Handmade Fern Leaf Phone Stand Step by Step Using Proxxon Tools

This decorative yet functional phone stand combines a delicate fern leaf cutout with a sturdy base and cable access. The build uses a Proxxon scroll saw for the detailed leaf, a bandsaw for rough shaping, and a pensander for smoothing and crisping edges. The downloadable pattern for the stand is included with this post so you can trace and cut directly from the template.

Material and Equipment:

• 3/8 inch to 1/4 inch thick wood blank
• Painter’s tape
• Spray adhesive
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP
• Proxxon Scroll Saw
• Proxxon Pensander
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TMB 115
• Proxxon Delta Sander
• Fern Phone Stand ¼"
• Fern Phone Stand 3/8"

Let's Make a Fern Phone Stand:

Prepare the Template

• Download and print the phone stand template that matches the thickness of your wood. Print at 100% and verify the scale box. The template also includes an alternate frond design and a blank phone stand back.
• Mount the pattern on blanks. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the patterns easy without leaving any sticky residue. 
  
  
  

Cut the Shapes

• Cut the exterior shapes of the phone stand using the bandsaw.
  
  
  
• Use the bench drill press to drill pilot holes for the scroll saw blade in the interior shapes. 
  
  
  
• Cut the interior design using the scroll saw.
  
  
  

Sanding

• Smooth exterior edges with the Delta sander.
• Use the pensander to smooth the interior edges of the fern.
  
  
  

Finishing

• Select your finishing option—natural oil finish, polyurethane, acrylic paints, stain and varnish, etc.
• Use a small brush to work the finish into the cutout areas.

Carole

DIY Winter Cardinal: How to Cut and Finish with a Proxxon Bandsaw and Scroll Saw

Cardinals are a favorite symbol of winter and the holidays, and their bold silhouette makes them perfect for woodworking projects. I’ll show you how to create a simple wooden cardinal using Proxxon MICROMOT tools, plus share finishing techniques and creative ways to use your bird once it’s complete.

Supplies and Equipment: 

• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP or Proxxon Scroll Saw

• Proxxon Disc Sander

• Proxxon Delta Sander

• Proxxon Pensander

• Cardinal Templates

• ¼”–½” thick wood or MDF blanks

• Wood stain, acrylic paint, or colored pencils for finishing

• Clear sealer (polyurethane, lacquer, or matte spray)

Let’s make a Winter Cardinal:

Step 1: Prepare Your Template

• Print the Cardinal Templates and select your desired size.

• Mount the pattern on blanks. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the patterns easy without leaving any sticky residue. 

  
  
  

Step 2: Cut Shapes 

• Use the bandsaw to cut each shape of the cardinal.

  
  
  

• Alternatively, the cardinal pieces can be cut using the scroll saw.

Step 3: Sanding & Smoothing

• Sand any rough edges of the larger pieces using the disc sander.

  
  
  

• Sand edges of smaller pieces using the Delta sander. I mount my sander in the Precision Vice FMZ so I can have both hands free to manipulate the piece I'm working on. 

  
  
  

• If necessary, use the pen sander for tight spots around the beak and tail.

Step 4: Assembly

• Attach the wing to the body of the cardinal using liquid wood adhesive.

Step 5: Finishing Techniques

Here are a few ways to bring your cardinal to life:

• Natural Look: On wood shapes, apply a light wood stain and seal.

• Painted Cardinal: Use red shade of acrylic paint for the body, black for the mask, and orange for the beak. 

• Rustic Style: Try a dry‑brush technique with red paint over a stained base for a weathered effect.

• Colored Pencil Shading: For a softer, hand‑drawn look, layer colored pencils and seal with clear spray.

Creative Uses for Your Wooden Cardinal

• Christmas Ornaments: Drill a small hole at the top, add ribbon or twine, and hang on your tree.

• Magnets: Attach a strong magnet to the back for a seasonal fridge decoration.

• Wall Art: Mount several cardinals on a wooden plaque for a nature‑inspired display.

• Gift Toppers: Tie one onto a wrapped present for a handmade touch.

• Table Décor: Scatter painted cardinals across a holiday table for a festive centerpiece.

• Floral Spike: Drill a hole in the bottom side of the body to accommodate a ⅛” dowel rod. Cut the dowel rod to desired length, and glue in the hole. The cardinal can be used as an addition to a seasonal centerpiece.

This cardinal project is a wonderful way to practice either bandsaw or scroll saw shaping while creating something seasonal and versatile. Whether you keep the finish natural or go bold with paint, your handmade bird will add charm to your holiday décor—or make a thoughtful gift.

Carole

How to Make a Set of Hinged Houses for the Perfect Home Decor Piece

:A sweet, foldable row of miniature wooden houses that stand alone as a mantel accent or fold flat for storage — perfect for seasonal displays or gifting. This tutorial shows how to make a set of hinged houses using the Proxxon MICROMOT system.

Supplies:

• ½" Baltic birch plywood, MDF, or hardwood
• Small jewelry hinges with screws or brads
• Acrylic paint, milk paint, or stain of your choice
• Houses 1-2-3 Template
• Houses 4-5 Template

Equipment:

• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TMB 115
• Proxxon Scroll Saw
• Proxxon MICROMOT Flexishaft 110/BF

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Download and print the Houses 1-2-3 and Houses 4-5 templates.
2. Mount the patterns on blanks. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the patterns easy without leaving any sticky residue. 
   
   
   
3. Cut the exterior lines using the bandsaw.
   
   
   
4. Use the bench drill press to drill pilot holes for the scroll saw blade in the interior shapes. 
   
   
   
5. Cut the interior shapes on the scroll saw.
   
   
   
6. If necessary, sand any rough surfaces.
7. Finish the houses with your choice of acrylic paint or stain.
8. Measure and mark the hinge placement. The lower edge of the bottom hinge should be ¾" from the bottom of the house. The top edge of the top hinge should be 2¾" from the bottom of the house.
   
   
   
9. Mark the hinge holes on the houses. Drill pilot holes for the hinge screws using the flexishaft mounted with an appropriately sized bit.
   

Options and display:

• Folded configuration: Houses nest flat for storage or shipping.

• Standing row: Open hinges so the set forms a zig-zag freestanding vignette. 

• Illumination: Add battery operated tea-lights or LED mini string lights behind the windows for a warm glow.

• Seasonal swaps: Paint holiday themes and interchange tiny accessories (mini wreaths, pumpkins, snow dust).

These hinged houses make delightful gifts or seasonal centerpieces — small in scale, big on charm.

Carole

How to Make the Perfect Autumn Decorated Wooden Pumpkins to Spice Up Your Fall Decor

 As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there's nothing quite like cozying up your space with handmade autumn decor. If you're a fan of rustic charm and love working with wood, crafting wooden pumpkins is the perfect seasonal project. With the precision and versatility of Proxxon tools, you can create stunning pieces that bring warmth and whimsy to your home.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own wooden pumpkins that will last for many falls to come.

Tools and Materials You'll Need:

• Plywood or reclaimed wood (¼" to ¾" thick)
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E 
• Proxxon Scroll Saw
• Proxxon Disc Sander
• Proxxon Delta Sander
• Acrylic paints
• Pumpkins Template
• Assortment of twines, yarn, or narrow ribbon

Let's Make a Wooden Pumpkin:

1. Design Your Pumpkins—Download and print the Pumpkins Template, or sketch out a few pumpkin shapes of your own. Mount the patterns on the wood blanks. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the patterns easy without leaving any sticky residue. 
   
   
   
2. Cut Out the Shapes—Using either the scroll saw or the bandsaw mounted with Proxxon's extra narrow scroll saw band. This band is extremely narrow to allow for easy cutting of tight curves and radii.
3. Smooth the Edges—Once your pumpkins are cut, use the Delta sander to smooth out the edges and surfaces. This step ensures a professional finish and removes any splinters.  I mount my sander in the Precision Vice FMZ so I can have both hands free to manipulate the piece I'm working on. 
   
   
   
4. Detail for ¼" Pumpkins—I used a variety of thicknesses for my pumpkins from my scrap pile. I found the ¼" ones stand reliably, so I cut a small right triangle that I glued to the back of the pumpkins. Works like a charm!!
   

   

   
   
5. Paint the Pumpkins—There are lots of options for painting your pumpkins. Choose warm autumn tones like burnt orange, mustard yellow, or deep burgundy. Use acrylic paints to create a solid colored pumpkins, or one with fun designs. You can also opt for a distressed whitewash for a farmhouse vibe. 
6. Jazz Up the Pumpkins—Tie strands of twines, raffia, narrow ribbons, or yarn to the stem.

Ready to turn your workshop into a pumpkin patch? Grab your tools, some wood, and let the autumn magic begin.

Carole

Making A Vintage Inspired Trade Sign

 

Hi everyone!  Every year at this time I make and sell canned peppers. I wanted to make a trade sign to set up at shows where I sell them. Follow along with me and I'll show you how I created this.

Supplies:

   Proxxon Super jig saw STS/E

   Proxxon Longneck Angle Grinder LHW/E

   Proxxon Chop and Miter Saw KGS 80

   Proxxon Belt Sander BS/E

   1/2" plywood

   Trim molding for the frame

   Photo for advertisement

   Mod Podge

   Wide brush for applying glue

First, I created my picture. I took a picture of my jars of peppers then asked ChatGPT to turn it into a vintage trade sign.  After tweaking and I was satisfied with my results, I had it enlarged at our local photo shop.  

Next, I used Mod Podge to glue it to my sheet of plywood. Let Dry

When it was dry I used a ruler and marked about 1/4" out from the photo.  Using the Proxxon Super jig saw STS/E, I cut it out on the line I had just drawn.

After cutting it out I smoothed the edges a little using the Proxxon Longneck Angle Grinder LHW/E.

With edges now completely smooth, I now put molding around the edge to frame it in. I Measured each side and cut the trim at 45-degree angles with the Proxxon Chop and Miter Saw KGS 80 so it would look like a picture frame.

After all 4 pieces were cut I laid them on to see if they fit. A few of the angles needed sanded so I used the Proxxon Belt Sander BS/E to touch things up.

I removed them and painted them black, then let dry.  After they were dry, I simply glued them to the board.

Here's my finished project!!  I really love how it turned out.  I can't wait to use it at my next sale.

Thanks for following along. Till my next Proxxon project...Colleen :-)

How to Make the Perfect Wooden Layered Happy Birthday Sign

 Proxxon's scroll saw and bandsaw team up to make this layered happy birthday sign.

Here's list of supplies you'll need and the Proxxon tools I used:

• 6" x 11" blank up to ¾" thick for base
• 8" x 3" x ¼" blank for letters
• Acrylic paints
• Liquid wood glue
• Hanging hardware
• Base Sign and Happy Letters templates
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TMB 115
• Proxxon Scroll Saw
• Proxxon Delta Sander
• Proxxon Pensander PS 13
• MICROMOT Flexishaft 110/BF

Instructions:

1. Download and print the Sign Base and Happy Letters templates.
2. Mount the patterns on blanks. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the patterns easy without leaving any sticky residue. (Note: If you rearrange the letters, you probably can get them all on a smaller blank.)
   
   
   
3. Cut the exterior shapes on the bandsaw or scroll saw.
   
   
   
4. Use the drill press to drill pilot holes in the interior spaces for the scroll saw blade. Use a drill bit just large enough to accommodate the blade.
   
   
   
5. Sand exterior edges using the flexishaft mounted with a sanding disc.
   
   
   
6. Use the pen sander to sand interior edges and tight angles.
   
   
   
7. Paint the base and letters with your choice of acrylic paints. Set aside to dry.
   
   
   
8. Glue the letters to the sign base.
   
   
   
9. Celebrate!!
   

Carole