Cutting Ornament Blanks

I carve a lot of Christmas ornaments, mostly using the 'carving on the corner' technique. I am always asked how I cut the blanks. I use a jig I made out of scrap wood I had around the shop. I started by cutting a piece of 3/8" plywood to the length of my saw table, and screwing a cleat to one end. I then made a cut in the center of the plywood until the cleat met the saw table. I cross cut a 2" x 4" at 45 degrees on my miter saw and glued them to the plywood, this will be the cradle that holds the board while sawing. After the glue has dried, I attach the jig to the table by clamping the cleat to the table. I am cutting a 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" square board, but it will work on any size that will fit through your saw. Feed the board across the jig to cut the board diagonally. I have a fence set up and cut each blank to the desired length of the blank. This technique is accurate, fast and easy. Now on to carving ornaments.....

Big Shoal Country Fair

On Saturday, September 8, Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum hosted the Big Shoal Country Fair. It was a cool, rainy and windy day. But fellow woodcarver Kerby Vincent and I stuck it out along with other local artists and crafters. Pickin' on the porch, was local band Knobtown Skiffle Band. They entertained everyone with "old-timey" music. The trio consisted of an upright bass, washboard, guitar and dueling kazoos. Met some new friends and sold a few carvings. All in all it was a good day!

,