Wooden Wall Cutouts.

I have always been interested in woodworking but have really just started honing my skills this past year. As I develope my skill, I like to look for projects that aren't too difficult to complete but that also look really great. This is the perfect project to do just that. It requires minimal tools and is perfect for anyone who is interested in woodworking.

These cutouts are really cool and can be used and displayed in many different ways. So let's get started!

Supplies

1/2' thick plywood pieces or flat scrap wood.
Scroll saw or Jig saw.
Drill and drill bits.
Painter's tape.
Scissors.
Craft glue.
Random orbital sander or sanding block.
120 grit- 320 grit sandpaper.
Clamp (if using a Jig saw).
Wall hangers & small screw driver. https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Picture-Hangers-Screws...
Wood stain or Polyurethane finish.
Protective eyewear.

Print Off Outlines

Start by printing your outlines. There are numerous free outlines on the internet. For this project I did a Google search for "realistic whale outline", "Snake outline", & "Wood saw outline."

Note: If you want to get a print larger than a normal piece of printer paper you can customize the size in "Paint" using print setup. I did 200% size for my wood saw print. One picture will print on multiple sheets of paper, tape them together before cutting out the outline.

Cut Out Your Outlines

After you have printed out your outlines, cut them out. Take your time and cut as carefully as you can since this will be your guide when cutting out the wood.

Prep Wood for Cutting.

Cover the top of your wood piece with painters tape. This will help keep the edge of the wood from splintering while you saw.

Once completely covered in tape, glue your outline down on top. Once dry, your piece is ready to be sawed out.

Saw Out Your Design

When using a scroll saw:

Always wear safety glasses before sawing. Begin by cutting your outline, being careful to take your time. Cut the most intricate parts of your outline first so you can have large parts of your workpiece to hold and turn.

Cut small "relief cuts" along the outline to relieve pressure on the blade. This will also make it easier for you to back up if you need to. To make a relief cut start at the outside edge of your workpiece and cut a small line down to the outside edge of the design outline being careful not to cut past the line.

When cutting a design that requires an inside cut, drill a small hole big enough for your blade to fit into on the inside of the design. Making sure your saw is off first, lift the loosening switch and unpin your blade. Lay your drilled workpiece over the blade hole and insert the blade. Repin the blade, now inside your workpiece, and tighten the switch to make your blade taught. Begin cutting out the inner design and repeat step for all other inside cuts.

When using a Jig saw:

Begin by clamping your workpiece to a workbench or other sturdy surface. Let the majority of the workpiece hang over the edge. Make sure your blade is properly installed and your saw is level. Start cutting out the outline and be sure to take your time. Cut the most intricate parts of your outline first so you can have plenty of space to move your saw around. Unclamp your workpiece and rotate it as needed to continue cutting, only cut once it is safely re-clamped down.

Cut small "relief cuts" along the outline to relieve pressure on the blade.

When cutting a design that requires an inside cut, drill a small hole big enough for your blade to fit into on the inside of the design. Unclip your blade, insert it through the workpiece, and clip it back into the Jig saw. Cut the inside design and repeat for all inside cuts.

Sand Your Cutout

Start sanding your cutout with 120 grit sandpaper using either a random orbital sander or a sanding block. Sand the entire front and all edges clear. Continue sanding process up to 320 grit. Once cutout is nice and smooth wipe down with a dry rag or paper towel to remove any dust.

Stain and Finish

Lay sanded cutout on a paper bag or piece of cardboard. Stain the cutout using a paintbrush, rag, or paper towel using your selected stain color. Be sure to stain the outside edges of your cutout. Staining the back is not necessary since it will be hung up on the wall. Add a coat of Polyurethane for a glossy finish. Let cutout dry completely.

Add Wall Hanging Hardware

Once your cutout is dry, flip it over on its front. Using a small screwdriver, screw the hanging hardware into the back of your workpiece.

It will now be ready to be hung up and displayed.

Display and Admire!

Hang up your wooden cutout and admire it!

I know once you make one of these you will be hooked, just like I am. These are so much fun to make and I hope you enjoyed yourself during this project.

Bonus tip: these wooden cutouts make for great gifts!