These pieces were created as gifts for the Christmas Holidays.

 

I was inspired by the products made by Houzz:

http://www.houzz.com/photos/347687/Mini-Wooden-Snowflake-Ornament-Gift-Box-by-Timber-Green-Woods-modern-christmas-ornaments

 

I wanted to create some unique gifts that would demonstrate my carpentry skills. After seeing other examples from stores, I decided to create snowflakes. I also wanted to create them in away that displayed the natural colours of the wood I was using.

I chose snowflakes because, like in nature, each one is distinct and individual; just like each of the ornaments that I would make by hand. Even snow flakes with the same size and shape would be different because they were hand cut, not laser-cut.

 

After trying several methods to accurately transfer the paper stencil shapes onto the wood, I opted for spray paint. I taped the paper stencils onto the wood blanks and sprayed over them, leaving a reasonably accurate outline.

 

Each piece was cut by hand on a scroll saw and were later sanded and filed. Once smooth, I spray painted the snowflakes in black to coat the sides in black. This contrast would make the colours of the wood stand out even more. The top and bottom faces were then sanded smooth to reveal the wood beneath.

I also wanted to experiment with other shapes and I ended up making a set in the shape of various Batman logos.

 

Some of the woods used for these ornaments include:
-Ebony

-Red Heart

-Yellow Heart

-Hard Maple

-Brid's Eye Maple

-Walnut