Puzzle "patterns" to cut at craft shows

[Mayo Farmer]

This is probably a long shot but here goes.

I've just watched Hans Meier's video on doing craft shows (it's on Youtube) there's loads of little tips in there for improving your own shows.

Now one of the things that Hans does is to demonstrate the saw at the show and in doing so gives away little puzzles from scrap-wood to the kids.

Now here's the biggy what sort of thing would he be cutting? I'm not looking for a pattern per se just some idea what I'd try to be cutting.

Any help appreciated.

[wood-n-things]

He is just cutting a small puzzle but I never saw the shape of it and the lady he gave it too never assembled it for the camera. If you send him an e-mail perhaps he will share the pattern. He just does it out of his head from what i see but he may share. If so I'd like to know as well. I enjoyed the entire video...

[Mayo Farmer]

Mike - good tip

Thanks

[wood-n-things]

You are welcome. Let me know what you learn please. So far I've been unable to find his e-mail address.

[Mayo Farmer]

You are welcome. Let me know what you learn please. So far I've been unable to find his e-mail address.

You and me both Mike. His phone number is on the GWR site, though I don't really want to risk phoning him in the middle of the night, and then trying to explain what I'm after. So I've signed up for their newsletter and I'll see what that brings.

Though thinking back to some of Diana Thompsons 3D patterns they did leave some interestingly shaped offcuts, so I might have a play with some simple shapes cut on two sides.

I'll let you know.

[Forester21]

you could cut the 3-d reindeer, or if you want to stick with puzzles, why not cut little stamp puzzles?
T

[Arcy]

Similar to Theresa's stamp idea would be a business card puzzle. It's not as dramatic as a stamp, but easier to cut quickly without magnifiers, and it's a good way to be remembered.

Another possibility would be compound cut puzzle: take a cube and cut a squiggle on one side and then cut another squiggle into each of those sides so you have six pieces which form a small block puzzle.

--Rob

[GladeFade]

If you go to Tayco Designs there is a copy of what Hans gives away. (These are the people that made the video) Here is a link to the page
Free Scrollsaw Patterns | Scroll Saw Video
Scroll better than 1/2 down the page to see. It's next to the last pattern and looks something like a sliding puzzle which is compound cut. Below the pattern it say's.
These make great giveaway gifts to attract people to your booth.
Bill

[Mayo Farmer]

Theresa, Rob, Bill, many thanks.

Some really useful stuff there thanks again, I'll give them all a go.

[NC Scroller]

I have done many demos for my WW organization. I cut 3-D ornaments and bird houses out of poplar 1 x 1 stock. Compound cutting never stops amazing folks. I can cut one in under 5 minutes.

I use Diane's designs that are design for or I reduce to fit on 1 x 1.

[wood-n-things]

All super information....

[Karl Taylor]

There are actually three videos of Hans, two that I produced and one that he did at our clubs weekly meeting. All three videos are on my website, one is with a burr puzzle that I showed him how to do (free pattern on my website)and the other is tips on setting up a craft show booth. The third video goes into detail on craft show booths. Hans is very energetic in his discussion, lots to take in here.

Scroll Saw Video | Great scroll saw information free with educational videos, patterns, advice, and just plain fun.

[markdavd]

I haven't watched the videos in question, but here's something to think about - I've never taken my saw to a craft show and don't believe my sales have suffered. I take time to greet every person who approaches my booth and am available if they have questions. Something I couldn't do if I were busy cutting even the simplest pattern. Too many people want to be polite and don't want to 'interrupt' your work, even if it's to buy something. The key is to be friendly, approachable and available. Display a picture of yourself scrolling something if you want to show the saw.

At a show last year, I was talking with another scroller who said if he didn't have his saw, his sales would suffer. While we didn't discuss actual sales dollars, looking at his booth and hearing his complaints about sales I'm sure I sold probably 4 times what he did.

BTW - This was the same guy who bragged he didn't stack cut many things. He had one of Sue Mey's nativity crosses cut from 3/4 oak priced somewhere around $30.00 or more. He still had it at the end of the show. I had the same cross (reduced by about 30% in size) that I stack cut 5 at at time from 1/8" baltic birch, backed with red stained BB. I sold 3 or 4 at $20.00 each and people came back upset because I sold the last one I had.

[Plaquerd]

I demo at 90% of the shows I do. Cut 3D Giraffes, Butterflies, Deer, Elk, Swans, Humming Birds, Doves and a few more and give them to the kids. I ask the kids what they would like out of what is available. As NC Scroller said, it never stops amazing people. If show is run by a nonprofit, I have a jug with a sign, "Donations gladly accepted all proceeds go to (name of sponsor). Demoing at shows brings in people to my booth and benefits the show.

[Jim Finn]

I saw his video and decided to try that at may sales. I do lettering and inlays, no fretwork. I found folks not interested in watching me saw they just wanted to look at (and buy) my for sale items so I no longer take my saw to the shows.