Designs
You can adapt a variety of designs from almost any media. From
coloring books to garden manuals just about every item has been
captured as line art or a simple sketch. Once you have become familiar
with the iron and the patterns you can create using the various tips, it
will be easier for you to create your own designs. Use a copy machine
to reduce and enlarge designs to suit your project.
Transferring Designs
Tools needed:
Tracing paper
Pencil
Ruler
Low tack masking tape
Carbon paper
Place your pattern on the surface and secure with masking tape across
the top. Lift the pattern and place the carbon paper directly on the surface.
Reposition the pattern and lightly trace the design using a pencil.
Double check your design before removing the pattern to make sure
you have transferred the entire pattern. Use a ruler to trace straight lines.
Surfaces
A wide variety of surfaces are suitable for pyrography. Hardwoods such
as beech, sycamore, birch and hornbeam are most popular. Most craft
stores carry a good selection of these varieties.
Birch plywood works well and is available at home improvement
centers. You can also make your own tabletops and furniture using
plywood and decorate it with your new skills.
Smooth grained and light colored woods work best. Stay away from
dark, coarse grained hardwoods. Pines are not suitable because they
have too much sap causing it to burn and mar your patterns.
Cork, leather, some papers, and even wax candles make great design
surfaces. Check your craft store and woodworking shops for suitable
surfaces. Experiment! This is a hobby. That means you can just do it
because it’s fun.
Safety Tip
:
Caution should be taken when working with certain hardwoods
such as, English pressure treated or tropical woods. Avoid using
very thin plywood or veneer because they contain adhesives that
emit dangerous fumes when heated. Wear protective masks.
