Christmas Friends

[Back2Jake]

I found the holiday issue of CWC in my mailbox today and before I even got a chance to look at the issue, my son asked me to make him one of the Christmas Friends designed by Bruce Worthington.


Thanks for the adorable penguin Bruce.... he's sweet and sure to be a familiar face around this place on the holidays.

Take care
Toni

[workin for wood]

Christmas already? I don't see a picture in you post.

[Back2Jake]

Ya.... no photo yet. Sorry....

I just cut, sanded and stained the penguin today. He should be assembled tomorrow, and then on to the snowman. I made a slight change to the penguin so he could be a free standing sidekick to the snowman.

I could see these being very popular this year.

Take care
Toni

[Janette]

They're already drawing attention in my booth at shows.

[Bruce]

Thanks Toni, I like the way Janette made them, they should be a great hit

[Back2Jake]

I see work on here from some scrollers who excel in their style, and I am amazed by the work. I've been scrolling/teaching for many years, and have also seen some beginners loose interest quickly because they or others compare themselves / their work to more advanced scrollers. Many beginners shy away from patterns they think are too difficult for them.

Christmas Friends are nice clean patterns, and the subjects are cute. I'm sure many (if not all) would agree Janette did a good job with your design, however, it's important for everyone to know that the patterns are well worth doing, for both the scroller's enjoyment and the potential sales for those who sell them.

I don't have a booth like Janette, but even on the work bench they are drawing interest from adults and kids.

Sorry I focused this thread on the pattern and the usability/enjoyment of the pattern in an attempt to encourage others to try it and failed to compliment Janette on her cutting of the pattern.

Last year there was some sleigh patterns in one of the magazines ... and at the moment, I can't recall who created or published them. The sleigh was the same regardless which ornament you did, however, the inside graphic changed from a present, candle, deer, star, light bulb etc. (there were more). Anyhow, this pattern was a fretwork one that again attracted a lot of attention. I enlarged the pattern and made table centerpieces instead of ornaments.

So remember to take a look at the Christmas/holiday patterns you have in your collection from previous years. Taking out those old magazines/books is like visiting an ol' friend.

Take care
Toni

[Wood Dog]

You are absolutely right about patterns Toni.......those sleds you spoke about were from Creative Woodworks & Crafts Nov.2007 issue, and patterns from Sheila Bergner-Landry and Tony Landry. You inspired me to try them when you posted that you had enlarged one. I made them all and went in the other direction. It was a challenge for me, but lots of fun. The key operative word I want to emphasize to new scrollers is have fun, don't measure yourself against the "experts". They were newbies at one time too.
It's the fun in this hobby that keeps the spark alive.

[Bruce]

I'm glad you appreciated the patterns as they were Toni. I catch a little flack sometimes because my patterns are not always the easiest ones to do. With these I tried to make patterns that would appeal to many people and also would be quicker than usual to make. ( great patterns to use up scrap wood ) I also like seeing them made in different styles. That's the great part about our woodwork, no two are ever the same.
Thanks Toni,
Bruce

[Janette]

Originally Posted by Bruce

With these I tried to make patterns that would appeal to many people and also would be quicker than usual to make. ( great patterns to use up scrap wood ) Bruce

They are adorable but don't let those cute little buggers fool you - they are a bit of a challenge (each in their own way)- especially that little teddy bear. Definitely worth the effort tho!

[Rolf]

I shrunk the penguin down to a 4 inch ornament, and will cut it very soon.