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Peruvian walnut and Canary 3/4+ thickness wood. The tree has multiple layers. I again used Dave's @Dave Monk technique for layering the tree. If you look closely you can see an old fence in the distance. p.s. I painted the painting yesterday to compliment the tree...

Here's my latest work. Old cedar fence boards and a cedar crawfish.

From time to time I met such projects as US states with their borders and symbols, but they were quite simple: just contours or not detailed. I thought it will be interesting to make such layered patterns in one style. But I doubted for a long time: this is a huge amount of work and I do not know how popular scrollsawing is in different states. After all I decided to do it - it was a real challange for me. Last two weeks I was working non stop to be in time for the Midwest Scroll Saw Trade Show (August 4 and 5, 2023). By the way special thanks to Jim Ellenberger, who helped me with some usefull information and link, also he will present this US state set patterns at this Trade Show. Do you recognize symbols of your and other states? Interesting your thoughts, even if you will not plan to make these projects. Each pattern consists of 4 layers (3+background). There is no floating areas (one layer - one piece). Recommended thickness is 1/8 inch. All patterns are available at https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlexFoxUA

Just a note. When Marie cam to visit Heppnerguy and me, she brought the board she would use to make this picture with. On the board she had hand drawn the trees, and grass that she used as a pattern to cut. We had a great time discussing how she could accomplish it, believe me she had it pretty well all figured out. I would have been happy just hanging her hand drawn picture up on a wall.

Marie, you did a fantastic job. I love the fact that you incorporated many different woodworking and artistic techniques to create this beautiful art piece. Someone will be the lucky recipient of this piece of art! Dick Mira

I am jealous. You can fret, carve, mix woods, intarsia, layer, "muttle", and then you can paint. With all those skills and techniques you can make it even look beuatiful. Me. Mark Eason

Here are the dropouts from a tealight stand. I positioned the pattern to get the light colored ears. Quarter for scale. 1/4" elm, FD #1 polar blades, no finish. Pattern by Steve Good. This is why I like the small blades; I can get a twofer.

My version of "The Punisher"

I have a cardboard tube, from wrapping paper, that I use for old blades. Taped one end. Still filling it!

I have a large plastic bottle I put sharp things in. I'm very careful with anything that might get stuck in a tire or foot. Pretty much any sharp thing goes in that bottle. The magnetic tray holds them until I decide that it needs to be emptied.

Awesome work Marie. I really like your creative ideas. Your work is like a breathe of fresh air. Very beautiful.

Fantastic finished product! I think you painted the perfect background picture to go with it. Love the fence plus the way you did the painted grass next to the wooden grass tied the two together well. I can almost smell hay.

Beautiful work @MarieC

I was able to tackle another of Jim Blume's Americana series, this being Americana 2, Grandpa's Boot. It's cut into 1/4-inch Maple stained with Minwax Natural and has a 1/4-inch Pine backer painted black. The frame is custom cut Pine and stained with Minwax Ipswich. I thought it was neat that the grain in the frame met at three of the corners. The other two welcome signs are from Steve Good and cut from 1/4-inch Maple with a Lauan backer painted black. The Maple was stained with Minwax Espresso. All the pieces have multiple coats of Polyacrylic with light sanding with 500 grit paper between coats. I have a craft show in August and it is to be at a dog training facility. I expect there will be a lot of dog lovers coming through... hence the dog welcome signs and other dog pieces I've made recently.

Having fun cutting these birdhouses. Been using scrap material of what ever I have and cutoffs from the hardwood dealer. Have cut 50+ with at least the same waiting to be cut. I like the different colors in some Cedar pieces and the grain in the Cypress is nice. Even tried something different with the sock shaped one. Painting the birds different colors and cutting some from Purple Heart and other woods.

Well, as people have noticed I have been quite the Welsh Love Spoon maniac of late... All thanks to James WeIch! I said I was going to take a spoon break (I lied and posted those) and do some clocks. Well, here is one that I just completed yesterday, just waiting for the finish to cure so I can do a 3000 grit final sanding. I also decided to fit the brass finish clock insert vs the silver. It is made out of oak, ang finished with Old Masters satin polyurethane gel. Rocking chair clock measures 6h x 5d x 6w Pattern comes from the Fox Chapel book: Miniature Wooden Clocks for the Scroll Saw ps: I have four more clock inserts, so I need to make some more

What is the best book for a beginner? Maybe tips and some easier patterns. However, I am a believer that you don`t get better doing all easy things. You only improve by challenging yourself. I never realized that scroll sawing could be so relaxing and so addictive at the same time. So much fun.

I bought that book and did cut one of the patterns. I also tried some of the practice patterns. They were boring. So I found a nice butterfly pattern and some plywood and just went at it. It'snot as hard as it looks. Blade selection was more of a problem but even there I just jumped in and figured it out. Still leatning after 8 years but if it wasn't challenging, it would not hold my interest.

This has turned out to be a good topic. Thanks for the participation everyone. I'm looking forward to more replies. I think i picked up something from every reply.

Dick, thank you! That is an interesting point, I am unsure what I am going to do with this. I just had it bugging me in my brain to make it.... and with Dick @heppnerguy and Paul's @Scrappile help with the logistics of how to make it all come together (from my drawing), and then later bouncing ideas off of @Charlie E for the background, I was able to complete it....So, I feel it was a group effort. I am certain it wouldn't be as nice without all of their help. I am thinking of entering it in the Spokane Interstate Fair for Judging. I would also like to make another one like it except with a nighttime theme. Thanks again.

fantastic job, it's beautiful

I need to update my pictures. My saw is in the center on the far end of my shed. On the right is a table with a box fan and filter, past that is a drill press with a small drill bit. On the table is all my blades, some files and sandpaper. On the left side of my saw is my large work bench with two sanders, most of my work tools on peg board. next to my work bench is another drill press with a large drill bit for larger holes. Under the table is a small vacuum sweeper.

These are physically on my saws today. Next week there might be something different. You may notice that there are a lot of magnets. I love magnets and have them all over my shop. The blades you see stuck to the magnets are used but not dull. All of my accessory lights are magnetic. Most of my tools are within two or three steps of the saw. I always have the remote control for the vacuum clipped somewhere on me. If I have my shop apron on, I'll have an assortment of pens and pencils, and small tools in the apron pockets. A square for checking my blade. Spring Clamps are used when cutting 3D Pieces that need to be held together. I use a pin vice and drill bit to clean out drilled holes when the blade does not go through. It is also handy for pushing out tiny pieces of wood that sometimes get wedges in the cut. This is a tool I made for loosening blade clamps when they get stuck and/or my fingers get sore. I should add a magnet to this. When I made it two years ago I did not think it would last long. I use a magnetic tray for storing worn and broken blades and other small bits pieces. I don't put sharp pointy things in the trash.

Charlie, Thank you for noticing!

Oh, I am so happy Patti liked it. It was so nice meeting her when I was over there. Please tell her 'Hi' for me!

@MarieC, just wanted to add, showed the picture to Patti, because she saw you concept drawing on the board.. Her response is WOW!

You do nice work Ralph. Don't be afraid to try something new. The worst that can happen is it becomes firewood.

You are a true artist. Did you paint the background?

Another beautiful picture Marie! You have taken scrolling to a very high level. Wonderful job!

Hmmm.. I had to think about this. I have a little within hand reach when I am at the saw. But I have a pick, a small piece of 1/4 inch wood, a small angle, sharpening stone I use on the blades right under the saw. (you can see the pick). Down below I have a lot more stuff, not really in hand reach. But my sanding and gluing box, and then a cup of different picks and scrapers. Also, when I spin my chair, I have my drilling, sanding, and carving station right there. However, I put all my tools away at night, after cleaning, oiling and sharpening, then take out what I am going to need just before I get started. Does that count? The devices behind me, are all foot pedal operated, I also put them on a vacuum switch, so that turns on a few seconds after I hit the foot pedal and then runs for 5 seconds after. You can see the black hose that I can move to each station to direct the vacuum suction. I also have hand held controllers for lights and the window a/c. (Mid-Atlantic here).

I have some small pliers and my bits and drill and such pretty handy. If I actually need another tool I have it just far away that I will have to get up and stub my toe or trip or something like that before reaching it. That is of course after I drop a bunch of stuff.

I have never seen a rocking chair clock before, that is very nice and I like your choice of wood. Great work!

Another beautiful piece of art, a true craftsman as always, RJ

Great cutting. It looks beautiful/ Love the spoon idea to.

WoW Dave, you do such awesome work. I can only dream of trying to do something like that.

Such a stunning piece. Another heirloom piece.

Another work of art you have crafted Dave The recipient is going to be in awe and the giver will have earned major brownie points.

Beautiful work. What type of wood?

That is so beautiful. I love the Hibiscus, you did an awesome job on them. Excellent work as always Dave. Marg

I had to look close at the top drawer, a no, not drawer. Nice blend of front . Wow that flower top is beautiful. Me. Mark Eason

That is awesome Dave. Very beautiful work.

That's phenomenal, Dave! Such cool joinery. I can picture someone 100 years from now imagining the maker. I've got to try making some boxes for my grandkids.

Beautiful Dave. I envy your talent. Jerry

Beautiful and definitely needed patience and a steady hand. Looks great in Mahogany.

I think we need to start an "addiction" thread. As I looked at your mini-bird houses, I was thinking about how I recently became addicted to Weslsh Love Spoons. I wonder how many other people veer off for a while and just obsess over one thing.

Three fun and delightful projects. Well done. The first one tells sort of a story in itself. Dick heppnerguy

yep companies like this are here to serve us not us to serve them.

One of my customers requested that I make a box for them with a magnolia blossom inlaid into the lid. This is what I came up with. I made five of them because I like it and think others may like it also. I got the image through an image search on the web. Flower is made of maple and Bois'darc and leaves of poplar. Box lid is made of eastern red cedar. (aromatic)