Why is it always such a struggle to find a meaningful “Happy Valentine’s” gift for my hubby? T-shirts, socks, slippers, pocketknives, and beer just don’t cut it anymore. If, like me, you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for your significant other, I thought I’d share a quick tutorial on how to make an ASL “I love you” hand sign using scrap wood.
It’s a unique gift from the heart.
You do need to know the basics of using a scroll saw or jigsaw. If those things scare you, then this beginner jigsaw tutorial should help. And if you still don’t want to switch on a power tool, you can use the free “I love you” hand template and make something similar out of clay. You can even use layers of cardboard. At the end of the day, it’s the thought that counts and the time you take to let someone know you love them.
In this craft tutorial, I’ll show you how to make an “I love you” hand using scrap wood. But, before we get there, do me a favour and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!
What you need
- Scrap wood
- Free “I love you” hand sign template
- Wood Glue
- Jigsaw/Scroll Saw
- 80-120 grit sand paper
- Carving tools (optional)
How to make an “I love you” hand sign
This hand sign measures 12 cm (about 4.3/4″) from the top of the index finger down to the bottom of the palm and 9 cm (3.5″) from the tip of the thumb across the palm to the other side.
Scratch through your pile of scrap wood and look for something that’s at least 1 cm (1/2”) thick and big enough for the hand sign to fit.
Before starting, make sure to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to protect your eyes and lungs from sawdust. It’s especially important when using scrap wood. I always forget the mask, and my lungs tell me all about it the next day.
Sand the wood back and front to remove any old stains and yuckiness.
Transfer the “I love you” hand sign to the wood. I just traced over my image with a sharp pencil.
My wood is pine, which is soft, so the pencil leaves an indent that you can use as a guide to draw the handpieces.
Cut the pieces out using a jigsaw or scroll saw. While you’re cutting, keep your human hands away from the blade, and use a push stick or a clamp to hold the workpiece in place. The Dremel scroll saw comes with a push-down clamp, which makes life easier.
Make sure the blade is sharp and properly tensioned before cutting, and replace dull or damaged blades immediately to avoid accidents. Once done, sand the edges, starting with an 80-grit sandpaper and working up to 120-grit.
Glue the middle and ring fingers onto the wooden hand.
Now all that’s left to do is mount the “I love you” hand sign.
Mounting the hand sign
There are a few ways you can do this, and it’s all going to depend on your personal preference. The hand sign would look lovely glued inside a rustic frame or screwed onto a block of wood. Or you can mount it on top of inside another piece of wood.
I’ve been saving this half-burnt, slightly rotten stump to turn into a fairy garden, but it was such a perfect fit for the hand I couldn’t resist putting the two together. I don’t think the fae folk will mind, and my hubby’s worth it.
All I needed to do was carve away some of the insides with a small ball wood carving burr.
A perfect fit.
And if the fairies want their stump back, I can just pull the hand out and make another plan. Talking about stumps, see that laced-up planter in the background? You can find a similar tutorial here.
So what do you think? Would you make one for your better half?
If you like the idea of making an “I love you” hand using scrap wood, don’t forget to pin the tutorial for later
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Oh, and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered. Disclosure: Clicking on the links below means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry; it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us make more amazing crafts to share with you ;-)
And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY……
And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
4 comments
What a great idea. I bet your husband loves it. I don’t have any power tools but I’m going to try do something similar with cardboard. Tx for the idea.
Oh, that’s great to hear, Sonya. Let me know how it goes and share a piccy if you can.
Great idea Mix; it gets harder and harder to make something for the better half each year! This is perfect mounted onto that rustic piece of wood.
I know, right. It seems everyone caters to us girls, but the guys deserve something special too.