I'm thrilled to share a recent project that is very close to my heart—a scroll saw lion created specifically for the Makers for St. Jude fundraiser.
This piece was not just a labor of love but also a contribution to a cause I deeply care about: supporting the amazing work done at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The Inspiration Behind the Piece
The lion, often revered as the king of the jungle, symbolizes strength and courage. I chose this majestic creature to represent the incredible bravery of the children at St. Jude facing life-threatening diseases. The idea was to craft something that not only appealed visually but also held a deeper significance. Inspired by a drawing I made in 2014, I revamped the design to truly push myself as an artist for this one.
The Process: Patience and Precision
This piece challenged my skills and patience like no other. It consisted of 307 individual pieces, each meticulously cut using my scroll saw. This part of the process alone took about 8 hours of focused work.
After the cutting came the shaping—each piece was carefully shaped using my Dremel and zip-sander. I dedicated over 14 hours to this stage, ensuring that every curve and contour was perfect.
The final step was the painting. Choosing vibrant colors, I spray painted each piece to bring the lion to life. The painting process was both exciting and daunting, as it brought the pieces together visually.
The Outcome
Assembling the lion was like watching a puzzle come to life. Each piece had its place, and seeing the final image emerge was immensely satisfying. But what made this project truly special was its purpose. Through a month-long raffle, we raised $1,071—all of which was donated to St. Jude Hospital.
Reflecting on the Experience
This project was more than just woodworking—it was a journey of perseverance and passion. The hours spent were a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in the Makers for St. Jude fundraiser. It was an honor to contribute my craft to help such a worthy cause.
Thank you to everyone who supported this project, whether by donating or sharing about the raffle. Your support makes a difference in the lives of so many children and their families.
Stay tuned for more projects and remember, every piece crafted is a piece with a purpose!
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