Snowman Logs

I'm so inspired to make these funky, cute snowmen from discarded logs. I used some really old, wormy, beat up pieces that were laying around my yard. This wasn't the best idea since there were creatures still living inside! My friend, Linda gave me a few "newer" logs from her woodpile and I was on a roll. Don't worry, I baked the older wood in a low oven for a few hours, that should do it!

I started with 3 1/2" to 4" or so logs and cut them on my miter saw at 2" thick. Please be careful and don't cut right to the end. Give yourself enough room to hold on and keep your hands far enough away from the saw.  Next I cut a smaller diameter log, about 3" or so, then repeated with whatever I had. No time to be fussy, these are rustic.

The hats were cut from the smaller diameter logs, also 2" thick. The brims were about 2 1/2 - 3" diameter but cut about 3/4 - 1" thick. I'd say use whatever you have. I chose to paint them black but I left one or two natural.

Wood Heart with feelings!

In an attempt to use up piles of assorted scrap wood, I created these wooden hearts. I searched the web for ideas (as usual), tried a few different designs and decided that the vertical board heart was my choice. I love the five board vertical heart complete with twine and a button flower!

I started by finding a heart pattern that I liked. Not a long narrow one, but a big, fat heart that was at least 12" high and wide. I experimented with a few slightly different sizes but the one I use now is 12 1/2" high and wide.  Big enough to stand out if hung on a wall or door, yet not so big that I could sell it at a reasonable price. It also fits into a USPS standard box, since boxes can add quite a bit to the cost of selling.  

Next I laid out the boards side by side in a vertical pattern, then glued and clamped them together. After letting the glue dry overnight, I traced the heart shape. Phew, it's exciting to see the hearts take shape!

 I used my jig saw to cut out the heart pattern, clamping it to my work table.  

 Next, I lightly sanded all over trying to smooth out any rough spots and to add a "worn" look.

I don't trust the glue 100% so I cut out a rectangle from 1/4 lauan, made sure it spanned all the joints then glued it to the back.  I nailed a sawtooth hanger on the back and it was ready to hang.  I'll be adding more information and pics to this post.

Some four board hearts, I'm trying out some various wood treatments.