I decided to get started on the end tables I've been planning on building for a few years. They are going to be similar to the nightstand I built a few years ago.

Night stand top carving from 2007

I had the wife take some pictures of me from behind on a fence, printed them out then traced them, scanned the tracing into the computer and made the pattern below. The board is 8¼" tall and 20" wide.
My plan at this point is to carve the back out of ¾" thick stock then take some more pics to get the front drawn out and carve the front, glue the two halves together. (I'll probably scan the two halves before glueing up) This will then be glued down on top of a rodeo carving for the background (haven't started that yet, it will be 20" wide and 26" tall, I have some patterns I got from the pattern depot that I'll likely have the machine carve). That's why I nailed two ¾" pieces together. The holes drilled, now I can start cutting it out on the scrollsaw.


Cutting out on the scrollsaw.


Finally got it cut out, hard to believe I have 3 days in this so far (taking pictures, creating the pattern and cutting it out).

Next is to start carving, I'm sure that will take me quite a few days as well (by hand). This will be for end table number 1, the second end table is still just in my head.
My thought on that one is kind of an old type saloon inside. Stage in the background with a dance hall girl on the stage, 3 round poker tables with guys playing poker, some serving girls, a bar on the right side with a couple guys sitting on bar stools, the bar keep and a mirror and shelf behind the bar keep with bottles on shelves. I expect it will be some time before I get started on the second one.

What do you think?

Thanks ~Mike