My Process

The process I use involves fixing a photo onto mdf (note: mdf can be replaced with acrylic which seems to be the favored material used in the USA). Then using a scroll saw I cut away all the background. The next stage involves sanding the edges down and then painting them to match in with the colours of the photo (they don't seem to bother doing this in the States), then finally fixing the ornament to a base. With the base I prefer to make it out of resin and paint it, but occasionally I'll make up a base from a photo coated in liquid glass. I don't usually coat the photos in varnish as I feel this tends to increase reflections when viewed from an angled positioned, as is the case with framed photos.

If your planning to make your own ornaments from your photos my advice is to have copies of your photos made prior to starting. Expect to make a few mistakes till you become competent with the scroll saw, which will only take a few days of playing about and experimenting.

I have found the best size ornaments are about 4-6” in size, you don't want them too big as they become a little overpowering and gaudy, so I take most of my cutouts from 5x7 photos.

If your using MDF for photo backing, its best to use 2mm thickness using PVA as the adhesive, and 4-6mm for the bases. I pour a resin on my base then sit the cut out on it.

If you don't own your own scroll saw and are wondering what type to go for, well it all comes down to what your budget is. I don't think you need to go all out for the £400 models for this type of craft. Personally I would stick to something in the region of £80—£100, with a dust blower. Blades on the other hand is where you should be choosey. I buy good quality ones over the internet in bulk, they last longer and tend to be cheaper than in shops. I use “Flying Dutchman” Scroll Reverse blades, the smallest size obtainable.

Whether you want to apply a varnish to your photo to protect it from splashes and allow cleaning is a personal choice. Yes it would no doubt give the ornament a longer life span. I avoid it as I find there's more reflection with varnish when viewing the ornament from an angle. I have some FunFigures on display in my own home that are 4 years old now and they are still like new, no photo fading etc.

Feel free to E-mail me for advice/queries if your planning to make your own or just have some Q’s and I’ll help all I can : you can contact me at phil@funfigures.co.uk