Reply by HornedWoodwork

I typically draw on a 24” roll of paper, you can get them at staples for $12.00, then I spend some time laying out a grid, usually in a thin sharpie. I generally do 1 inch squares. Once you have a grid laid out use a pencil to lightly trace the general shape. Take your time and focus on the shape, not how you are going to build it, that comes later, just make gentle curves, the grid will help you keep things organized and if needed, symmetrical. (If you care at all you can also use the grid to determine center line, center of gravity, and ratios, including the golden ratio.) Once you are satisfied with the overall look of the design, cut it out.

I find it pretty hard to transfer the paper to wood directly for a lot of reasons. So I like to get a thin piece of MDF, tape the design to that and trace it to the MDF using a thin BLUE marker (pencil or black line disappear into MDF). I cut out the MDF design and this helps in 3 ways, first I learn how to cut out the design, and I can see if I’ve made any obvious mistakes. Second I get a hard template that if I roll over is a mirror image. Third, I get to see the “part” in full scale and that helps me determine if it is “right”.

With this template you have options, you can trace, freehand, and cut, or you can trace, rough out and then finish with a router and pattern bit, following the mounted pattern. A little finish work to fair the edges and you are all set.

-- Talent, brilliance, and humility are my virtues.