Try these 15 scroll saw projects to sharpen your skills and create unique, custom wood pieces for gifts or home decor!
A scroll saw is one of the most versatile tools in the shop. It can cut intricate designs, make detailed curves, and bring unique ideas to life. If you’ve got a scroll saw sitting in your shop and aren’t sure what to do with it, here are fifteen scroll projects to try!
This is where a scroll saw shines. Cutting out different layers and stacking them together creates a 3D effect that looks incredible. Landscapes, animals, or abstract designs all work well. Stain or paint the layers for extra contrast. You can also experiment with different types of wood for a natural color variation.
Everyone loves custom decor, and a scroll saw makes it easy to cut out names in fancy script or block letters. These make great gifts and can be mounted on walls, doors, or desks. Adding a background with a different stain or wood type can make the lettering pop even more.
I made a few myself, which you can check out here.
Cut out interlocking pieces to create a custom puzzle, or take it a step further and craft a picture puzzle where the pieces form an image when assembled. It’s a fun challenge and a great way to test your skills. You can also make educational puzzles for kids, like alphabet or number puzzles.
Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving—every holiday has room for some custom wood decor. Small hanging ornaments, tabletop decorations, or even tree toppers can be made with a scroll saw. Creating themed sets for different holidays can be a great way to build a collection over time.
Instead of a flat animal cutout, try layering different sections to add depth. A deer with layered antlers, a bear with a mountain background—this type of project makes for striking wall art. These pieces look especially great when framed or mounted on a backlit panel.
A custom wooden clock is a great project that’s both decorative and functional. Cut out a unique shape, carve in numbers or leave it minimal, then add a clock mechanism. Great for workshops, kitchens, or offices. Consider experimenting with Roman numerals or modern, numberless designs.
A scroll saw makes it easy to create small, intricate boxes with curved edges or detailed cutouts. Adding a personalized touch with initials or decorative elements makes these even better. Velvet or felt lining inside adds a professional touch.
Cut out some coasters in unique shapes—state outlines, geometric patterns, or nature-inspired designs. Adding carved details with a scroll saw gives them extra character. You can also create matching sets with holders to keep them organized.
Wooden signs with engraved or cut-out lettering make for great home decor. Inspirational quotes, funny phrases, or business logos can all be turned into custom wall art. Using layered backdrops can create a shadowed effect for more depth.
If you like detailed work, try making small houses, barns, or even entire model towns. These projects can be as simple or complex as you want, making them a great way to push your skills further. Some enthusiasts even build elaborate dollhouses or fairy doors.
Custom frames allow you to match your decor perfectly. A scroll saw lets you create intricate borders, unique shapes, or even layered inlays. Adding detailed floral, geometric, or rustic designs can make each frame stand out.
A wooden key holder with carved slots or hooks can be both stylish and practical. You can design these to include small shelves for mail or even incorporate a chalkboard or dry-erase board for reminders.
For something simple yet elegant, try making wooden bookmarks. Intricate cutout patterns, monograms, or themed designs can make them unique. These are perfect for gifts and can be customized with names, quotes, or favorite book titles.
Custom phone or tablet stands are useful and easy to make. A scroll saw allows you to create unique, curved designs, initials, or even themed stands like animals or sports logos. Some designs even incorporate slots for charging cables.
If you enjoy gardening, making custom plant markers from wood can be a great project. You can cut out shapes like leaves or fruits, then engrave or stencil plant names onto them. Sealing them with weatherproof finish keeps them lasting outdoors.
A scroll saw is the perfect tool for detailed woodworking, and these projects barely scratch the surface of what’s possible. Making gifts, home decor, or just sharpening your skills—there’s always a new idea to try, and every project helps improve your precision and creativity.