Giving Thanks

We are doing a Giving Thanks scroll saw challenge over at Scroll Saw Village for the month of November.  So I made this word art project inspired by scripture.  From 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In all things, give thanks...”  Even outside of the Thanksgiving holiday, I think it’s a lovely reminder to be grateful for the things we have.

This video shows an expedited process of this word art coming together.  It was a fun project.  Enjoy the show!  

First I printed the pattern.  Since this is a large pattern (about 11"x10"), it has to be printed in multiple parts.  I just hold the printouts up to the light to line up the registration marks, then tape the two pieces together.

I like to trim off the excess.  I think it's easier to manage that way.  You may also want to cut away the overlapping flap where the two patterns meet up.

I wanted multiple copies, so I chose to stack cut the project.  Two pieces for the work of one.  In this case, I chose 1 sheet of 1/4" BB ply and 1 sheet of 1/8" BB ply.  I buy my Baltic Birch plywood from Amazon.  I tape them together with blue tape, then go around the edges again with blue tape.  We don't want these to shift while we cut.  So I make sure they're tight.

I use spray adhesive to the back of my pattern.  I wait until it becomes tacky like a Post-it note, then apply it to my wood stack.

I take the workpiece to the drill press and start drilling some pilot holes.

I start with the inside of the letters.  I work from the inside of the pattern to the outside, doing the small parts first, then the larger pieces.

Once the inside parts are cut out, we can cut away the perimeter.  We do this last because we're stack-cutting them.  If we released that first, there is nothing to hold the stack together.

I use a little bit of mineral spirits to spritz onto the pattern.  Once the pattern turns translucent, the pattern practically falls off on it's own.

I give the wordart a quick sanding of 220 grit sandpaper.  If you're using a power sander, just make sure you treat the delicate areas with care.  I'm using a sanding pad like this one, which helps support and control the workpiece without dinging it up.

I'm using Deft Wood Finish in a satin finish.  This is my favorite clear coat and produces a beautiful finish.