Introduction to Pyrography

First of all I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Linda and I'd like to assure you that this course of lessons is easy and enjoyable. You don't have to be a wonderful artist to do pyrography well, all you need is patience and time! If you are anxious about your drawing skills then use tracing paper and transfer pictures onto the wood.

Secondly I suggest you get some plywood from a DIY store. Ask them to cut the piece of wood into 6" x 8" bits. The poor chap you ask will probably moan, but I've found they usually do it for you! Use the plywood for the exercises, as you won't be anxious about making mistakes and experimenting. If you can work on plywood which has a rough surface, you'll love working on the sycamore blanks from Janik, because they are so smooth and have no grain to put you off.

Lastly familiarise yourself with your pyrography machine. There are a few different types and you will need to know what you can do with yours. Read all the paperwork on your machine and make sure you know how to change the temperature, change the points and manipulate the pencil.

When you've completed the exercises, you'll want to go onto decent pieces of wood and other surfaces. These can be sycamore, beech, birch, maple (hardwoods), pine , wood veneers, cork leather and certain plastics. If you want to ber adventurous you can add watercolours and wood dyes.

Enjoy your lessons and exercises. Don't get discouraged, you'll soon be hooked!