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Scroll Saw + Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Wood Shape Tutorial

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If you are a member of the Cutting for Business Insider’s Club on Facebook, you may remember that I got a scroll saw for Christmas. I’ve used it several times and feel that I am comfortable enough with it to write a tutorial today!

What is a Scroll Saw?

A scroll saw looks similar to a long arm sewing machine. It has a fixed blade that makes intricate cuts. The process of cutting wood is similar to sewing because you move the wood around to cut it on the blade.

My Scroll Saw

Santa brought me an inexpensive scroll saw with the promise that if I use and master it – it will be upgraded. Probably a good idea, because sometimes I am convinced that I need things and when I get them – I barely use them! (Anyone else?!) Here’s a picture of my scroll saw and a link to purchase it.

Scroll Saw + Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore Wood Shape Tutorial - Mason jar project - by cuttingforbusiness.com

Wood Shape Scroll Saw Tutorial

Supplies Needed

Prep work before the tutorial begins: Cut all shapes with your Silhouette or Cricut. For this project, I cut the mason jar shape in scrap cardstock and the text and heart in adhesive vinyl.

Scroll Saw + Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Wood Shape Tutorial - Mason jar project - by cuttingforbusiness.com

  1. Using a pencil, trace around your shape to create a line to follow when cutting. Scroll Saw + Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore Wood Shape Tutorial - Mason jar project - by cuttingforbusiness.com
  2. Cut the wood shape out using your scroll saw. Scroll Saw + Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore Wood Shape Tutorial - Mason jar project - by cuttingforbusiness.com You’ll see in this photo that I’m using my hands to guide the wood along my pencil line: Scroll Saw + Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore Wood Shape Tutorial - Mason jar project - by cuttingforbusiness.com
  3. Sand the edges of the wood shape. My cuts were pretty smooth, so I sanded it by hand. Scroll Saw + Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore Wood Shape Tutorial - Mason jar project - by cuttingforbusiness.com
  4. Brush off all the sawdust and paint your wood shape as desired. Scroll Saw + Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore Wood Shape Tutorial - Mason jar project - by cuttingforbusiness.com
  5. Add vinyl or paint the text onto your shape.Scroll Saw + Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore Wood Shape Tutorial - Mason jar project - by cuttingforbusiness.com
  6. Add some twine to finish off your wood mason jar. I also drilled holes in the top and strung twine through as a hanger.Scroll Saw + Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore Wood Shape Tutorial - Mason jar project - by cuttingforbusiness.com

If you are interested, here is a picture of another cut on my scroll saw. To cut the insides of the letters, I first drilled a large hole then put the blade through the hole and cut.

Scroll Saw + Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore Wood Shape Tutorial - Mason jar project - by cuttingforbusiness.com

Download the cut files I used in this tutorial at this link.

If you’ve purchased my book, 15 Parties to Host with Your Silhouette or Cricut, you could easily use this tutorial during a party!

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Scroll Saw + Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore Wood Shape Tutorial - Mason jar project - by cuttingforbusiness.com

Maryann

Thursday 3rd of January 2019

Hi Christine, I have a few tools I’ve purchased and not used. My excuse is time. I also get intimidated- but I want to ‘be half way good at the start’ so I pulled out my scroll saw. I need to cut some stars. To my dismay, there wasn’t an instruction manual. Not even a sheet to tell you how to change blades, or change the table slope. The stars will be cut in 3/4 in pine. Any advice.

Christine

Tuesday 8th of January 2019

Don't feel bad Maryann, my scroll saw didn't come with instructions either! I'd recommend you cut a star in paper and trace it onto your wood in pencil. Then, trace your pencil line with the scroll saw.

Stephanie

Tuesday 1st of January 2019

Can I ask what blade you use?

Christine

Tuesday 8th of January 2019

I use inexpensive pin end blades.

Ana Rivas

Thursday 9th of February 2017

This might be a dumb question, but how noisy is the scroll saw when cutting your wood? I live in apartment and don't like my neighbors looking to see what I am doing?

Christine

Friday 10th of February 2017

Hello! It's rather noisy - same as a standard power tool. You'd want to use it outdoors due to the mess/noise.

Julie

Wednesday 8th of February 2017

Ladies and their tools! Yes, Christine my hubby got me something similar to a Dremel tool for jewelry etc...and it sat for many a Christmas after till this last year I was making toys for our cat by drilling holes in dowel rods! Hubby though has a scroll saw already mounted on a table. When it gets warmer here in Ohio, I will have to break it out and give it a whirl! Thanks for the post and inspiration!

Christine

Thursday 9th of February 2017

Yes, Julie! Get it out soon! It's so fun!

Michelle

Wednesday 8th of February 2017

I also added a scroll saw to my craft room last fall. I've not played with it too much because I think I'm letting it intimidate me a little. I think it's time to start, though. Maybe I'll try this project this weekend! Thanks for your post about it!

Christine

Wednesday 8th of February 2017

Michelle, Get it out! Once you do the first cut, it isn't as scary at all. Grab yourself a pair of cut resistant gloves: https://www.amazon.com/NoCry-Cut-Resistant-Gloves-Performance/dp/B00MXUHHGK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486605030&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=cut+resistant+gloves&psc=1