Simple paint tricks accent this classic design
By John A. Nelson
Scare off the gremlins around your house by hanging this witch in your window. Enlarge or reduce the pattern to any size and use nearly any thickness of wood. You can paint the project or use the natural colors of the wood. I painted the front and back of one of my projects, and I painted just the edges of the other one. Before you make your first cut, make sure your blade is square to your saw table.
TIP: Masking the Front and BackIf you plan to paint just the edges, apply a heavy coat of spray adhesive to the pattern and backing paper. That way, the pattern and backing paper will act as masks to keep the paint off the front and back of the project. |
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Making the Project
Size the pattern as desired. Apply two coats of black paint to the front and back of the wood, if desired. When the paint is dry, apply a coat of clear spray sealer. If you plan to paint just the edges, skip the black paint and apply two coats of clear finish to the front and back. Rub the finish lightly with steel wool. Wipe off any dust, and use spray adhesive to attach the pattern to the front of the blank and a piece of plain paper to the back (to protect the finish).
Drill blade-entry holes and cut the frets. Drill the 1/4″ (6mm)-diameter hanging hole, and cut the perimeter of the witch. Paint the edges of the witch black, if desired, and remove the pattern. Use mineral spirits to remove any excess adhesive. Sand off any paint that bled, and buff the piece with steel wool. Wipe off any dust and apply a coat of paste wax so the project feels as good as it looks.
Materials• Plywood, 1/8″ to 3/8″ (3mm to 10mm) thick: 8″ x 9″ (20.3cm x 22.9cm) • Spray finish: clear satin or gloss • Steel wool: #0000 • Spray adhesive • Paper • Paint: black • Mineral spirits • Paste wax |
Tools • Scroll saw with blade: #5 • Drill with bits: 1/4″ (6mm) dia. and assorted small |
| About the Author |
| John A. Nelson is the author of Fox Chapel’s popular Scroll Saw Workbook, available at foxchapelpublishing.com. |
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