As I was looking over the 100+ tutorials I’ve done since purchasing this old farmhouse, I noticed just how many projects I’ve done using my Scroll Saw! And who doesn’t love scroll saw ideas!! It’s my favorite tool by far, and the very first power tool I ever laid my hands on. I’m constantly getting emails asking what scroll saw I use (this one!), and there are SO MANY creative things you can do with a scroll saw… I thought it would be fun to do a round-up of all my Scroll Saw Tutorials so you can see them all in one place and be inspired to try something new!
I love getting scroll saw ideas, and I’m sure you will too! Here goes!
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Scroll Saw 101 – breaking it down for beginners!
This first one just pretty much goes through the basics of scroll-saw-ing <-WORD. It seemed natural to start with it. If you’ve never run a scroll saw before, give this one a quick read and you’ll feel so much more prepared! And don’t forget… you can always practice around on wood scraps! THERE’S NOTHING TO LOSE!
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Scroll Saw Rainbow Art (Scrolled by my 9-year-old, Paisley!)
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Wood and Macramé Hanging Planter
This scrolly mirror is so fun and unique, not to mention simple and inexpensive to make! It’s just a slab of MDF and a cheap square mirror affixed on! I go back and forth between hanging it on the wall and using it as a centerpiece on the dining table. Of course when I don’t have any fresh flowers (HINT HINT Babe, Valentine’s Day?) I’m less likely to need it as a centerpiece.
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These Botanical Trivets are cut from inexpensive bamboo cutting boards, and are SO FUN to make! This tutorial includes the free scroll saw patterns as well!
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I’ve got a free scroll saw pattern for you to use on this cute Scroll Saw Wooden Nativity that could be used as a puzzle for kids OR holiday home decor!
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Butcherblock Silverware-themed Trivet
This fun and funky trivet is such a great gift for the foodie in your life (or anyone that eats food, really). It’s fairly simple to make and has so much personality!!
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Personalized Wooden Name Plaques
These wooden name plaques are perfect for a kids room or nursery! OR would look great on a gallery wall with your family’s last name! The ‘arrow’ detail adds a fun twist too!
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Scroll Saw Wooden Topography Map Art
This piece of art is just about as custom and sentimental as anything ever could be. It’s the ACTUAL topography of our property! And I made it for Nick a few years back. It’s one of our favorite pieces in our gallery wall!
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This circle monogram sign is FUN to make, and fairly simple as far as DIY projects go. Would this be a great gift for that person ‘that has everything’?!
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This clock is more an artsy statement piece than a clock, but I love the whimsy that it brings. And it’s soooooo much cheaper than the one I used as inspiration (YIKES).
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Bracket-shaped Barn Board Plaque
I still make these bracket-shaped barn board signs whenever I get invited to a wedding. I just think it’s a better gift than a hand mixer, OK? And cheaper too.
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If I remember correctly, this was the very first project I used my scroll saw on! The state of Illinois had a good amount of curviness for a beginner… enough to challenge me a bit, but simple enough compared to some states like Mississippi. If you live in Colorado or Wyoming, you could just use a circular saw! LOL!
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Sentimental Mother’s Day Plaque
File this one away for a couple months from now! Mother’s Day is coming soon! My mom still cherishes this plaque I made her, and I love that you can customize it to use words that describe YOUR mother. So beautifully sentimental!
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Scroll Saw Children’s Profile Plaque
If you have kids, this is such a fun way to display their silhouettes and celebrate those little ski-jump noses! I still die a little remembering Cypress’ spikey hair. THAT GIRL.
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These corbels were time-consuming to make (not gonna lie), but would be SO expensive to purchase. And I love the character they add to our breakfast bar! You could customize yours to look however you want! AND, I think they would be very cool holding up a shelf on the wall too!
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Broken ‘House Divided’ Sports Sign
Do you know I still get emails from people asking me to make them one of these? I just say NO! That’s why I made a tutorial for YOU! Although this DIY does require a steady hand for intricate painting in addition to scroll-sawing skills. I believe in you!
Wooden Paper Doll with Scroll Saw
My girls still LOVE playing with this Wooden Paper Doll, and affectionately refer to her as ‘Ginger’. Sometimes I even make a few more clothing items to continue expanding Ginger’s wardrobe. So.Much.FUN! And it’s great for car rides because the velcro keeps everything secured.
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Scroll Saw Wooden Monogram Wreath (fall-themed)
I know these are fall-themed wreaths, but this same concept could be applied to a wreath for any season! (remember my snowflake monogram? UGH!)… but the beauty is that you can make it as simple or as detailed as you want!
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Lots of fun scroll saw ideas and projects, eh? I hope you’re feeling inspired, and confident enough to conquer your scroll saw! There are just SO MANY options and ways to customize using the scroll saw. You can see why it’s my absolute favorite tool!
Be sure to also check out my post on how to apply a scroll saw template!
Happy Weekend! Go forth and be creative!
~Bethany
Thanks for pinning!!
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Hi ,, great work , just wondered what kind of scroll saw you are using ,, and where could I get me one ,, and the price if you don`t mind me asking? I`m from Canada ,, Thanks a bunch , and hope I hear back from you ,, enjoy the day … Claude.G
Thanks for the great info. I was thinking of trying some “intarsia” like this one: https://www.scrollsaw.com/collections/intarsia-patterns-for-the-scroll-saw/products/spring-delight-intarsia-scrollsaw-pattern — have you done anything like this?
I’ve kinda wanted to try Intarsia too. Let me know how it goes! 🙂
Luv the silhouettes! And all the other great ideas! But wow, a $900 scroll saw with an auto-tensioner? I drool over the $400+ DeWalt, I can’t even imagine owning yours! As it is, I bought myself a $70 WEN for my birthday last year. It’s a great beginner scroll saw, especially for folks who aren’t sure if they are going to love scrolling or not. :).
Hehe, thanks Kathy! YES I’m so spoiled with my JET scroll saw. It’s my baby!
Does your $70 one do the job? If so let me know. As it is I have bought a Cricut and can’t figure that out! Lol
Does your $70 Wen do the trick? If so please let me know! Ty
No, you definitely get what you pay for with scroll saws. I highly recommend getting one in the $400-$500 price point at the very lowest.
Oh my goodness Bethany, I was about to give up on my scroll saw and take it back to the store before I stumbled upon this post! Thanks so much for the “keep at it”! I have the same scroll saw you mentioned in the post, so I’m going to give it another go tomorrow, and hopefully I’ll do better than I did today. Again, thanks so much!!
Yayyyyyyyy! I’m so glad you’re inspired! I’d love to see pics of what you create!
I hope you know that I am one of your biggest fans and enjoy seeing these scroll saw projects. To answer your question, yes, I am still not used to you being “Reality Daydream!” I see the blog name come up in my blog feed and wonder who it is… but I’m slow and old!! LOL
I know… it must be so strange! Keep saying it over and over in your head until it sounds normal! 😉 Reality daydream reality daydream reality daydream… hehe! <3
Holy Scroll you must have read my mind. I got a scroll saw for my birthday after seeing a post by you a while back but haven’t used it yet. I was just marveling about how I have no ideas for it this morning. Awesome great timing ty ty!
Btw, how do we send you pics of my latest Daydream Reality knockoff creations?
Yayyyyy! How fun that you got a scroll saw for your Birthday! And I’m so excited you’re going to send me pics! You can email me at beth@realitydaydream.com (YAY!)