared them with you too!
I’ve been hesitant to officially share what I’ve been working on because I’m still learning the tricks of the trade myself. I am planning on putting together some scroll saw beginner tutorials, with what I’ve learned so far, and take out any fears you might have about using this power tool.
As you can see the scroll saw is perfect for making intricate cuts like these script words. I just love making them!
I’ve had a lot of questions on Instagram if I plan to sell my signs. That question is still a bit unanswered, I’m considering it… but each sign is hand stencilled, cut, sanded, painted, glued and nailed. Very time consuming, and then shipping from Canada is crazy town. But yes, considering.
I’m loving giving some of my leftover PPG Voice of Color paint a good home!
Mod Podging on glitter might just be one of my favourite techniques, who couldn’t use a little extra glam?
As far as scroll saws go, I just have an 18″ entry level machine, but this Dewlat or Delta scroll saws would be my first choice if I had a bigger budget.
This Nova Scotia sign was a labor of love, I might move to Utah or Colorado if I had to make too many of these!
You can’t lie, I know you’re smiling when looking at this next one. The profile of the lens is the best part!
You may remember this MAKE sign from my home office craft closet makeover.
And last by not least Mr. Bunny Fou Fou, all cute in his floral tuxedo.
I’d love for you to follow along with the hashtag #scrollingprettythings to see what I’m scrolling up next. PLEASE if you’re a scroller yourself use the hashtag so I can see what you’re working on too!
Judi says
What a great post! And congratulations on getting your scroll saw. I too wanted one for quite some time before my husband treated me for my birthday – how many women would request one of these for their 55th birthday, lol. Anyway, like you, I’ve found mine really easy to use and absolutely love it when I have time to mess around and make something. I think any hints or tutorials that you make may well be useful to all of us scrollers, as we can all do with fresh input now and again.
Hope you’re having a fabulous weekend.
Judi in the UK
Virginia says
I think thats a great birthday gift! Finding time is always the thing eh? But I’m loving getting acquainted with this fun tool, thanks for visiting.
Claudine says
I love love LOVE your Nova Scotia sign! Wonderful artwork. 🙂
Jennifer Davey says
Love these! What a fun adventure a new tool brings.
Amy | The Happy Scraps says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE all the signs that you make. I love seeing them on IG, and I really hope you’ll share some tips for using them. I got me one of these 1 1/2 years ago, and still haven’t used it. My husband has, but I haven’t. I need to. I also have a Rockwell Bladerunner, and I’ve used it a little bit to do somethings like this. LOVE your signs!
Jen shears says
I am so loving your projects! I’ve had a scroll saw that I haven’t used in years- but am so inspired by you to break it out again. I’m really amazed at your intricate cuts- are you creating your stencil with your silhouette? That’s my new favorite tool!!! I can see that these tools would be so complimentary! Looking forward to your tips! 🙂
Colleen Pastoor says
Wow! These are so incredible, I’m impressed… and you should totally sell them because most of us don’t have the patience to try this. But would reaaaally want one 😉
Virginia says
Thanks Colleen, I’m thinking about it!
Brittany says
Do you have an etsy shop? Where can I buy the camera smile sign?
Virginia says
I don’t have a shop yet, I’m working on having them available. Thanks for inquiring!
Lauren says
Beautiful work, Virginia. If you wind up opening a shop, please let me know. I’d love to buy the camera “smile” sign. What a lovely gift for the photographer in your life. 🙂
Sarah @ Berry Barn Designs says
Not only do I want every single one of these, Virginia, but now I want a scroll saw, too! If you do end up selling them, I’m sure you’ll have a faithful following – so cute!
Virginia says
Thanks Sarah, a scroll saw is so much fun! I’m sure you’d love it!
Ged says
Virginia.
lovely quality work, I like the attention to detail and imagination you have used!
Kimberly says
I am in awe over your work! I’ve been following you on IG, and you are my favorite scroller. I found a saw today at a yard sale, and will be picking it up Monday. I can’t wait to get started! What material do you use for the words that go on your signs? And what blade do you typically use? Thanks for the inspiration!
Virginia says
Thanks so much! I use hardboard for the words if it is a sign for indoors, its cheap and easy to scroll. Spiral blades are awesome but hard to find locally.
Jessica says
What font did you use for these signs? Love it!
Virginia says
Its called Octavia, you can get it from Creative market
Erin says
Hi Virginia! I am a recent scroll saw user and I have been making things similar to yours (definitely not stealing your work though!) but I was wondering what wood you use for your letters? I normally use pine because of its affordability, but when I began to use a very thin pine (1/4″ I believe) it just wouldn’t hold up well and snapped pretty easily. Right now I use 3/4″ and I cutout mostly shapes (I’m on an animal kick right now! I just made a super cute fox) but I have SO many ideas for words. Can you help? Thank you!
Also, I wanted to say that I not only love your work, but I love your personality as well. You seem like such a kind and genuine person. Thanks for writing!
Virginia says
Hey Erin, thanks for dropping a line. I make generally signs for indoors, so I typically use 1/4″ hardboard. It is SUPER cheap, but I find birch is a great wood for signs you may be making for outside use. I hope this helps, I’d love to see your creations!
Erin says
Thank you for replying! Before I saw it, my husband recommended MDF and it has been working fabulously for me! I went ahead and bought some hardboard, but one of my favorite things about MDF is that it comes in smaller sizes. Our local store only sells massive sheets of hardboard (for a reasonable price, though!) and I have to have them cut it to even get it in the car. I’ve heard MDF can be tough on blades because of the glue it has in it, but I go through blades pretty quickly anyway, so I don’t think it matters. It doesn’t seem to be harming my blades yet.
I would LOVE for you to see my work if you’re interested! I’m on instagram @erin_grainydaysdesigns 🙂
Tiffany says
Love all of your signs! I am hoping to be getting a scroll saw maybe tomorrow…keeping my fingers crossed.
Virginia says
I hope you got one, so much fun!!
Mollie says
This is very inspiring to me because I have a scroll saw I bought about 15 years ago that I never have used. I’m a bit ashamed, but now maybe I can redeem myself!!
Thanks for bringing this by to our Throwback Thursday Link Party – I’ll be pinning this to our board, too, and Happy New Year!
Emmy says
Oh my goodness you are magical with that scroll saw! Seriously those are all so good and intricate! Very impressed
Lou Lou Girls says
Hello Fabulous! I’m just stopping by to let you know that your cute signs will be featured at our party that starts tonight at 7 pm! Woo Hoo! Pinned and tweeted. Thanks for sharing this with us and we hope to see you tonight! Lou Lou Girls
Kati says
I’ve been wanting a scroll saw for some time, but seeing your beautiful signs, now I really want one! And that gold glitter, love it! You do such beautiful work.
Cynthia says
Love your signs! You’re making me want a saw like this even though they make me nervous. Are you planning to do any tutorials? I’d love to know what fonts you used on the sewing machine and rolling pin signs. Love them!
Michelle says
You’re making me wish I had a scroll saw. I love the sewing machine and scissors.
Jennifer Dawn says
I adore these! You’ve made me want to run out for a scroll saw now. I especially love the one with the sewing machine! Gorgeous. If you ever decide to sell these, I’ll be the first in line. Oh, and I featured you at this week’s link party. http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/2016/01/6-amazing-sewing-projects-to-try-today.html
Virginia says
THank you so much Jennifer! xo
Ann says
I just saw your “how we roll” project on Flamingo Toes blog party and now I’m here, blogstalking your projects! Pretty much love all your stuff and putting a new scroll saw on my Want List. You do beautiful and creative work!
Virginia says
You’re so sweet Ann! Thank you for visiting!
Valerie@Occasionally Crafty says
Scroll saw work has come a long way! The only time I’ve ever used one is when I cut out a heart wood box in junior high shop class.
I just love all your work! Every time I see it pop up in my feed it just makes me smile. I’m glad you linked up to the Handmade Hangout last week- I’ll be featuring you today on my blog when the new linky goes live at 6pm ET. I hope you’ll stop by and link up again!
Virginia says
Thank you so much for visiting Valerie!
Holly says
Dang girl, you make the most amazing signs!! Holly 🙂
Lori says
Thanks for instructions! Do you use special fonts and print with Cricut
Really want to buy school saw
Pam D says
What scroll saw did you buy?
Virginia says
I use a Mastercraft and a Ryobi