As we grow older, we often look back at times in our past and certain memories always surface – we can sit for hours and dwell on those fond memories and smile. Growing up as a young girl I was fascinated with my Uncle Terry and all his cool tools; the microscope set, the chess set and the amazing woodburning tool! To this day I can hold my own in a good game of chess and those squiggly objects under the microscope lens remind me of all the amazing bugs in the garden and the wonders of life in their tiny atmosphere.
The woodburning tool was one of those fascinating mysteries to me that was dangerous, and yet the creative possibilities seemed endless. Only the brave and daring would plug the hot burning tool in and create images like a true artist. I could only dream of the magnificent images I could create and hope … to draw with fire one day.
Pyrography is the official term when referring to woodburning. The natural beauty that can be created is remarkable. The heated one-temperature unit is inexpensive and a great way to start experimenting with the art.
Common surfaces used to burn designs or patterns onto are wood, gourds and leather. My interest became peaked when I decided to grow gourds in my garden and now I am not only fascinated with gourds but woodburning as well. Although the growing season had passed and I was unable to grow my own gourds, I was able to purchase some at the local fall festivals. They do require a drying out time and I created a work of art as a Christmas gift for my Mom.
She also received a woodburning tool and a book on the subject since she expressed her fascination with the art. I was shocked at how beautiful the vase turned out and so was everyone else! I am hooked now; I just have to wait to grow the gourds this upcoming season! Although you can purchase dried, clean gourds from several places on-line.
My next project was a vegetable design on a seed box and with this and the previous vase I learned to work with colors. I outlined the design and woodburned, then used oil pastels which are similar to crayons and blended several colors trying to create shades. Then I realized as I read more about woodburning that a lot of a design is created with tones and shades using the tool itself. I gave it a try and created this sunflower plaque and as you can see the background was darkened by burning the wood with the tool.
Various techniques can be used to layer a lighter or darker area.
Using different tones, techniques and texture is the basis for creating artwork that is natural and very lifelike in appearance. I decided to purchase a variable temperature woodburning unit which is a larger investment but worthwhile if you plan to learn an amazing art form.
While I await the arrival of all those gourds I plan to grow, I will be working on a special project for our home down South. We have a huge picture window overlooking the lake and I can’t see it covered with curtains; I need to look at the beauty of the view. I plan to create a wooden valance across the top (and maybe the sides) with woodburning designs etched all along.
Thank you Uncle Terry for opening my eyes to the fascinating world of woodburning all those years ago!
