Pallet Wood Folk Art Rabbit

ScavengerChic
by ScavengerChic
2 Materials
4 Hours
Medium
This is a photo of a running rabbit offered by the Busacca Gallery. It supposedly dates from the early 19th or 20th century (though that's kind of a wide range). "This piece was obviously done by a carver with considerable skill, but nevertheless, retains a naive quality. This is a honey of a piece." That was their words, not mine. It sold for $250.
Today I'm attempting to make my own knockoff of Mr. Running Bunny.
To get a pattern for Mr. Running Bunny, I'm taking the original picture and enlarging it until the total length is about 18".  The original was only 13".'


Think of Mr.Bunny in two layers, the front layer has the left ear and 2 left feet.  The back layer has the right ear and right feet.


Cut out the pattern for the front layer , but save  the back layer  cause you're going to need it.
Trace around your bunny onto pallet wood.  For this entire piece, I only used 1 piece of the wider pallet wood. 
I'm using a  Ryobi Scroll Sawicon .  While you could use a jigsaw, the scroll saw is super easy to use and can cut in tight corners.
Go back to the pattern and tape the right ear and feet you cut off back on.  Mark where  you think the back ear and legs would end.  You're going to have to guess a bit with this part. Trim off the excess front pieces.


Trace this half of the bunny onto pallet wood and cut out.
For both the front and back pieces sand really well around only the ears and feet rounding both sides...this is both the inside and outside cuts. 
Line up both sides of your bunny parts.  Glue and clamp.
Now that the pieces are together, finish sanding, leveling off between the two layers and rounding out all the sides, tail and face.
Here is a picture of my final running bunny. For painting and finishing techniques and a bunch more pictures, I hope you have a chance to visit me at the link below.


The cost for me was free but your cost will vary depending on what supplies you have on hand.
Suggested materials:
  • Pallet wood
  • Dowel and base   (on hand)
ScavengerChic
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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