It's A Process...

...and it usually starts with this. Wood; whitewood, birch, plywood, cedar, 2 x 4 's; a little of all of it! If you can get scaps, that's even better! Don't forget your blades, your sandpapers, glues, and hardware...it all adds up....and fast!

You need a good sharp pencil to draw out your patterns. Pay attention to your grain if you're using the pine boards! Sure can save your saw blades and the ease in which to cut out the wood. (This is a cabinet grade hardwood, which is even worse on your blades, but worth it since it's some of that scrap I was telling you about that's free! Plus it's got a nice painting surface.)

A good scroll saw can make a big difference...

A 1" belt bench sander can make even a BIGGER difference!

Don't forget to drill all of the holes before starting the sanding process!

Do not underestimate the use of a 4" belt bench sander! I could not even imagine doing all of this without either one of them!

And then you wind up with this; lots and lots of this!

I don't know how a 'crafter' could ever get paid fully for the amount of time they put in to cutting out their own wood. I love being outside, especially when the weather cools to a nice 75 degrees so it's quite enjoyable to me, however, it does take up alot of time! Just another session of 'therapy' for me!

GIVEAWAY #3...(CLOSED)

My, how time flies! I'm happy to say that I've finished the last of my Halloween and have a good start to my Thanksgiving. I can't wait until Christmas painting commences but that will wait until I've exceeded the expectations of twins for their much anticipated mermaid and cowboy costumes!!

Meanwhile....tell me what you think of these!

This is Casper!

You liked the larger pumpkin so much that I decided to make one about 2/3 it's size.

(This one measures 13" by 12")

Haunted Trio

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my fall leaf baskets!

Remember the silhouette of the Halloween Trio in the first Giveaway?

Here it is again with a different look.

Remember the rules?

Just leave me your name in a comment and tell me which one you like best. Want to be counted a second time? Then leave me a separate comment telling me you invited a friend to view my blog!

1st comment (i.e. Vicky Weaver: I LOVE the fall baskets)

2nd comment (i.e. Vicky Weaver: I invited Whitney to stop by)

Random will choose the winner. If a previous winner is chosen then I will choose a 2nd winner, too! Remember, also, that this is limited to the U.S.

Come back on Wednesday (Oct. 21, 2009) at 7:00 p.m. (EST) and I'll let you know who the winner is!

Thanks everyone!

Vicky

GIVEAWAY #2...(CLOSED)

Here's the 2nd part of my 'Fall and Halloween' Giveaway. I enlarged the pictures to make them easier for you to see the images. Rules are the same as last time. Leave me your name in a comment and which item you like best. Want a 2nd chance? Then leave me your name again in ANOTHER comment and tell me what PRICE you'd pay for the item.

(i.e. Vicky Weaver: I like the Lollipop Ghost) for 1st comment

(i.e. Vicky Weaver: I'd give you $1.00 for it) for 2nd comment

Seriously, though, your suggested prices will help to know what a person is willing to pay, especially in this economy (even though this 'stuff' is for next year!) Unfortunately, I'm sure our economy will still be struggling this time next year but we could always hope for a miracle, yes?!!

Large Hanging Pumpkin

' Scaredy Cat' and 'Lollipop Ghost'

Standing Ghost, Boo Letters, Pumpkin Patch (can also hang on the wall/door)

Some of these designs are mine but others are adapted from artists such as Heidi Markish (Standing Ghost).

This Giveaway is open to those only residing in the continental US.

(If by chance, the same person that won last time does so again, I'll give a second item away).

Winners are 'randomly' chosen.
Come back Wednesday evening (7:00 p.m. EST) to see who wins!!
Happy Commenting!