How Did She Do That???

Did you ever wonder how a crafter made their wooden decorative products?  It may look simple to you, but there are many steps to the finished product.  I would like to share my process with you...Here goes...

After much deliberation on what I want to make, I will print a pattern on oaktag, cut it out, then trace it on the piece of wood I have chosen for the project.  Then the cutting begins on my 40+ Year Old 12" Craftsman Band saw, which has been broken for the last 9 months until Thursday when I finally found someone to fix it for me.  I was so happy that he could get it going again that I cried HAPPY tears!  Here is my much loved Bandsaw...

When this one bit the dust, I purchased a new WEN Bandsaw in November, 2023.  I wanted something I could use until I found someone to fix the Craftsman.  What a joke...The new WEN has not been used because 5 people besides myself can NOT get the blade to stay on the saw.  Emails to WEN has produced no replies.  Should you be looking for a bandsaw try to find an old Craftsman.  They are worth the fixing up they may need.  They are so easy to operate.  The hardest thing is getting the cover back on after changing the blade or removing the saw dust.  The newer saws look like toys and are worthless if the blade won't stay on!  Also, they add extra things to make you think you are really getting something better.  When in fact, that little extra isn't needed and is just something else that will break.  Stick with a Craftsman even if it is an old one!!!  You won't be disappointed.

The fun part begins...cutting out the wood for my project.

Now, the sanding begins.  Each piece is sanded smooth so it feels good in your hand.  After sanding, each pieces is brushed so it is free of dust.  After dusting, all pieces are sealed. I use Gesso for sealing my wood pieces that are going to have an acrylic basecoat.  If I am staining the wood, then I don't add an extra sealer.

Once dry they are sanded again and then brushed.

Now that the pieces are sealed and sanded again it is time for the basecoat of paint.  I usually use acrylic paints when working with wood.  I prefer Folk Art Acrylic paints.  I like the consistency and the way it covers the wood so nicely.  It is also very quick drying.  I usually apply two coats for the basecoat...sometimes it might take 3 coats to get the finish I want.

 Here is where the creativity and painting skills come in...the details.

Once the details are painted on, I add a coat or two of water based varnish to protect my painting.These butterflies are made of 2 by 6 Inch wood, so they are heavy and chunky.  They can sit around looking beautiful or can be hung.  Each butterfly has two different hanging brackets and nails included that you can choose to hammer in should you wish to hang them.

After varnishing, the smallest butterfly was glued (E-6000) to the medium butterfly.  Once dry they both were glued to the big butterfly. Lastly, three pieces of jute were added to tie everything together.

You can purchase one of the butterflies here:  https://jamscraftcloset.com/products/3-d-butterfly-chunky-wooden-hand-painted-handmade-decoration-home-decor-kitchen-decor-gift-idea-unique-one-of-a-kind

My bunnies are simple wood cutouts from 1 by 4 inch wood. All steps were followed. The bows were glued on first, so I had an idea where to put the dotted eyes.  Once the eyes dried I then glued on the sparkly red glitter hearts for their nose.  I can add a child's name on the bottom of the bunny if you would like it personalized at no extra charge.  ;-)

You can find the bunnies here if you wish to purchase:  https://jamscraftcloset.com/products/farm-animal-simple-bunnies-wooden-hand-painted-handmade-easter-farmhouse-decoration-home-decor-kitchen-decor-gift-idea

I will add more to this blog as I complete the rest of the wood cutouts in my ToDo box.  Happy Crafting!  Judy