Pyrography

[grannyjules]

I'm going to give pyrography a go. Just ordered the gadgets and a beginners book.
I saw the demo again this year at the Wood Turners show, and found out you can trace the pictures on to the wood. I thought you had to be able to draw, but it seems not.
So I'll be off having a go. My order should arrive tomorrow! I can't wait.

Does anyone else do it?

[Plantaholic]

Enjoy, I knew a lady who enjoyed this activity.

[Gemini]

I don't GJ, but think it is very interesting, and look forward to seeing the photos of the finished results once you become proficient at it

[Oma]

Oh yes got to see photos , it's nice when you enjoy a hobby , I was very into my hobbies but can't do delicate things now with wonky fingers and tremors ,I miss it all

[Daisy]

Yes GJ. I do a bit. I'm still very much of a beginner on my phone just now but I'll rely properly tonight. 😍

[Daisy]

JG - I've had a pyrography kit for a year or so, but haven't had much chance to practice. I started after seeing a demonstration at OH's wood turning club, and having a go there. They had images you could trace onto the blanks, using carbon paper, so being able to draw certainly isn't important. You can also get alphabetic templates for any lettering you want to use. I found at first that I didn't sand the wood smooth enough before starting a design, then you get extra blobs of 'burn' in the grain. It takes a bit of practice to get the right pressure for the effect you want, and I always have some 'spare' wood to try out the pen on before I start. You can also vary the temperature which gives you different effects, too. It's a good idea to have decent ventilation!

I bought some small shaped blanks from Turners Retreat which I've used for gift tags etc. It's quite satisfying to be able to produce something quite quickly!

http://www.turners-retreat.co.uk/pyr...ography-blanks


I've got a couple of books with design ideas in, but to be honest, I haven't been inspired by them. They all seem a bit old-fashioned. So I'm always on the look out for ideas from other media, and I like the idea of incorporating pyrography with other forms like carving and art. OH also says he'd like some decoration on some of his projects - eeeek, no pressure, there then. Imagine messing up something he's spent 20 or 30 hours creating!

It is fun, though, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Let me know when your machine arrives. Did you order a second pen, it's very useful because it means you can have two 'nibs' on the go without having to wait for it to cool down before changing the nib. You can also make your own nibs. A friend of OH's made some for me, but I haven't tried yet!

A couple of my first very 'blobby' attempts:

I painted the second one with a very thin coat of acrylic paint first.

[grannyjules]

Hubby went to Turner's Retreat near Doncaster today and came back with some pre-cut shapes for me. Still waiting for machine to arrived. I ordered a book too, it's shows how to make up a practise board. Hope that helps ha.
Thanks for the tip about making sure the woods sanded enough.
Yes the pressure would certainly be on , working on one of Hubby's pieces.!
I had a little go at a show, and yes it is tricky to get the pressure right, and I am a bit hamfisted, so it'll take me awhile.

[Daisy]

GJ - I've never seen any advice on making up a practice board - I just used some of OH's scrap wood with fine grain. If there's a better way of doing it, I'd be very interested! I could do with some lessons to improve my technique - it's very hit and miss - mostly miss! LOL

I hope your machine arrives soon. I also bought a very cheap little 'pen' when it was on offer in Lidls and it came with pens with different designs on the nibe - like little stamps with different designs. I think they could be quite useful for borders etc, but it was just before Christmas and I haven't had much time to play with it yet.

[Nana]

I love reading about the different crafts you ladies choose. I've had a screen printing kit for two years & still haven't got around to doing it. Daisy I think you've done really well. Can't wait to see GJ' s finished results.

[Daisy]

Nana - thank you, kind lady. I'm always very critical of anything creative that I do, because I can always se ways it could be improved. I drive OH mad if I'm choosing a photo to use for anything like a canvas or picture, but then I know it will annoy me if I don't get it just right!

Screen printing looks really interesting. I do hope you get a chance to try it out soon - and share your results with us.

[Nana]

Daisy. I find that we're our own worst critics. If you get chance I'd love to see some of your photos.

[Daisy]

Nana - I love doing macro and very hard-cropped close ups. I took some photos in the garden at the week-end which I'm going to process asap. When I do, I'll post some pics.

One image that has been bugging me for ages is this.


It's a close up from a wedding bouquet or table arrangement (can't remember which) and I liked the idea, but can't quite get the composition how I want it. I'll have to go back to the original and start again, but it's been kicking round on my desktop for months!!!

[grannyjules]

Well the gadgets arrived, but I'm knitting "Easter Rabbits for Rhys", right now, so playing will have to wait a week or two.
I'll have a quick look through the book and see if it's any good and pass on any info.
I'm thinking the little patterned nibs will be much easier than trying to write, but I could be so wrong.
I must admit I was expecting wire nibs, but they're not.

[Daisy]

GJ - what make is your machine? I've got little (and also larger, shaped, wire nibs. Mine's a Peter Child. Yes, I think it is easier to do patterns. I sketch them out in pencil on the blank first - it's easy enough to rub them out afterwards. Have fun when you have time to play with it.

[grannyjules]

It's an Antex, was only £24ish as opposed to the ones at the show for £109. That's far too much for me, as it may be a one hit wonder. I'll progress to one of those if I master it.