Search the Community

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! Step 1 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. Step 2 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. Step 3 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. Step 4 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. Step 5 I take the workpiece to the drill press and start drilling some pilot holes. Step 6 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. Step 7 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. Step 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. Step 9 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. Step 10 I'm using Deft Wood Finish in a satin finish. This is my favorite clear coat and produces a beautiful finish. Final