A Special Easter Donkey and Conquering The Jigsaw
Hey there, what have you been up to? I’ve been playing around, trying to master the jigsaw. And since it’s almost Easter, I thought I’d make something, using my jigsaw, that celebrates a special animal. The little donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem on Plam Sunday. He’s so central to the story and often forgotten. Plus I love donkeys. They’re so sweet with those big ears and gentle eyes that look right into your soul. Think Eyeore and Shrek’s hilarious companion, Donkey, or this little cutie here.
She’s the first “intricate” piece I made using our jigsaw. I used to only cut straight lines or circles. But once I got over my fear and conquered the jigsaw, everything seemed possible. I’ve made hearts, puzzles, rustic reindeer, and a gorgeous illuminated platter. So before I forget what it felt like, I thought I’d share what I learned while making the Easter donkey. She started out as this basic drawing.
…which I traced onto a piece of scaffolding plank before using the jigsaw to cut her out.
What Jigsaw did I use?
We have a Bosch 700E, which is an awesome little tool. It’s lightweight and really easy to control. I would love to buy a cordless jigsaw, but they’re out of my price range, for now. And anyway, the Bosch still works. It does vibrate a little when it’s on, but I figured that’s a good thing. It helps with my flabby, underarm workouts 😉 Here’s the thing about a jigsaw, though. The blade goes up and down, kinda like a woodpecker on steroids and it’s loud. So make sure you put those earmuffs on and wear safety goggles. And if you have long hair like I do, tie it up, and don’t forget to remove all your jewelry.
Just remember if you use a jigsaw or any power tool, dangly bits are dangerous bits.
And I have a lot of dangly bits. Some were bought, and others arrived mysteriously with the onset of old age 😀
Other Handy Stuff
A jigsaw is a power tool, and if you’re a newbie user if would suggest getting some clamps ad a collection of blades. It’s all about dem teeth. Bosch puts these handy little icons on all their blades, which makes it so much easier to find the right one.
Image sourced from toolshop.co.uk
See those two little “squiggly line” icons up there on the left-hand side. That means the blade is suitable for cutting curves. Those are the ones you want to use for something like this.
What I Learnt Using a Jigsaw
Go straight forward
Start with the easier cuts to get the feel of the jigsaw. Straight lines are pretty easy. The first time I ever picked up a jigsaw I made this rustic, little side table. It helped me get over the perception I had that jigsaws are manly things that require big muscles.
To make the first cut, place the tip of the shoe (the metal plate at the bottom of the jigsaw) firmly on the piece of wood with the blade slightly away from the edge. When you’re ready, push the starter button and gently move the jigsaw forward. Keep the metal plate level on the piece of wood.
Curves are a bit harder, but once you get the hang of it you’ll be doing them in no time. To cut around a curve, gently guide the jigsaw along the inside of the cutting line. If you see smoke or the jigsaw kicks back, don’t panic, just switch it off and wait for the blade to stop chattering. When you start cutting again, pull the jigsaw back a little, and give the blade time to speed up before you move forward again.
Let the jigsaw do the work
Don’t push the jigsaw. Guide it gently. Jigsaws don’t do sharp turns too well. The narrower the blade, the sharper the turns, but it definitely won’t do 90-degree turns, and if you force it, those chattering magpies will become screaming queens, or even worse, the blade may break. For those tight spots, like between the donkey’s legs use relief cuts to “chip” away bits of wood until you’ve got more room to move.
And if relief cuts don’t work for you, drill pilot holes.
Pilot holes for turns
If you have a drill then pilot holes are a woman’s (or man’s) best friend. For really, really tight spots, drill a pilot hole that’s big enough for the blade to fit into and cut from there.
Finishing off
When you’ve finished, switch the jigsaw off and wait for the blade to stop completely before setting it down. When I first started using the jigsaw I kept on putting it down and then trying to chase it around the workbench because it was still chattering away. Oh and don’t touch the blade, it’s hot. Since I’m a newbie when it comes to a jigsaw, some of my cuts were a bit rough. Especially those tight spots around her ears and under her tummy. No worries, there’s nothing that a little sandpaper can’t fix. For hard-to-reach areas, wrap the sandpaper around a skewer.
Getting The Donkey Ready For Easter
Once the donkey shape had been cut, it was time to give her some character. Oh BTW, do you know why donkeys have a cross on their backs? It’s such a sweet story. Legend has it that the little donkey who carried Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday was devastated when He was crucified a few days later. She desperately wanted to help Him, but people kept on driving her away. So she waited patiently until everyone went home and then returned to the cross to pay her last respects. The sun was just beginning to set when she finally turned away, heartbroken, and the shadow of the cross fell on her back. That mark has been there ever since as a symbol of the donkey’s undying love and loyalty. So special right?!!
Photo of The Donkey courtesy of TripAdvisor
My little Easter donkey doesn’t have a cross on her back. She does have a coat of dry brushed chalk paint, though, and I added a tail and a mane. They’re both made using our Sizzix Big Shot and this Tassel Tastic Die. As one of Sizzix’s creative team members, we get to play with their dies for free, and the tassels are one of my favorites. If you don’t have a Sizzix, you can cut them by hand like we did when we made our oversized wooden garland. All in all, I made three tassels, two for the mane and one for the tail. For her eye, I just used an old rusty nail.
To attach the tail to the donkey, drill a hole in her bum (sorry little donkey) and squished the tassel into the hole. The mane tassels are glued between her big ears. I had so much fun with the jigsaw, I even made this cute Shweshwe bunny friend for our donkey and a pull toy llama with “tin can” wheels.
Some Final Thoughts and Tips
A jigsaw is called a power tool for a reason. It gives YOU the power to make something awesome, like a no-drama llama chair, beautiful wooden vases, and curious kitty puzzles. Treat it with respect, wear the right safety gear, and you’ll be creating amazing things in no time. Don’t be scared. It makes a lot of noise, but then again so do babies. At least a jigsaw comes with a manual 😉 Read it!! Practice on scrap pieces of wood until you get the hang of it. You can do it. I know YOU can. If you get a chance let me know what you think of the little Easter donkey, is it something you’d try?
And don’t forget to share it with your friends and/or save it to Pinterest.
Oh, and just in case you want to start making things with a jigsaw I’ve saved you the hassle of trying to find the right tools and accessories. Disclosure: If you click on the links below, we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket. It helps us buy new blades in case I break one 😀
Wishing you a lovely, creative, and blessed week. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
Michelle, I love donkeys and the one you made is special and amazing!! Thank you for the directions and tips for using a jigsaw. I’ve used one a few times but just for simple cuts but now I feel like just maybe I could make something super adorable like the donkey you made because of the tips and tricks you shared. I had no idea about the legend of why the donkey has a cross on its back, that’s very neat. I hope you and your family had a Happy Easter!
Thank you Keri, we had a lovely Easter and I’m happy to hear you like donkeys too. They’re such special little creatures and the legend makes them even more special
What a fabulous tutorial for newbies on a jigsaw! Plus, I think your donkey is darling! Good job all around 🙂 Pinned!!
Awww Wendi, thanks so much ?
This is fantastic, Michelle! And congrats on conquering the jigsaw. I don’t think I’ve ever used a jigsaw. Although, my dad used his scroll saw a lot and taught me how to use it when I was pretty young. I always had fun with that! The donkey is perfectly adorable.
Good on your Dad for teaching you Amy. That’s real special and ff you know how to use a scroll saw then the jig saw will be a breeze.
Michelle I LOVE the little donkey!!! I do believe that you have conquered the jigsaw. She turned out beautiful! I love how you added the fringed mane, and tail. She is adorable!!!
Thank you Linda, I really did enjoy making her
That donkey is the cutest thing ever! It looks like you’ve mastered your skills already young lady! Everything you create is a masterpiece! I’m so inspired by your work and I thank you for sharing it. I have to run out and a jigsaw too!
Oooooo I love being called young lady Carolann ? Thank you my friend. Once you get the hang of the jigsaw there’s just so much you can do
That is so cute ! You’re so creative! Love it 🙂
Thank you Claire ?
This little donkey is so adorable. I love the story. I have never heard that before. Your jigsaw is so nice. I like how it has the icons on the blade. Mine doesn’t have that. I am not as brave as you to cut the intricate cuts. I just do straight cuts.
I love our Bosch jigsaw. When I was doing research for the post I discovered that Bosch were the original inventors of the jigsaw way back in the 1950’s if I remember correctly. Sp they sure know what they’re doing and those little icons help alot when trying to figure out what blade to use.
I love donkeys and yours is so cute, Michelle! I recently used a jig saw for the first time and it went better than expected. It was just a straight cut though. Thank you for all the tips! I had no idea that there are special blades to cut curves. Good to know! Currently, I have predominantly fabric and jewelry projects to work on but I’m sure some jig saw projects will come up sooner or later.
It’s a pleasure and I would absolutely love to see what you create with a jigsaw Julia. You are so incredibly talented when it comes to creating salvaged works of art
Michelle, such a sweet story about a power tool and a donkey. I’ve never heard the legend of the donkey either. Your tutorial and story make me want to go out and buy a jigsaw for sure, even though I’m one of those scared of power tools. I’ve always liked donkeys and burros. Never known one up close. I liked your reference to the “dangly bits.” Ha…I’ve sure got plenty of those.
? You and me both Florence ? and I do hope you get to try using the jigsaw, it’s not as frightening as it sounds
Oh wow you did an amazing job!!! He’s so cute!! I would be so scared to chop my hand off lol.
I’m sure you won’t Ayana, just keep the dangly bits out of the way, those are the things that make it dangerous ?
This is an amazing woodwork, Michelle. The shape of this donkey is so nice and the tail is so cute.
Thanks so much Sadhna ?
Simply adorable! Donkeys don’t get enough credit during the Easter celebration. Way to go, Michelle!
And they’re so special too. Donkeys should get way more attention over Easter than bunnies and eggs. I’m still trying to find something in the bible that explains that ?
Oh Wow! So adorable. I really like the leather tail of the donkey. In fact I love everything about her.
? Thank you Angela, I’m pretty impressed with how the tail turned out too
OMG!! This Easter Donkey is so cute. I love how you made the tail. You make me want to pick up a power tool and try something too. So impressed. You really did a great job, Mich!!!
Go for it Candy ? It’s such a nice feeling knowing that power tools aren’t that frightening and there’s just so much you can do with them too. As long as you follow the safety instructions.
Thanks for the tips, I wasn’t able to cut curves because I was using the same wide blade for everything, oh my! Your donkey is as adorable as a real one. I didn’t know the legend, I can’t wait to tell my daughters tomorrow, they love donkeys too
Using the right blade is so important ? and I only figured that bit out after trying to cut the circle for our wine barrel tray. Glad you liked the story Pili, it’s one of my favorites
This project is so cute and sweet! I also love donkeys 🙂 thank you for all these precious tips!
It’s a big pleasure Nati ❣
This came out simply adorable! Love the story and the tip of drilling a hole is spot on,thank you!
Thank you so much Deb ?
This is so adorable. I thought it’s interesting how you chose to make a donkey instead of a horse or another animal until I read the story. The leather tail and hair is creative too~
Thank you so much Peps, it’s such a special story too.
The donkey looks so cute and adorable. You always inspire me to try something new. I have never done cutouts with the jigsaw before but would love to try something with it.
I’m so glad to hear that Preet, hope you have lots of fun with your jigsaw
Oh what a cutie Michelle, it’s absolutely lovely your little donkey. And wow to you for mastering the jig saw so well!
I’m so glad you like it Katrin, thank you
How neat! Your donkey came out really well to say it was your first time attempting something more complicated. I was not aware of the background regarding the donkey and the reason why they have a cross pattern on their backs.
Thanks so much Nadia and isn’t it just such a sweet, beautiful story too. It just makes me love donkeys even more
What a little cutie pie!!! I to have a love-hate relationship with my jigsaw and your so right about the teeth!! Fabulous tutorial and LOVE your tweet! Made me giggle out loud! 🙂
Ahhh yes at my age those dangley bits can be quite dangerous ? Thank you Sam
It looks so easy to do it but not sure in reality how it is like. I never do such thing before and did not owned a carpenter tool like Bosch 700E, it looks so useful and fun to have one. I love the donkey and the tails. I may considering making a unicorn! One question : Can you use Bocsh 700E to drill holes on the wall?
Once you get the hang of it, the jigsaw is a great tool have. There are so many things you can do with it but it won’t drill holes though. You’ll need to get a drill for that
This is such a sweet post Michelle. I had no idea about the Donkey story and the cross. You did a great job recreating your drawing as a wood figure and I’m sure it must make you feel great to know you have mastered that jigsaw! I’ll be looking forward to lots more great projects like this one now that you know how to maneuver it and don’t have to chase it around the workbench.
Ooooo, I’m going to have lots more fun with the jigsaw now. Thank you Mary ?
This is a great post. You have done a really lovely job on this Easter Donkey, it is really cute.
Thanks so much Elizabeth
You my dear are a lady of sheer talent! I would love to try this for myself but I fear I would finish up with no fingers (probably not good for my blog niche!) I am so in awe of how you teach yourself to use such big and scary tools. Your donkey of course came out perfectly, he’s totally adorable. This would make such a thoughtful, unique and pretty Easter gift!
Thanks so much Ithi but you’re fingers and beautiful nail art should be safe, as long as you clamp you work down and keep your fingers on the tool. Uuuummm that sounds so wrong some how ?
This is a really great and creative DIY project! I would love to do this with my nieces and nephews.
Thank you Kelly. I’m not sure how old your nieces and nephews are so just be careful with power tools if they’re still little ones. They will have loads of fun decorating the donkey after it’s been cut out and they can help with the sanding too.
Hi Michelle, your little Easter donkey is adorable! I’d be well chuffed to have created something so cute. It’s not something I would do myself, my husband wouldn’t let me in the same room as his jigsaws let alone let me use them!
xx
Awwww that’s a pity Debbie. I’m real lucky that my hubby doesn’t mind when I get stuck into his power tools, he’s even bought me a few for my birthday. Waaaaayyy better than diamonds in my opinion ?
Your Donkey is wonderful. I have done cutouts with the jigsaw before and although it worked I break way too many blades. There really is a skill to using one of them. Your project turned out great. Love it.
You’re so right Leanna. I learnt that the blade actually tries to tell you when it’s not happy with how you’re pushing it. It either starts smoking or making an awful screeching noise.
This is so creative! This reminds me the ice sculpture that I made a few months ago. I wish I could share the picture with you!
That sounds amazing Marie. I’d love to see that picture
Oh wow you are technically gifted, I guess my donkey would look like a round something with ears. I love the Idea behind it! Its like a metaphor how to treat others and yourself. Thanks for sharing 🙂
? I’m sure yours would look perfect Adriana. As long as you can trace along the lines it’s just like using a big ass pencil that makes a lots of noise ?
A special easter donkey. That’s quite creative. Nice one. I also enjoyed reading through it.
Ese gan Collins, I really appreciate that
This is too cute! You did a really great job with the jigsaw. It’s always good to be able to get an extra workout in when you’re busy with other stuff. ?
? Yup, I love my arm wobble exercise machine so much
The end result looks professional … and I don’t mean to say that you are not ALWAYS professional … but that I couldn’t have told that it was hand made. It is so cool that you are always trying to learn new skills and improve on techniques which you are not an expert at. Your blog has inspired me so much in the past year. Xx
❥ tanvii.com
Awww Tanvi, thank you so incredibly much for that. You’ve just made my day
Oh my gosh this little donkey is so adorable. You did a great job, I love my jigsaw but need to get it out more often. Great job!
Thanks so much Toni ? I’m really enjoying my jigsaw. It’s so much fun to use and makes thing a lot easier
First of all, I have to say adorable…and second, I am super impressed. The only power tool I own is my sewing machine. Does that count? 😉
Of course it counts Kim, it’s one of my favorite power tools too ?
Your donkey is really cute! Love his fringe leather tail and mane.
Thank you Pat ?
What a great post! Thank God I have my father for doing this and I only just design what I want but you’re giving me the courage to actually try myself for a time!
Thank you Katerina. I was pretty scared to use the jigsaw at first but there’s so much you can do with it and I really, really wanted to learn how to do it for myself. I’m sure your Dad would love to show you how to use it too.