From Log to Letter Opener

Last October I was at work in downtown Ottawa when a co-worker said he has a surprise for me.
We went outside and he showed me a 14” diameter by 4’ long chunk of maple.
He said that he cut down a maple at his cottage and brought me in a piece.
“Uhmmm… Thanks” I replied.
I had to put it in the trunk of my car, it just fit and pushed the entire rear end down quite a bit.
I had to buy a riser block and resaw blade for my 14” bandsaw and make a sled.
The log still wouldn’t fit so I used an old electric chainsaw to trim off the sides.
I cut it into planks and put them behind my shed for the winter.
This month I took the smallest piece, and purchased a draw knife to remove the bark.
Cut a 1’ piece off and ran it through the jointer and thickness planer.
I got a pattern from Steve Goods scroll saw website and went to work.
I then realized my scrolling abilities are poor at best.
I can’t seem to be able to turn the wood fast enough without going off the lines.
I bought a foot switch so I could start and stop the blade quickly in order to turn the wood.
I even broke a scroll saw blade while doing this, although you get lots in a pack.
Oh why do I pick these patterns?!?
By the end of the day, I succeeded in making a not-too-bad $200 letter opener.
Although each one will be substantially cheaper now that I have all the accessories.
I also told my co-worker to only bring me 8” diameter logs from now on.
Thanks for looking.

-- Close to Ottawa Ontario Canada