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Sorry that it is out of focus and sort of shaky. It was a 3D pic on FB so it didn't copy well. I'll clean it up and try to make some sort of pattern. I just love the sentiment.

This Sculptured Fretwork portrait of an Eagle Bust (my go to subject) was made from a slightly modified and resized pattern by G&K Woodworking to suit an 11” x 14” panel. I used nominal 1” x 12” Poplar purchased a Lowes as I did not want to invest a lot of money for any expensive wood as this was my first attempt at doing a sculptured portrait. The fretwork was cut using Pegas #1 Spiral blades and the panel was affixed to a painted Black 1/4” thick BB Ply Backer after sculpturing and coloring was completed. I would like to take this opportunity to give a big THANK YOU to Dick Mira for sharing information regarding the sculpturing and coloring process. I was his support and encouragement that gave me the confidence to try this kind of project. This first attempt was a very big learning experience. The first lesson learned is that the choice for an appropriate pattern is very important. Since I'm not capable of making my own patterns I need to utilize those made by others, and since most are not made with sculpturing in mind they may often need to be modified somewhat. I quickly learned that the sculpturing process is not easy, requires a lot of attention to details and a lot of hand sanding. I also learned that the sculpturing and painting process is very time consuming, especially waiting for the finishing materials to dry in between coats. I also made a custom Poplar Frame embellished with some premade decorative trim. The frame was stained with Minwax Red Mahogany and the trim colored with a light coat of gold(ish) colored paint. The frame is protected with multiple coats of Wipe-On-Poly. Edit 12/28/20: It will be a little while before I upload a new photo. Decided to take some of the comments and suggestions to heart and work on the background. Edit 1/3/21: Here is my Eagle Bust Portrait with a colored bacground. I saw a photo of a real Eagle with a blue background that had fuzzy stars. Could not figure out how to make my stars fuzzy. The two coats of the blue poly/paint mix over the original poly finish took forever to dry. Then the stars, using a stencil and spray can white, and another coat of Wipe-on Poly.

I use the scraps to make cheese cutters.

I dont know if any one will be interested or not but figured i put this up just in case. Im real big into recycling. Instead of buying the wood hangers all the time i use the pop tabs from soda bottles... all you have to do is take off the thin part that covers the hole and then you can nail them to back of plaques and pictures , just mmake sure you leave a little bit over the edge or you can bend the back a little so a nail or what ever can be slid into the hole ..... just an idea if anyones interested

I have glued together many scraps into blocks and made band saw boxes with them,

I am not an expert. So take my observations as my way of my learning. I tap and zoom into the picture and I can see the gold hilights on the frame on the beads. This takes a lot of patience and steady hands. The feather texture i can see the carvings around the edge of the head. This seams like the pet bird I had. So you caught the texture pretty well. The dark feathers on chest seem to be the hardest. I was thinking how would I capture this. I have no clue. Now that I answered my question, I zoomed out and looked at the whole scene. I seems like you captured pretty good. The shoulders do have contours and that enhances the portrait really well. Maybe the background wood could be lightly blue washed for getting the viewer to think sky. The black backing is the best to capture the 2 tone dark feather areas. It also captures the twisting of the white neck feathers. I like like it.

I stack cut these 2 wolves and stained them differently. Cant decide which I liked more, so I thought yall might give me your opinion.

Good tip.......I had not thought of that

I'm not sure if I like one better than the other but both are very nice

I love the first one !!

I like the 2nd on best It just showes off the wolf in a different light. IKE

Out of the two, I like the second because of the contrast, but I don't really go for the burnt look. Suppose I saw too much of that in 70's

A really nice job of cutting. They are both very nice. But the bottom one really jumps out at me and is my favorite.

They are from Steve Good, I cut them and my wife painted them.

I would have to choose the second one but had you stained th the backer board behind the wolf head black and left the the rest as it is, I would have voted for number one Dick H heppnerguy

You nailed this pro was the first time out. Great job. I expect to see a lot more of this newly discovered art. My hat is off to you

Well for your first piece I think you did an awesome job. Onward and upward Frank. Marg

Frank, it is with great pleasure that I have the opportunity to say CONGRATULATIONS on completing your first carved fretwork Eagle. Eagles are one of my favorite subjects also. It was a pleasure working with you on this project because you studied and evaluated your pattern prior to starting, made plans for scroll cutting and carving ahead of time, and followed instructions for power carving and for color staining and finishing. Great job on the eye and beak. I couldn't ask for a more dedicated "student". Job well done!!!

They are both very nice but I prefer the second one hands down.

The background is just the un-stained Poplar finished with poly. Poplar is not a very pretty wood and was only used as it wsa all that I could find localy, Did not want to use Pine and Oak was too coatly to experiment with. Wasn't sure it was going to come out even as well as it did. Think I'll shoot another pic tomorrow with differet lighting to see if I can improve the view of the frame.

Done quite a few,,, I use both spiral and flat.... Welcome to the forum... Glad you have joined us.

Well ome to The Village. I've cut several of charles' patterns and used a flat blade for 95% of the cuts. I only use spirals for the parts that I can't get to with flat blades.

Thanks for the warm welcome folks. Thought I’d share some work thus far:

Finally finished this little guy. Used Pegas #1 MG blades. Not a difficult cut, but lots of pilot holes to drill. Very few straight lines, all of them around the borders, so this would lend itself well to spiral blades.

This work is using power carving tools with a Dremel or the like. My carving chisels are still available if you are interested.

I prefer the ones with the screws. I do a couple craft shows and I have had a few of the hammer type get loose taking them on and off the rack multiple times but I have never had an issue with the screw type. I typically do not drill a pilot hole but I use an awl to make a small starter. I buy my hangers made in the US usually 100-200 at a clip. They cost about 8 cents a piece.

You my friend are a professional boxer!!!

That is a lot of very tight, very fine cutting!

I used a scroll saw for several gifts that I made this year. Snow Globe designed by Sue Mey: I made 37 of these and we sent them as greeting cards. Ornament designed by Steve Good & Frank Pellow: I made 24 of these. Cat(s) gazing out a window designed by Steve Good: Given to my sister Christine who has two cats Given to my daughter Kathleen who has one cat Curious Raccoon designed by Charles Hand: Given to my daughter Kathleen Koala designed by Charles Dearing: Given to Margaret (my wife) Given to my Daughter Kristel Fruit basket/bowl designed by Steve Good: Given to our neighbours Jill and Jane Jewellery tray designed by Steve Good: Given to Margaret (my wife) Wreath designed by Steve Good: Given to Margaret (my wife) Loggerhead Sea Turtle designed by Charles Hand: Given to my niece Isla Gnomes designed by Steve Good: Given to Margaret (my wife) Aquariums whose design is unknown: Given to my friend Margaret Li

1939 Graham-Paige Model 97 The Graham Brothers had started the Graham Paige Auto Company in 1927 after manufacturing and selling kits to modify Ford Model T’s. Even though they began shortly before the depression, the company was successful because of the car’s quality and their “Blue Streak” 8-cylinder engine and the introduction of a crankshaft driven super charger. Their innovative cars ran in many prestigious races including several French Gran-Prix’s and the won the Concours D'Elegance in Paris. By the late 30’s their original design had become somewhat dated and they hired a new design team to accentuate the current Art-Deco style of the era. The 1938 model was named the “Spirit of Motion” and the forward rake of the front grill and fenders gave the impression of forward movement even when standing still. Similar to the Ocean Liner ads of the period showing the upward view of the prow of the ship cutting through the waves. It became better known as the “Shark Nose” Model 97. In 1940, production ceased. During WWII the plant was involved in war production and eventually the company was purchased by Kaiser Auto and eventually the Nash/ AMC corp.

I love old cars. That car is beautiful. Especially because it’s a convertible!

Yet another great car pattern from you. I still have three of your patterns to cut. Shop time is just around the corner, finally. I have a couple of requests to cut and then I will be able to get to them. I have ne.her seen a Graham in real life. Thanks for all you do for so many others, me included Dick heppnerguy

I think it looks great! Good job.

That's very cool!

Well Frank, for your first try, I think it came out great! Lots of room for improvement and innovation.

Nice sentiment Ray!

I've done no Charles Dearing patterns, but I make my own, sometimes from his inspiration. I have done 50+ portraits and I use Pegas 2/0 spirals exclusively. Once you get used to spirals, they allow so much versatility.

I like the Eagle, one of my favorite subjects but not real fond of the background that you used. Hard to see the frame in the picture, but from what I do see,, it looks pretty good.

The 2nd one for sure! I like both but I really like the 2nd one.

Also, most smaller saws have smaller tables. You could lack support for your work piece.

I think the second is the one that stands out the best. Good work on both though

I would go with the biggest throat you can afford. It is easy to cut small on a large throat machine but not so easy to cut bigger pieces on a small one. Yes there are tricks that allow you to cut bigger projects but they have limits and they do take practice and careful planning.

Personally I have to agree with Fish & R.A.. the bottom one has better contrast. I also have always liked the ragged edges look on may things. I guess the rustic appeal is the farm boy background showing through.

Hi David. Your 14" saw should be able to handle about 28" measured corner to corner. You may have to use a few additional blade entry holes to finish some cuts. If you use spiral blades you should be able to cut 28" with no troubles.

The cutting on both is nice. but...... The first one is a little nicer because it is darker, but the uneven tone of the wood/stain (?) is a distraction. Unfortunately I wont give any real acalades to either. Not sure if it is the choice of the wood or stain or both. And, just in my opinion, I'm not fond of the overly ragged distressed panel edges. The eye apealing presentation is just not there.

How did you guess?

You did good -it it runs, your probably good to go- their are a few adjustments you can make when it goes out of wack but mine never did -thats actually a very nice saw- my only problem is that it was too big - i like saws a bit smaller. I sold mine years ago - but should of kept it !

Hey your lucky most people think I am a little no a lot strange everywhere I go.

Made this for my nephew, he has to break it apart to get the $$$$. All layers have been glued together. I know you guys will call me mean Santa.