Woodburning Projects and Patterns for Beginners E-Book

Minisa Robinson

• Herausgeber: Fox Chapel Publishing
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Seitenzahl: 122

Beschreibung

The ultimate beginner-friendly guide to pyrography, Woodburning Projects and Patterns for Beginners is the perfect place to start your new favorite hobby! Featuring a complete overview and introduction to woodburning, you'll understand the tools, supplies, and safety precautions involved in this unique art. Learn basic techniques – from burning even lines, shading, stippling, and more – to then complete step-by-step projects for frames, boxes, ornaments, coasters, and more. Also provided are full-size patterns, helpful information on how to avoid and fix mistakes, as well as how to seal and finish your projects. Author of the popular Woodburning Realistic Animals, Minisa Robinson is an extremely talented pyrography artist and has contributed to Woodcarving Illustrated and Pyrography Magazine.  

Leseprobe

This book is dedicated to Jess, Will, Cash, and Alexis: you are my heart, my love, and my world.

© 2020 by Minisa Robinson and Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc., 903 Square Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552.

Woodburning Projects and Patterns for Beginners is an original work, first published in 2020 by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc. The patterns contained herein are copyrighted by the author. Readers may make copies of these patterns for personal use. The patterns themselves, however, are not to be duplicated for resale or distribution under any circumstances. Any such copying is a violation of copyright law.

For a printable PDF of the patterns used in this book, please contact Fox Chapel Publishing at [email protected], quoting the ISBN and title of this book, as well as the pattern or patterns required.

Print ISBN 978-1-4971-0085-5eISBN 978-1-6076-5782-8

To learn more about the other great books from Fox Chapel Publishing, or to find a retailer near you, call toll-free 800-457-9112 or visit us at www.FoxChapelPublishing.com.

We are always looking for talented authors. To submit an idea, please send a brief inquiry to [email protected].

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1: WOODBURNING SAFETY AND SETUP

CHAPTER 2: TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

CHAPTER 3: WOOD TYPES

CHAPTER 4: BEFORE YOU BURN

CHAPTER 5: TEMPERATURE BASICS

CHAPTER 6: SHADING BASICS

CHAPTER 7: PRACTICE THE FUNDAMENTALS

CHAPTER 8: ADDING COLOR AND FINISHING

CHAPTER 9: FIXING MISTAKES

CHAPTER 10: PROJECTS

LEVEL 1 PROJECTS:

BOOKMARK

WELCOME SIGN

MOUNTAIN BANGLE BRACELET

SNOWFLAKE COASTERS

FUN AND FOXY KEYCHAIN

COFFEE TIME

WOLF GRADIENT

LEVEL 2 PROJECTS:

MANDALA

ADVENTURE KEY HOLDER

ALWAYS BEE KIND

FEATHER PENDANTS

SERVING TRAY

LEVEL 3 PROJECTS:

FAMILY FRAME

COUNTRY JAR

MEMORY BOX

FOLLOW YOUR PASSION

BON APPÉTIT WOODEN PLATE

GALLERY

PATTERNS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

INTRODUCTION

Pyrography is an ancient art form where a hot tool is used to burn images onto wood, paper, gourds, leather, and other fire-friendly materials. It’s more commonly known as woodburning because wood is often the medium of choice for the art form, and advancements in technology afford artists with various quality tools such as electric woodburning pens. Pyrography is incredibly versatile and can be used in countless ways, from adding simple embellishments onto carved wood, to decorating home décor items, and even creating high-quality realistic works of art.

This book is meant to teach the art of woodburning and ignite your artistic senses. Pyrography can be added to most species of unfinished wood, which opens a world of creative opportunities. The projects in this book also include the option for color, so the possibilities are endless.

A Timeline of Learning

This is a beginner’s book, and before I show you my favorite artworks, I think it’s important to show you my journey as a pyrographic artist. We all start as beginners and must grow from there. I am a self-taught artist, and most of my progress has come from a combination of trial, experiment, practice, and—above all else—attempting projects that were beyond my current skill level. Why? Because it was the catalyst that pushed me to greater learning. As artists, we are never stagnant, and we are always learning with each and every project. The willingness to learn is one of the greatest teachers in life, and I hope you will always be willing to attempt that next challenge. So, before we proceed, here are some of my first attempts at pyrography, which are also some of my most important projects.

This was the project that hooked me on pyrography. It was my first attempt at woodcarving with a Dremel® tool, and I was frustrated that I couldn’t see my carving well. I purchased a simple woodburning tool from my local store and tried to burn over the carving so it would look better. I immediately learned a few things: first of all, woodcarving wasn’t really my thing; secondly, I ruined my first woodburning point by pressing too hard; and lastly, I absolutely loved pyrography!

The project that made me realize my love for pyrography.

When I first started woodburning, I didn’t have any wood to burn on, so I walked into the surrounding forests at my home in Colorado and cut down a small aspen tree with a hatchet. I peeled off the bark, cut it into small sections, and used that small tree for my first few pyrography projects.

I look back at my first project and know that I’ve learned so much since then, but that learning curve is so important to all artists. This was my first steppingstone on my woodburning path.

Be willing to give life to new ideas.

My second woodburning project was on another small section of the aspen tree I cut down. At that time, I was afraid that the woodburning smoke would possibly trigger the smoke alarms of our small cabin, so I made this outside on the deck. It was a frigid autumn afternoon, and the woodburner was the only thing keeping my hands from getting too cold. I had no reference photo or guidelines and sketched out this small elk before dark. After the project was finished, I showed my husband, and his kind words were the spark that encouraged me to try again.

My second woodburning project, burned without any references.

Embrace the practice of practice.

This was my third project and the first time I used a printed-out reference photo with graphite paper. It was a big help to lay out the outlines of the piece, and I used the Dremel® tool to carve out the sun behind the bison. At this point, I realized that my options for pyrography were truly unlimited and I couldn’t wait to try more ideas.

My third project opened my eyes to the unlimited possibilities pyrography can offer.

Imagination and creativity know no bounds.

Most of my first projects were created on round pieces of aspen, but I wanted to try a flat piece, so my husband cut a slab of aspen with his chainsaw for me. This was my first flat woodburning, and I quickly realized the importance of sanding the wood before burning. The surface was very rough and difficult to burn on, and at this point, I was still experimenting with different tips and ways to use them. This woodburning piece was a huge learning experience, and it pushed me to create more realistic woodburnings.

My first flat project taught me the importance of first sanding your wood.

Never stop growing!

Chapter 1

WOODBURNING SAFETY AND SETUP

Woodburning is a delightful art form full of many possibilities. Because of its versatile nature, it’s a good idea to learn more about the safety aspects of the art. Some woodburning tools can easily reach over 1,000 degrees F (540 degrees C); therefore, they present a possible danger of fire and personal burns. The following tips can help you enjoy the art of woodburning safely.

To reduce the risks of fire:

• Never leave a woodburner unattended.

• Keep combustible materials away from the hot tool.

• Keep pets and children away from the unit.

• Secure the hot burner with a stand or holder.

• Keep cords out from underfoot.

• Use common sense when handling the hot tool.

For personal safety:

• Burn in a well-ventilated area.

• Give yourself plenty of room to work.

• Wear a glove while burning to help protect your fingers.

• Never change out points with your hands; use needle-nosed pliers instead.

• Don’t burn near water or liquids.

• Work on an incline to allow heat to rise up and away from your hand.

• An inclined surface can also help your back and neck.

• Never use a woodburning tool during an electrical storm.

To protect your lungs:

• Burn on unfinished wood only.

• Never burn over wood with a clear coat, varnish, paint, etc. Doing so could produce toxic fumes.

• Only add color after the burning is complete. Burning over pigments can also create toxic fumes.

• Never burn on plastic, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), particle boards, or any wood that is bound together with glues.

• Always wear a dust mask when sanding.

• Use a respirator for applying clear coats.

• If you burn on leather, choose vegetable-tanned leather only.

• Do your research before attempting to burn on a new wood species. Most woods are safe, but a few can produce toxins when burned. There are some resourceful websites on wood safety; however, if you’re unsure, consult a wood specialist.

To protect the woodburner:

• Never change out points when a burner is on. You can damage the threads and/or shear the point off completely. Always wait until the woodburner has completely cooled before replacing points.

• Use light pressure when burning. Pressing down firmly can bend or damage the points or burner.

Keep the woodburning tool secure at all times.

Wearing a glove can protect against accidental burns. I use a simple gardening glove from my local store, but it has saved my fingers from excessive heat and unintentional burns.

Wear a respirator when applying clear coats or burning dark backgrounds, which can produce more smoke.

Bent point due to excessive pressure

Some artists plug in their burning unit and get comfy; burning in their easy chairs or even their beds. However, I strongly recommend working at a desk with adequate space and lighting. It’s important to secure your woodburning tool while working to help prevent the risk of fire. Also, keep your workspace free of papers, tissues, or other flammable items. Finally, always keep beverages or water far from the electric burner!

A flat desk is a great start, but using an inclined desk can help prevent neck and back pain, making the woodburning experience more enjoyable. I purchased this adjustable drafting table from an online retailer, but you can also use a tabletop easel with some adjustment.

Avoid neck and back pain by using an inclined desk.

Chapter 2

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

It takes very few supplies to get started in pyrography, most of which are quite affordable. This makes it an appealing hobby or craft to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Woodburning Units

There are two main types of woodburners: soldering-iron type burners with interchangeable solid points, and units with interchangeable wire pens and nibs. There are many popular woodburners within each group, which allows artists to make their selection based on personal preference. People often ask me what is the “best” woodburning tool on the market, and I encourage them to find the one that best suits their style of burning. What works best for me may not work well for others, and likewise, other artists’ preferences don’t always work with my style. Sometimes it can take trial and error to see what works best for you.

Some artists convince themselves early in their learning curve that they could create better work if only they had better tools. While sometimes this can be the case, usually the quality of one’s work comes from practice and learning the tools you have. The artist uses the tools; the tools don’t make the artist. Great art is possible with simple tools.

I have both the Walnut Hollow® Creative Versa-Tool® and the Razertip® dual pen system, but I use the Versa-Tool for most of my work. Both units are very nice, but once again this comes down to my personal preference.

Walnut Hollow Creative Versa-Tool

This woodburning kit can be found at most craft stores and big-box retailers within the United States. It is a soldering-iron type burner and has a variable temperature control plus 11 interchangeable points. Once plugged in and turned on, the burner will reach optimal temperature in about five minutes but maintains a steady and consistent heat while burning.

Razertip SS-D10

This unit is found through online retailers and uses interchangeable wire tip pens and nibs. The pens are usually purchased separately since there are many to choose from, and they vary greatly based on the needs of the artist. The Razertip also comes with a variable temperature feature and reaches the optimal temperature almost instantly once turned on. This burner can also reach much higher temperatures to burn very hard woods or bone.

Woodburning Points: Walnut Hollow Overview

The Walnut Hollow Creative Versa-Tool comes with several different points, which can be very versatile. I’ve made a chart to help show the different burn styles that you can create with each point. These are only a few ideas, and I encourage you to experiment with each point to learn what works best for you.

Tip

The brass points can be modified to suit your needs. They can be easily bent or can be sanded to create a smoother edge. If damaged, the points can be purchased individually from Walnut Hollow.

Versa-Tool: Universal Point

Side-Shading. Using the side of the bevel, drag the point sideways to create soft shading. (Sand the edge of the point if it’s too sharp.)

Crisp Lines. Drag the sharp edge of the bevel downward to create crisp lines.

Grass. Turn the point upside down and use the upper edge of the point to drag upward in random strokes. This can create the illusion of grass.

Fur. Burn fur by drawing varied upward strokes. Then use side-shading to soften and blend them together.

Stippling/Pointillism. Use the upper point to create a unique stippling effect.

Solid Black. Very similar to side-shading, use the side of the bevel and drag very slowly in a horizontal motion.

Downward Triangles. Using the upper point, press into the wood to create a downward triangle.

Varied Lines. You can create lines of different thicknesses by tipping the universal point to the side and laying it flatter against the wood.

Upward Triangles. Using the lower point, press into the wood to create an upward triangle.

Boxes and Windows. Lightly press the front edge of the point into the wood to create each edge of a small box or window.

Crosshatching. Use the sharp edge of the point to create bold crosshatching.

Versa-Tool: Flow Point

Text.