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This section of
the web page is dedicated to finding patterns and resources for the Christian
Crafter. I am a woodworker and am always on the lookout for patterns that
I can cut from wood. However I am not going to limit this portion
of the web page to that. Here I will try to let you know about as many
resources for Christian Crafting as I can. If you know of any resources
that you think should be included here, send me an email at densonfamily@oocities.com
and I will try to include it.
Wood Patterns
Meisel Hardware Specialties in Mound Minnesota has some wonderful patterns. I have noticed that the folks at Meisel have recently begun adding a number of projects with a Christian theme. Although they are not exclusively Christian in nature, they have a wonderful selection of Noah & the Ark patterns, Crosses, Intarsia Christian themes, Nativitiy sets, wind chimes, and door wreaths. They also sell a book entitled "300 Christian & Inspirational Patterns". Meisel can be contacted at 1-800-441-9870. They also have a good selection of wheels, knobs, wood cutouts, dowels, paints, etc. Meisel is almost a one-stop shopping by mail order center.
Cross Stitch
I found a wonderful book entitled Christian Cross Stitch printed by Abingdon Press in Nashville. I found the book at a Michael's Craft store several years ago (the pattern book I have is copyrighted in 1986). I would presume that any craft store that carries cross stitch patterns could order the book for you. The book has patterns for Christmas ornaments, scripture texts, denominational emblems, etc. To quote from the first page of the book: "This book is for the many Christian women, men and young people who wish to use cross-stitched designs to praise the Lord and the beauty of his creations." A noble dedication that I think fits perfectly with the purpose of this web page.
Banners
Augsburg Publishing House in Minneapolis publishes the book Christian Symbols Handbook by Dean Moe. This book is filled with symbols and patterns for creating banners. The patterns are laid out on graph paper with makes the conversion from a small size to a large size quite easy. Each banner pattern has an explanation of each symbol and a corresponding bible verse or two explaining it's origins.
Scroll Saw Patterns
Steve Campbell sent me an email and reminded me that a good place for finding Christian patterns is Patrick Spielman's books on scroll saw patterns. I agree! There are so many patterns that I have used from Patrick Spielman's books. Steve made reference to Classic Fretwork Scroll Saw Patterns which is a great source. Mr. Spielman also has books entitled Scroll Saw Holiday Patterns, Scroll Saw Pattern Book, Christmas Scroll Saw Patterns and a few others. Thanks Steve, for a great resource!
Christmas Jigsaw Patterns
In a book entitled "Fun-to-Make Wooden Toys" by Terry Forde there are two puzzles, the Three Kings puzzle and the Bethlehem puzzle. Both are medium difficulty. The puzzles themselves are very nice looking and make for a great craft project for smaller children.Silhouette Patterns
I found a wonderful resource for scroll saws that at first didn't seem to be geared toward wood crafting. The book Silhouette Crafts by Romilda Dilley, published by Standard Publishing, Cincinatti Ohio, proved to be a wonderful source for crafting. A silhouette is normally by cutting a pattern out of a dark paper, mounting it on a backing and framing it. With wood working, the pattern is cut from wood and placed on a plywood backing.Noah's Ark
One of my favorite wood working projects is Noah's Ark. There are so many variations on the theme. I have found many patterns in various publications. The patterns include a pull toy on wheels, an "Over-the-Door" pattern for the tops of door jams, tole painting and even a silhouette pattern. This can be a very popular toy for craft shows if the project is priced right.Christmas Tree Ornaments
Many thanks to Debra B. who shared this wonderful story and a wonderful idea for Christmas Tree Ornaments:A Christmas Tradition to Remember by...
Families dealing with the first Christmas after the loss of a loved one need the support of their church. Offering that support is not always easy. I'm more comfortable bringing something tangible to people than I am offering just myself. Other people have shared their frustration with wanting to provide a chance to air feelings and memories without knowing quite how to start the conversation. Two years ago, I started cross stitching ornaments in remembrance of the members of my church who had died. I place their names and the year on a design that fits a 2 1/4 round frame. In late December, the deacons deliver the ornaments to the bereaved families with a note that says 'This Memorial Christmas Ornament is given to you so that you will know your family at Neshaminy-Warwick Presbyterian Church is remembering with you. Hang it at home, on the church's tree, or wherever it will remind you of the love and joy of this season. Merry Christmas'. These ornaments have become a way for us to reach out to families at a hard time of year for them and opens the way for the sharing of memories. I hope this idea will spread to other churches.
Debra, I'm sure this will spread far and wide. It is such a wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing with me and with everyone reading this page!
Woodworking Patterns
200 items! Create toys, games, puzzles, bird houses, rocking horses, planters and more. All patterns are Same Size outline drawings. No enlarging necessary. Just trace and create. Send us your mailing address for a FREE CATALOG and a FREE SAMPLE PATTERN. Design Group: design6@idt.net
Another pattern supplier with good Christian patterns is Wildwood Designs. I sent for a set of three crosses they had advertised and it is excellantly done, probably by machine, but it is exact. The design was created by Julia Meader. Her work can be found by: The Timber Lace Company, P.O. Box 2128, Gilroy, CA 95021-2128. The address is according to the inset on the pattern. The Wildwood address is: Wildwood Designs Inc., P.O. Box 676, Richland Center, WI 53581. They have a growing section in their catalog of Christian designs.
Thanks Stephen, I know I'll be checking this resource soon!!
More to come !
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