Decorative nameplates- for kids from 5 to 95!

[Lightningbolt]

Well, I was working on santa's hard 'n heavy then all of a sudden I have found myself temporarily sidetracked and wandering down another carving path. The santa's were just complex enough that I wasn't sure if I was gonna get all the Christmas gifts made for all that I wanted to provide... so I decided to draw upon something that has always been a big hit: decorative nameplates.

This is a relatively simple craft that I require all students in my woodshop program to make when they first come to class. It's a great way for me to assess their woodworking experience and to introduce them to the scroll saw, the drill press, the woodcarving set, the woodburning pens, and many of the small hand power tools.

First I help them sketch out their name on a piece of wood and show them how to saw it out using the scroll saw. When done they learn to make it uniquely theirs by adding woodcarving or woodburnings to the nameplate. I encourage them to think about the things that they care about in their own lives then to find a way to put them on their nameplate. A lot of the kids will also make these personalized nameplates for members of their family and their friends.

Anyhow, if you're looking for a striking "personalized" gift for someone that you care about then may I suggest a decorative nameplate. They only require a few simple tools and can actually be cut out with a simple coping saw if you don't have a scroll saw. Be sure to first make a list of the things that are unique to the person receiving the nameplate so that you can sketch them onto the nameplate and they will be forever grateful for your thoughtfulness.

The first three nameplates that I have attached as pictures are for co-workers.

1. Sue has a history as part of the 60's hippy generation so I put a peace sign, flowers, and a Forrest Gump smiley face on hers.
2. Celia is a teacher so I put an apple on hers along with a book for her extensive educational background. Her favorite insect is butterflies so there's a monarch burned in.
3. Kaye lives on a 200 acre farm with her family and loves horses so there's a horse, barn, tree, and flowers.

I colored the nameplates with their favorite color with very thinned down acrylics, lightly woodburned the art, then painted it. After sawing it out all you need is a pocketknife so maybe a decorative nameplate would make a nice gift for someone that you care about this Christmas.

[Eddy-Smiles]

On top of being a great carver you're an artist too? Will you never cease to amaze us? Nice work Dave!

[Marci MN]

What a clever idea!! I think you just helped me with my Christmas list... *grin*

[Robert Cahill]

Thanks for the idea. I have had requests for name pates but just scrolled them out on the scroll saw no where near as creative as yours will try it next time I get a request. Thanks for sharing

[Lightningbolt]

Thank's for looking everyone and glad that I helped spawn a few ideas for gifts as I've gotten so many off the board. I forgot to mention that I carved them from basswood cut to 1" thick by 2" tall and as long as the name might be.

Thank's again and a very Merry Christmas to all !

[windsong]

Dave
Nice job.My wife is all way onto me for house numbers.You gave me and ideal.How long did it take for you to do each one?
windsong

[gene-messer]

Dave .. What a neat and great idea ... love the colors and painting ..

Thanks for sharing ..

Gene

[Banjo]

Dave, you come up with the neatest ideas. Those are terrific! I love the way you made each one of them personal. Hummmm, I'm sitting here wondering if my husband has a scroll saw somewhere out in our cluttered garage........ Thanks for sharing!

[squbrigg]

What a nice idea and so simple to make. Well done Lightningbolt and thanks for sharing.

Bob

[Lightningbolt]

Thanks again for the comments. Windsong: Of course it depends on the number of letters in a name but I'd say the average 5 letter name such as David would take roughly half an hour to saw and carve out, then maybe another half hour to pencil-in the selected art and lightly woodburn and paint it.

After cutting them out I pack them in the cargo pockets of my pants and work on them during any lag time that might present itself during the course of my way too busy days, so I'm not sure exactly how long it takes. It's just amazing what a fella can get carved during a day if you know how to "milk" those little windows of opportunity inbetween our so-called "real" lives.

By the way, I'm now working on the names of Rusty, Gideon, and Rosy so I sure hope that none of them have found me here on this forum!