DIY Network

Fearless Fretwork If you can draw it, you can carve it. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-129

You can make this openwork panel – scroll down to learn how.

Far too many people are intimidated by wood carving and think the only people who can carve are artisans who've practiced since childhood with sharp, hard-to-handle tools.

There are plenty of gifted artists out there, but that doesn't mean you can't B. Original with some fancy wood carving of your own. Host Michele Beschen walks you through an easy how-to that will have you cutting up fancy in no time. The trick: Using materials and tools that are beginner-friendly.

Scroll down for Michele Beschen's straightforward how-to, and get ready to get carving!

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Openwork Panel

Materials:

1/8" Baltic birch sheet
drill
scroll saw with spiral blade or hand saber saw
sandpaper
paint or stain

Figure A

• Draw your design freehand—let your imagination go wild. Make shapes with smooth curves, and make sure you leave enough room between each design to cut.

• If a design needs to be cut out, mark it with an X (figure A). This will keep you from getting confused as you follow the wavy lines throughout the piece.

• Drill a pilot hole in each design (figure B) and cut out the designs with a scroll saw using a spiral blade (figure C). You also can use a hand saber saw.
  

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

• After all the shapes have been cut out, sand the rough edges. Paint or stain the wood.

• You can frame and hang your masterpiece, combine it with photography or other artwork (figure D) or even use it as an inlay for a door front (figure E).

Figure D

Figure E