tips for portraits

[Dennis Key]

I am wanting to start scrolling a few portraits. I was wanting to know if there are any tips anybody might could give me before I start

I have seen several Pictures of Jesus that I would love to do

[Ron Johnson]

Good day Dennis

 

If you go to the forum and scroll down to finishing stress you'll find a few members reviews that may be of help. Others I'm sure will chime in with additional tips which will pop more questions in your mind.

[LarryEA]

Start with a less complicated one.

Make sure ther are sufficient anchors or bridges to hold the work together.

Sometimes a work becomes too delicate because you did not study the portrait

pattern and plan for proper supports as you cut.

Two cuts too close together leaving a piece in crisis of falling out.

Look where you will end up at the end of a cut and do that before and during your cut.

 

Larry

[Sparkey]

Start in the middle and work your way out. When cutting a new cut, cut the side closest to one already cut or you will make a weak spot that could break. I normally cut the small fine detailed stuff first and larger parts last.

[amazingkevin]

Do the eyes first  if they don't get cut right the portrait is useless,They are delicate cutting.you could hide most other mistakes but not the eyes!

[Dennis Key]

thanks for the tips and the willingness to help the new guy  I appreciate all you all have said  .... Kevin I draw and if you don't get the eyes right it will take away from the picture I have thrown away pictures because I couldn't get the eyes right  so I understand what you are saying. 

[spirithorse]

I would suggest using the largest blade that can be used for the complexity of the pattern

so that you have more control. Even if I only need one cutting, I still usually stack cut

if using 1/8" material for the same reason (more control).

Have fun and God Bless! Spirithorse

[Phantom Scroller]

Don't rush it it's not a race. wax to top of the table & learn to swivel the work on the table and into tight corners and out again. practice,practice and practice again.

 

Roly

[bgloyn]

As others have said study the pattern and plan your cuts. I will sometimes scotch tape the cut outs in place for support a tip from another scroller. Take your time and things usually work out. Good luck.

[Lucky2]

Dennis, I've always started out on what would be the hardest or most difficult portion of the pattern first. After that I would cut the eyes, of course that is, if they weren't already the hardest part. When I'm done cutting these two areas, I'll usually cut from the center outwards.

Len

[ubgoofy2003]

I agree with Len on doing the most difficult first & then work the rest of the pattern accordingly. I always feel that if I do the most difficult first & make a mistake, then I don't have a lot of time invested in an unfinished piece. Just try what you feel you can do. Confidence is a great partner with doing your first works of Art.  Good Luck & enjoy scrolling.