Gingerbread Man Puzzle

Projects

Gingerbread Man Puzzle

This sweet design is a treat to cut and assemble

By Sarah Lyn Chamberlain

This time of year, there’s nothing better than a fresh batch of cookies baking in the oven. My family and I would always bake together, and gingerbread cookies were my favorite. This puzzle is an ode to the season and a delicious treat of my childhood. 

Getting Started

Choose a light wood; I prefer 3/4″ (1.9cm)-thick pine. Prepare the blank by sanding progressively through the grits to 220. Cover the surface with blue painter’s tape. For maximum stability, I recommend orienting the patterns with the grain running horizontally across the body. Photocopy the pattern, and then use spray adhesive to secure it to the surface of the tape. Use a small bit to drill blade-entry holes for the eyes and mouth.

 

Cutting and Finishing

Cut the project on a scroll saw, starting with the facial details. Go slowly and let the blade do the work. Once you’ve made all the cuts, remove the patterns. Then reassemble the puzzle. Smooth the front and back with an orbital sander, and then sand the edges by hand. Stain as desired; I used several shades of Minwax®. Once dry, apply several light coats of a clear gloss finish, sanding lightly between coats.

 

Materials

• Wood, such as pine, 3/4″ (1.9cm) thick: approx.                      6 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ (16.5cm x 21.6cm) 

• Spray adhesive

• Tape: blue painter’s 

• Sandpaper: assorted grits to 220

• Assorted water-based stains, such as Minwax®:                    dark walnut, gunstock, red oak

• Finish: clear spray, such as Rust-Oleum® 2X Gloss

Tools

• Scroll saw with blades: #5 or #7 reverse-tooth

• Drill with bit: small 

• Sander: orbital

• Paintbrush

About the Author

Sarah Lyn Chamberlain has loved woodworking since age five but did not start scrolling until she purchased her first scroll saw as an adult. She taught herself how to use it and hasn’t stopped since. Sarah enjoys intricate projects, but her favorite thing to create is playful puzzle designs. For more of Sarah’s work, visit her website at creativestuff.ca.

 

Purchase our winter issue!

Purchase Our Winter Issue Here!

For more articles like these, subscribe to Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts magazine.

Subscribe

Plus! Get mini magazines in your e-mail between printed issues with Short Cuts, our e-mail newsletter.

Subscribe to Short Cuts