OPi

Little known fact: Murphy's law was not named after Murphy, but after a man with the same name. Murphy's last words (the one the law is named after): I've double checked everything, nothing could possibly go wro.....

I answered your post on FB. Do you ever get to the central Texas area?

Many thanks to all ya'll for your responses. Gayle from Scrollers Cafe sent a link to me and I have the pattern. Here is the link: https://login.filesanywhere.com/fs/v.aspx?v=8c696589585f72a8ada8 Here is my response to Gayle - crossposted on Scrollers Cafe "Thank you!! Thank you very much, Gayle. I have the pattern and hope to start on it soon. So: Who do I owe? How much do I owe? And where do I send the check? I know that I am slow on the response, but I am a full time farmer and only a part time scroller - and I wouldn't have it any other way. My dear sweet wife and I started a U-PICK blackberry farm after we retired about 3 years ago. Now we work twice as hard, twice as long, and love it twice as much. It's called Omi's Blackberry Farm located in central Texas - check us out on facebook and if you are ever in the neighborhood and the gate is open, come on in. We are always looking for a reason to sit and chat. We may not always have berries, but we always have time.

Thank you, bandaidman, Sending prayers your way. I am now lurking on the Scrollers Café, haven't found what I'm looking for yet, but haven't really had the time to do a thorough search. Again, Thanks

My dear sweet wife found this on Pintrest and now I am searching for the pattern. I really would like to find the original design and designer. I have searched several of my favorite pattern designers with no luck. Would really appreciate any leads on this. Thanks, OPi

My method of tracking time is to set my timer for either 15 or 20 minutes, depending on the wood - very hard wood is 15, softer is for 20. I can keep from getting distracted for that amount of time. When the timer dings, I make a mark and then change the blade. This method keeps me from using a blade after it has become too dull to do quality work. As for pricing - YOYO - You're On Your Own - no advice from me on that, still trying to figure that out for myself. (I pretty sure that is the right one, or should it have been advise??}

Remember way back when we were challenged to try something new? OK, it has only been a few months, but for my geezer memory, that's a long time. Anyway, My challenge was to try spiral blades. Today was that day. It started out like the lady who backed into the airplane propeller - DISASTER!! I kept at it and things got better and there may be some hope for me. I am scrolling the "Rustic Wood Slab - Pig" design by Sue Mey. I'll post pictures when I get er done. So, how are the rest of ya'll doing with your challenge?

Here is a picture of the one in question. You have to look kinda close - the blue on blue letters don't stand out too well, but that's on purpose.

OPi is what my grand kids call me. I put the "i" on the end to please my dear sweet wife. I have a koozie that just has the initials O P on it, but in much smaller letters it has - following the O (ld) and following the P (hart) - ph as in elephant. I tell my grand kids that it stands for O ld P erson. My memory is so good that I remember things that never happened. Very few people call me Charlie - in fact, no ever has because my name is really Wayne. And that's all I need to say about that.

Lots of good advice and suggestions from all ya'll about scrolling with my grandkids. I was supposed to happen this past weekend. Well, other things happened. The parents bought a playscape so instead of scrolling, we assembled the playscape. Could have been worse. At least I didn't have to get my huge Blue Spruce out of my neighbors grapes.... I will get another chance in about two or three weeks. If it happens, I'll share the results.

Thanks for all the great advice. I get to see one set of grandkids this next weekend and will see how it goes. One problem is that I've got to carry my saw with me. I will give ya'll a full report. That Blue Spruce sure makes me sad.

What safety precautions would you take if you are introducing your young grandchildren to the joys of scrolling? What suggestions do you have to help make this a successful endeavor? Pattern suggestions or better yet, examples???? Wood, what variety, what thickness??? All suggestions and advice will be appreciated. I have two granddaughters, Heidi is 7 and Ava is 5. Just for the record, I also have two grandsons aged 2 (Ian) and 4 (Johnny), probably just a little too young, but not for long. One neat thing about these two little darlings is that their names have a line of symmetry so that every side of the compound cut blocks shows their names. No backward letters - every side is the front.

About 95% of my projects are crosses and other religious items. Sheila and Sue are my go-to gals for those patterns. (And Keith, too.) Steve Good also has several cross patterns that I have used.

I didn't even break anything (yet) (today) and I think it's time for a beer. It is only 6:30 am here, but you can't drink all day if you don't get started early. Beer for breakfast.

One advantage of the clear is, if there is a flaw in the wood like a knot or something else you don't want in your project, you can see it before you attach the pattern. Cover with blue tape and you have to guess. Not really a big deal any way you look at it.