Springtime Scroll Saw Crosses
It seems odd that I am writing about springtime today when my children and I are planning to go ice fishing this weekend. Here we are in the middle of February and still have lots of snow on the ground. Springtime seems so far away right now however, with the days growing longer a few minutes each day, winter is just about to be history.
This year Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow and as the legend says, spring should come early. I sure hope he is right. Regardless though, springtime is just around the corner and with springtime comes Easter and Passover.
This is the time of year when I start preparing for my most popular item for craft shows and gifts. With longer days and warmer weather, If I had to choose, my favorite season would be springtime, the season for scroll saw crosses.
Most Popular and Favorite Project
Over the last few years, I have made many
I have also given away many scroll saw crosses as gifts for various occasions. The cross itself has a very special meaning for many people and the reason why they are so popular.
Of all the scroll saw projects that I have done over the years, crosses are by far my favorite projects. They are usually easy to make and when finished, are very rewarding.
Start in Late Winter
Preparation usually starts in the late winter months with a fresh batch of handmade crosses. I usually start by making a few of my favorites because by this time of year they have either all sold out or I have given them all away. I also try to make a few crosses from newer patterns that I find or create. Every year I end up with several new favorites.
Wood Scroll Saw Cross Patterns
Scroll saw cross patterns can be found in a range from very simple to complex; however, the most popular crosses are usually patterns that I would consider to be beginner level. These patterns can usually be completed in as little as an hour to as much as half a day or more depending on your current scroll saw skills and the temperature of your basement or workshop.
Choose a Pattern, Then Practice
When I first started scrolling, a cross pattern would take me four or more hours to cut. Now it only takes half that time. You will get more efficient as you practice. Also, other factors can influence your speed such as the scroll saw itself or blade selection. My advice is to first choose a pattern that you like, then practice, practice, practice. With regular practice, you will get better. My favorite way to practice is by cutting a pattern that I really like.
My Favorite Patterns
Most of the patterns I have used are available for free from various designers. I have listed a few of my favorite scroll saw cross designers below.
Steve Good
Steve Good has many cross patterns available on his website that he offers for free. Check out Steve Good’s pattern catalog at https://www.stevedgood.com/catalog/ and search under the religion category.
Donnie Hollingsworth
I have also downloaded several patterns from Facebook pages such as “Foot of the Cross” by Donnie Hollingsworth.
Donnie is a disabled foundry worker whose scroll saw hobby has turned into a ministry to send crosses to special needs babies and children. Donnie says that he is led and strengthened by the Lord.
“Foot of the Cross Scrollsaw Art” is the name of the Facebook page that Donnie Hollingsworth manages. From this Facebook page, Donnie offers several patterns for free and also sells his finished crosses.
Donnie makes his crosses, along with help from his wife Judy and daughter Anna, in their small shop in Summerville, Georgia. No profit is made from the sales of his crosses and all the money earned, is used for materials and shipping.
“Foot of the Cross” is the name of the Facebook group that Donnie also manages. This is the group for “Foot of the Cross Scrollsaw Art”. The intent of this group is to post links to special needs babies and children, inspirational pages and anything uplifting or encouraging. Prayer requests are also welcome.
You can see Donnie’s Facebook page and group at:
https://www.facebook.com/FootOfTheCrossScrollsawArt
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefootofthecross
Scrollriffic Crosses
Scrollriffic Crosses, by Bobby Riggs, is another page available on Facebook. I have cut out several crosses designed by Bobby. One of the most popular craft show and gift items that I have made is the elaborate cross design called the “Ornate Fretwork Cross”. It was featured in the Holiday 2013 Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts (Issue 53.)
pattern by Bobby Riggs
This pattern appears to be a little more complex than others, at first. However, once you cut this one out a few times, it becomes fairly easy although it is a time-consuming pattern. At
Bobby has many patterns for sale. He also offers several free patterns on his Facebook page located at: https://www.facebook.com/Scrollriffic-Crosses-483543871739970/.
Sue Mey
Sue Mey offers a free cross pattern on her website called “Starburst Cross.” This cross pattern has been a very popular item for me. There are many long straight cuts for this one but it is an easy pattern to cut out. It would be a good pattern for someone new to scrolling. Check out Sue’s website at https://www.scrollsawartist.com.
Self Designed
You can design your own cross patterns as well. The Amazing Grace cross is an example of a very simple pattern I created using Inkscape. This is actually a very popular design, available for free online, and not one of my original ideas. I simply used a different font to create my own version of this cross. You can change the letters to spell out whatever you like. I have found some designs that say “JESUS SAVES”, or “GOD IS GOOD” for example.
To create and design my scroll saw projects, I use Inkscape, a free vector graphics program, which can be an extremely fun hobby in and of itself.
You can find Inkscape at https://inkscape.org/. Travis, at Scroll Saw Goodies, has some video tutorials showing how to use Inkscape to make scroll saw patterns. You can visit his website at https://www.scrollsawgoodies.com/.
Other Sources for Cross Patterns
There are countless sources of scroll saw cross patterns available. You can find them for free, as well as for sale, by searching online. Other sources are through social media, such as Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, etc. Facebook and YouTube have been productive resources for me.
There are many groups that you can join on Facebook and share your projects with. You can learn new ideas from the groups, receive positive feedback, and make new friends as well.
Your local book store may also have scroll saw pattern books and magazines available, such as Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts.
Species of Wood
I have made various crosses out of oak, walnut, cherry, maple, cedar, pine and poplar just to name a few. Personally, my favorite species is cherry wood; however, oak crosses seem to be more popular at the craft shows. I have also found that a satin finish seems to be more popular than a
These are just observations that I have made from craft shows I have attended. You will need to do some of your own tests to determine which species or finish will do better for your scroll saw cross projects.
Scroll Saw Cross 30 Day Challenge
I like to challenge myself this time of year with the goal of making 30 crosses in 30 days. This was a challenge that I saw on a Facebook group in the past and thought it was an awesome idea. When I begin this challenge, I like to start it so that it ends a few weeks before Easter.
For instance, if I start on February 20th this year, 30 days will be March 19th. This will give me time to get them sanded and finish applied before Easter which is April 21st. This is just in case a craft show arises, that I am able to attend, or they are available if I want to use them as Easter or Passover gifts.
I have to admit, due to other things I was doing last year, 30 crosses in 30 days was a close one and I almost didn’t make it. The thing that saved me was that I stack cut several crosses to get to 30. Stack cutting is when you stack 2 or 3 pieces of stock together, apply the pattern on top, wrap it in packing tape, drill the holes, and make one cut. Some in the scroll saw community refer to this as “stack em and whack em”. This makes it so that you can cut once and have 2 or 3 items.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mid-February is the time when I start to prepare for my most popular item, wood scroll saw crosses. Making springtime scroll saw crosses
Scroll saw cross patterns are also readily available from many sources. I sometimes see people that have purchased
I hope this has been helpful and you have enjoyed your visit. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments section below.
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Thank You and Keep on Scrolling
Scroll Saw Pattern FAQs
Where can I find scroll saw patterns?
Scroll saw patterns can be found in magazines and books however the easiest place to find them in this modern age is on the internet. Many are even available for free. We offer a few ideas for scroll saw patterns and where to find them.
https://scrollsawnewb.com/scroll-saw-pattern-where-find/
Where can I find free scroll saw patterns online?
50 of the Top Free Printable Scroll Saw Patterns available online. Skill levels for these patterns range from beginner to intermediate.
https://scrollsawnewb.com/top-50-free-scroll-saw-patterns/
Also, check out our page for even more free scroll saw patterns.
https://scrollsawnewb.com/more-free-scroll-saw-patterns/
Where can I find a teddy bear intarsia scroll saw pattern?
The intarsia Teddy bear pattern is only twenty-three pieces and comes with an easy to follow guide. If you are new to intarsia like me and looking for a beginner’s project, the Intarsia Teddy Bear pattern is the perfect pattern.
https://scrollsawnewb.com/intarsia-teddy-bear-pattern/
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