The Process › Crystal Imery

Creating art with a scroll saw is labor-intensive.

Long before the first cut is ever made, hours are spent drawing the design, selecting the wood, and planning how to put it together.

Below is a look into what goes on behind the scenes.

#1 – Start with the Wood

My process begins long before I make the first cut.

Whenever possible, my husband and I mill and dry our own wood here in Virginia, taking it from raw lumber to material ready for the studio.

Starting this way allows the material itself to become part of the story behind each piece.

Before I even begin thinking about a drawing, I think about the wood I want to create with.

#2 – The Idea

Next I begin thinking about what I want to actually create.

This comes from inspiration.

I don’t necessarily begin with a finished image in my head.

Instead, I start with a feeling or subject and let the idea slowly take shape through sketches, photographs, and different compositions until I find the direction I want the piece to go.

3 – Choosing the Woods

Once the idea begins to take shape, I choose the individual woods that will bring it to life.

This is where natural color, grain, texture, and even imperfections become important.

Rather than relying on stains to create different colors, I prefer to use the natural differences between wood species to create contrast, depth, and detail.

I look at each part of the design and decide which wood feels right for it, allowing the character of the wood to influence the final piece.

I also take into consideration the size of the cuts I plan to make and how well the wood itself will successfully cut on the scroll saw.

My favorite woods to work with are Walnut and Maple.

4 – Scroll Sawing

Once the design is finalized and the wood has been selected, the scroll sawing begins.

Each individual shape is cut by hand, slowly guiding the wood around a fine blade. I use the Pegas Scroll Saw.

Unlike CNC cutting, the scroll saw is controlled entirely by hand, so every curve, detail, and small adjustment depends on patience and a steady touch.

A single piece of artwork can contain dozens—or even hundreds—of individually cut pieces, making this one of the most time-intensive stages of the process.

5 – Shaping & Detail

Once the individual pieces are cut, I begin shaping them by hand to bring the artwork to life.

Using carving and sanding tools, I soften edges, create curves, add depth, and refine the small details that give each piece dimension.

This is where the flat pieces of wood begin to take on a more natural, sculpted appearance.

I work with the grain, color, and character of each piece rather than trying to hide it, allowing the natural wood to become part of the finished image.

It is a slow process, but these subtle details are what transform the individual cut pieces into a cohesive work of art.

6 – Finishing Touches

The final step is where all of the individual pieces finally become one.

Since this is done by hand, nothing fits exactly. That is what makes it unique, but I do my best to make it fit like a glove.

The wood is then finished to protect it while allowing its natural color, grain, and character to remain the focus.

7 – Bringing it Together

After hours of designing, cutting, shaping, and burning, each individual piece is finally brought together to create the finished artwork.

This is when the design comes to life

And it’s -> Done