Katie, that is beautiful. Are the two pieces ment to be hung together? I like the one with the sunset. We missed a good view of the sunset while in Anna Maria Island.
That is not cheating, but like Dan, I can cut it faster on the scroll saw. I do use other tools with the project such as routing the edge and of course many sanders.
I use old issues of magazines and sometimes buy patterns from my favorite designers. I did buy from The Wooden Teddy Bear once and they were kind enough to give the name of the designer. I like to give credit whenever possible.
I don't use painters tape as I copy patterns on contact paper. I do use packing tape over the pattern to lubricate and hold the project together when compound cutting.