Make the Perfect Rabbits and Flowers Spring Decoration Using a Proxxon Scroll Saw

Spring is in the air, and what better way to usher it in than with this rabbits and flowers decoration. This is a great scroll saw project to get comfortable with interior cuts.

Here are the supplies and equipment that you'll need: 

• Rabbits and Flowers Template
• 8½" x 6½" wood blank
• Acrylic paint or finish of your choice
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP
• Proxxon Drill Press TMB 115
• Proxxon Scroll Saw 
• MICROMOT Flexishaft 110/BF
• Proxxon Pensander PS 13 

Instructions:

1. Download and print the Rabbits and Flowers Template. Mount the pattern on the wood blank. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the pattern with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue.
2. 
   
   
3. Cut the exterior lines of the pattern using the bandsaw mounted with the scroll saw band. This band is very narrow and capable of extremely tight cuts. Alternatively, these lines can also be cut using the scroll saw.
   
   
   
4. Drill pilot holes for the interior cuts using the bench drill press.
   
   
   
5. Thread the scroll saw blade through the pilot holes and cut the interior shapes using the scroll saw.
   
   
   
6. Sand any rough edges. The flexishaft mounted with a sanding drum and the pen sander are perfect for sanding the inner edges and tight spots.
   
   
   
7. Coat the decoration with your choice of finishes. I used two coats of white gesso, then stippled a coat of sage green acrylic paint.
   

Carole

How to Make Custom Wooden Stamps with Proxxon Tools

Take your stamping art to a new level with your own custom wooden stamps made with Proxxon MICROMOT tools.

Supplies and Equipment:

• 1/8" to 1/4" thick wood scraps
• ¾" dowel rod cut to 1½" to 2" lengths
• Liquid wood glue
• Painter's tape
• Wooden Stamps patterns
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP
• Proxxon Drill Press TMB 115
• Proxxon Scroll Saw 
• MICROMOT Flexishaft 110/BF
• Proxxon Pensander PS 13 

Instructions:

1. Print and cut out your choice of Wooden Stamps patterns. Alternatively, you can draw your own patterns. Coloring pages are an excellent source of inspiration.
2. Different wood blanks give a different look to the finished stamped image. Experiment with several—plywood, MDF, solid hardwoods, etc.
3. Mount the pattern on the wood blank. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the pattern with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue.
   
   
   
4. Cut shapes using the bandsaw or scroll saw.
   
   
   
5. For interior cuts drill a pilot hole for the scroll saw blade using the bench drill press. A piece of waste wood under the blank helps to reduce tear out.
   
   
   
6. Cut interior shapes using the scroll saw. 
   
   
   
7. Sand the edges of the stamps using the flexishaft fitted with a sanding drum.
   
   
   
8. Sand tight areas using the pen sander.
   
   
   
9. Glue the stamp to a length of ¾" dowel rod for the handle.
   
   
   
10. Use acrylic paints or ink pads with the stamps to create unique works of art.
    

Carole

How to Make the Perfect Valentine's Day Wall Plaque Using Proxxon Tools

Celebrate Valentine's Day with perfect wall decoration. 

Supplies and Equipment:

• Wood blank 7" x 3½" x ¼"
• LOVE template
• White acrylic paint or gesso
• Mod Podge
• Valentine themed paper napkin
• Artist's paint brush
• Twine or thin ribbon
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/EP
• Proxxon Drill Press TMB 115
• Proxxon Scroll Saw 
• MICROMOT Flexishaft 110/BF
• Proxxon Delta Sander
• Proxxon Pensander PS 13 

Instructions:

1. Mount the pattern on the wood blank. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape.
   
   
   
2. Mist the back side of the pattern with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue.
   
   
   
3. Cut the outline of the letters on the bandsaw.
   
   
   
4. Use the drill press to drill a pilot hole in the heart shape to accommodate the scroll saw blade.
   
   
   
5. Thread the scroll saw blade through the pilot hole, and cut out the heart shape.
   
   
   
6. Sand edges using the Delta sander. The flexishaft mounted with a sanding drum is perfect for sanding the inner edges of the heart shape.
   
   
   
7. Use the pen sander to sand those tight areas where the letters connect.
   
   
   

How to Napkin Collage the Plaque:

1. Coat the sanded plaque with a coat of white acrylic paint or gesso.
   
   
   
2. Gather the supplies for the napkin collage: Mod Podge, paper napkin, artist' brush, and water.
   
   
   
3. Separate the napkin layers. You will only use the top, printed layer. Some napkins have three layers, so be sure you're using only the top layer.
   
   
   
4. Dilute the Mod Podge with water. I used about four or five parts Mod Podge to one part water. Coat the plaque with with the diluted Mod Podge and cover with the napkin. Smooth the napkin using the artist's brush. Use the brush—not your fingers—to manipulate the napkin.
   
   
   
5. Use a water line drawn with the brush to form tear lines on the napkin. Avoid using scissors which result in harsh cut lines. The tear lines form a feathery edge that is easy to blend into the collage. Note: You can use small motifs from different napkins using the tear line method, overlapping the motifs to create a unique collage.
6. Optional: Coat the plaque with very diluted Mod Podge (equal parts water and Mod Podge), and sprinkle with very fine glitter. Set the plaque aside the dry thoroughly.
   
   
   
7. Measure and mark placement of holes ½" from the edge and ½" from the top of the plaque. Use the drill press to drill holes for the hanging twine. Set the adjustable fence, and use a piece of waste wood to minimize tear out.
   
   
   
8. Add twine or narrow ribbon for hanging.
   
   
   
9. Optionally, you can eliminate steps 7 and 8, and add hanging hardware to the back of the plaque.

Carole

How to Make the Perfect Chopstick Rests

 These chopstick rests are perfect when using chopsticks. Their elegant, minimalist design enhance any table.

Supplies and Equipment:

• 5½" x 2" hardwood blank (I used zebra wood.)
• Chopstick Rest Template
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E or Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460
• MICROMOT Flexishaft 110/BF
• Proxxon Delta Sander 
• Chopstick Rest Template

Instructions:

1. Mount the pattern on the wood blank. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the pattern with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue.
   
2. 
   The Chopstick Rest Template has pattern options for cutting three rests at a time or cutting individual rests. I chose the three-up pattern. Cut the shape using the bandsaw or scroll saw.
   
3. Then, cut apart the individual rests.
   
4. Sand the curved edges using the flexishaft fitted with a sanding drum bit. Sand flat surfaces with the Delta sander.
   
5. The chopstick rests can be finished and maintained with mineral oil, butcher block oil, or high quality olive oil.
   

Carole

How to Make a Rocking Horse Needlework Frame

 This needlework frame was inspired by a piece that my sister stitched for my son over 40 years ago. I replicated the frame to make a similar one for my niece's baby boy.

Supplies and Equipment:

• 8" x 6" hardwood or plywood blank
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E or Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460
• MICROMOT Flexishaft 110/BF
• Proxxon Table Saw FET
• Proxxon Delta Sander
• FolkArt Antique Wax
• Rocking Horse Template

Instructions:

1. Use the table saw to cut an 8" x 6" blank from your chosen wood.
   
   
   
2. If necessary, sand the surfaces of the blank using the Delta sander.
   
3. Mount the pattern on the wood blank. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the pattern with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue.
   
4. Cut the rocking horse shape using the bandsaw or scroll saw.
   
5. Sand the curves using the flexishaft fitted with a sanding drum. Do any final surface sanding with the Delta sander.
   
6. Cut a 2½" circle in the center of the frame. This can be done on the scroll saw, but I raided my husband's tool chest and used his 2½" forstner bit. Either way, save the plug for mounting the needlework.
7. Finish the rocking horse with your desired finish. I used FolkArt's Antique Wax.
   
8. Add hanging hardware, then mount the needlework.
   
9. Enjoy!!

   

   
   

Carole