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I know, there isn't a lion, tiger, or a bear. BUT, there will be. My usual project postings are boxes. These aren't boxes. They are wall art. I am exploring my arts side, creating pieces from scrap lumber. I have a part time job where I can get scraps of oak, ash, cherry, maple and lots of other species. The scraps are about 1/2" thick by an inch and a half wide, and 4 feet long. They're not good for much, but I hate to see them go to waste. That's what happens in winter when the factory workers burn it all for kindling.

I have created lots of shapes and critters already. I enjoy making them, and plan to sell a few in a springtime art show. There is no limit for my subject matter. Giant arrows, artsy fartsy shapes, whales, bears, stars, sunbursts, etc. They are edged and butted together then glued and clamped to 1/2"plywood.


I cut the plywood to the exact shape of the finished piece, then glue on the strips, alternating shades of wood. I overlap the edge of the plywood, then rout it on a table router with a flush trim bit. I sand all edges against splinters, and put a French cleat on the back for hanging. For finishing I've been using Danish oil or teak oil. It really makes the different shades in the wood to pop.

So, it's fun. Will they sell? Depends upon how I price them I guess. I was thinking around $100 for the larger ones (32-36 inches wide), and less for the smaller ones. Like I said, I've stepped outside the box with these and I enjoy making them. I enjoy looking at the when I'm done, and I'll enjoy putting the money in my pocket if they sell.

Sorry for the long gaps between my Lumberjocks posts. I hope to do better. Happy Holidays to all of you!

Gallery

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You might have something here. Artwork comes in all shapes and forms. I really like the round one above the bed. Reminds me of the sun and moon together. Nice work.
 

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these look great! I couldn't stand to see this wood in the fire either
nice work!
 

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Cool! No, SUPER COOL! Great use of scraps, and fantastic artistic expression. Rustic-Retro, Neo-Folksy, Shabby-Chic, Minimalist-Dada with a Rural Southern charm, all the great buzz words that make the art snobs drool. (Yes I have a degree in museum management and speak the art world lingo.) Fish and pig are my favorites - although that sunburst would make a really cool table. Whale would look good in a kid's room. (May I suggest an elephant, camel, dog and cat.) I am hoping that you will be pleasantly surprised by how well these sell. Please post more as you get them completed.
 

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Thanks, Greg, Dave, and Leafherder. I enjoy making these. I'll post a few more pics. I hope they do sell. Because I've been going through a lot of glue! I think your descriptions were great LH, it will take a special person to want these. I really do like them though. The French cleat is a great way to mount these as it allows for some side to side movement as needed.

I have a much bigger sperm whale and a big Bear finished, but not photographed. I really appreciate your time and comments!


 

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I think it is well worth the try.

Good ideas
 

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I'm with Save on the Starburst pattern, nice colors. Good luck.
 

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Star is really nice - and stars have been popular wall decorations for a few years -but this is a new design. The wave makes a good piece of wall art, and I can see the arrow as a directional sign in a bar or restaurant (restrooms that way). Keep your prices affordable and these should sell well.
 

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Those are really cool and a great use of scraps. would also make great gifts, too.

Merry Christmas!
 

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Thanks so much Monte, Tom, Tooch and Charles. It's neat to see how many different things I can come up with. I appreciate your input.

Leafherder, there are so many things to say with that arrow. Republican, point it right. Democrat, go left. Good boy? Point it up… bad boy? Down it goes. :)
 

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Oh My!!
 
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