Treasures of the Sea

eNews: Short Cuts

Treasures of the Sea

Mix and match six elegant designs for a variety of display options

By Gloria Cosgrove
Cut by Linda Helgerson

I have always been fascinated with the flowing shapes of creatures that live underwater. These simple yet elegant images were originally designed as paper cuttings. Many paper cutting patterns are easily cut on the scroll saw, with little to no adjustments needed. Each of these six designs have their own integrated matte, so you can display them any number of ways, adding the perfect touch of the seashore to your home décor. Frame each panel individually, mount several in the same frame for a polished look, use individual patterns to decorate a box lid, or cut the patterns from paper to make an overlay for custom note cards.

Cutting and Finishing 

Cut the blanks to size with a table saw or circular saw to ensure straight edges. You can also stack cut these patterns, if desired. Attach the patterns to the blanks with spray adhesive. Drill the required blade-entry holes.

Cut the frets with a #3 reverse-tooth blade. Remove the patterns, and then sand away any fuzzies. Apply your finish of choice.

Materials

• Wood, such as Baltic birch plywood, 1/8″ to 1/4″ (3mm to               6mm) thick: 5″ x 7″ (12.7cm x 17.8cm) per design

• Wood, such as Baltic birch plywood, 1/8″ (3mm) thick: 5″ x 7″       (12.7cm x 17.8cm) backing board

• Spray adhesive

• Sandpaper: assorted grits

• Finish of choice

Tools

• Scroll saw blades: #3 reverse-tooth

• Drill with bits: assorted

• Table saw or circular saw

About the Author

Art has always been a part of Gloria Cosgrove’s life. Gloria started sketching as a child and worked with pastels, watercolors, oil paints, and created quilts before discovering scherenschnitte (paper cutting). Together with her daughter, Alison, she sold original art work and paper cutting patterns until 2016. 

 

  Purchase our summer issue!

Purchase Our Summer 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