2nd in my "Walk of Faith" series ornaments

[rafairchild2]

Just finished cutting a Noah’s Ark ornament at the scroll saw and thought I’d share it here, I already shared the first in the series (Moses and the Red Sea) a short while ago. The design shows the ark riding the waves with Noah and a dove above, kept fairly simple so the fretwork stays strong when cut.

This one is cut from 1/4" walnut, which always gives a really nice contrast once finished. I stack-cut the pieces using #5 Flying Dutchman Ultra Reverse blades, which made the interior cuts go pretty quickly.

Right now it’s fresh off the saw, so I still need to do the sanding and then give it a dip in Danish Oil to bring the walnut grain to life. That’s always the moment when the piece really wakes up.

I’ll post another photo once it’s finished.

I am also doing a Virginia Beach ornament series that I have posted the first couple, and I am currently working on designing an epic (Large) art piece inspired by the Neptune Statue found at the oceanfront.  I am also planning on a series for the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.  A mix of ornaments and larger art pieces.

[rafairchild2]

On 3/10/2026 at 7:22 PM, Fish said:

Thanks.  I’ve never tried danish oil.  I’m cutting another one I’ll look at trying that.  How much do you use?  Let it soak for awhile?  Is that the only thing you use on it?

I put it in an aluminium cooking or pie pan.  I get a bunch for cheap.  I put enough in to over the pieces.   I might also brush it on. I only soak for a minute or so, then let it drip. Sometimes I will use my compressed air to remove excess, then wipe with a lint free cloth.

Many times after I will use a beeswax/coconut oil wax to seal it.

[daveww1]

very nice

[jerry walters]

In addition to your scrolling expertise, you are also becoming a great designer of patterns.  Way to go!

Jerry

[Scrappile]

Really like those.  Nice work

[rafairchild2]

3 hours ago, jerry walters said:

In addition to your scrolling expertise, you are also becoming a great designer of patterns.  Way to go!

Jerry

Thanks Jerry

I am actually designing two epic art pieces that I hope to get into some gift shops, and then get my various ornament series into. 

The first, I am designing a piece that I will use to get hopefully get a spot in the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, the art piece honors the 200 African American women and the 20 men who in 1938 cleared 75 acres of swamp land, and planted thousand of azalea bushes, to create the foundation of what we have today. I already have a list of other ornaments from different places in the garden I can make. If I can get a spot, that would be great.

What will be the third in my VA Beach series is based on the Neptune sculpture at the waterfront.  Again part of a series, but this will be my signature piece.

We'll see what happens.  BTW, I am not going to sell patterns yet, as I am trying to create limited edition runs of my work/designs.  I do not want to dilute what I am creating.  maybe as I go along, I might try my hand at selling some patterns.  Time will tell.

[Mike Crosa]

Beautiful work.  You are a master!

[rjweb]

Excellent work, RJ

[heppnerguy]

On 3/16/2026 at 4:12 AM, rafairchild2 said:

Just finished cutting a Noah’s Ark ornament at the scroll saw and thought I’d share it here, I already shared the first in the series (Moses and the Red Sea) a short while ago. The design shows the ark riding the waves with Noah and a dove above, kept fairly simple so the fretwork stays strong when cut.

This one is cut from 1/4" walnut, which always gives a really nice contrast once finished. I stack-cut the pieces using #5 Flying Dutchman Ultra Reverse blades, which made the interior cuts go pretty quickly.

Right now it’s fresh off the saw, so I still need to do the sanding and then give it a dip in Danish Oil to bring the walnut grain to life. That’s always the moment when the piece really wakes up.

I’ll post another photo once it’s finished.

I am also doing a Virginia Beach ornament series that I have posted the first couple, and I am currently working on designing an epic (Large) art piece inspired by the Neptune Statue found at the oceanfront.  I am also planning on a series for the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.  A mix of ornaments and larger art pieces.

really nice  project. I really like how they came out. 

Dick

heppnerguy