Hower - Making Wooden Puzzle Playsets: 10 Patterns to Carve, Scroll & Woodburn

She bought a book on Santa carving and has been carving ever since. She earned her first blue ribbon in a carving contest for her dragon Smaug, and has since earned many more. She carves a variety of subjects; Santas and miniatures are her favorites. She often designs her carvings in Sculpey and relies on Ken to rough them out in wood using a small homemade duplicator; Carolea admits that she likes to carve details, but doesnt like the rough-out work. Carolea says that as she carves or scrolls, she is transported back in time to experiences of her childhood.

Youll just need to make a few simple cuts using hand or power tools to shape the box and separate the pieces, glue and screw the box together, and then add the details to the puzzle pieces. The pieces can be as simple or complex as you like. I usually woodburn the lines and paint the pieces. The woodburning helps to define the shapes and separate the paint colors, but you can leave it out if you prefer. I also enjoy shaping the pieces with carving tools. Like the woodburning, carving is entirely optional.

You could also cut the pieces from hardwood, woodburn the details, and finish them with clear lacquer, or even cut the pieces from pine and give them to kids to color with markers or paint pens. The projects are intended to be fun and versatile. This book includes two step-by-step projects: one shows the basic scrolling method and the other shows the carving method. All of the patterns can be used either way. These additional tips and tricks will help you get started on both styles of project.