Woodburning Project & Pattern Treasury
Create your own Pyrography Art with 70
mix-and-match designs
by Deborah Pompano
Softcover
215 x 280mm
175pp
Published by Fox Chapel Publishing Co. Inc., East Petersburg PA USA
R.R.P.$32.90
ISBN 978-1-56523-482-6
As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 161
While pyrography has been undertaken for many years, it is only within the last two decades that it has attracted large numbers of enthusiasts. The trend continues to sweep upwards with the increasing interest largely due to the diversity and quality of the pyrographic pens and equipment that have become available.
Another factor in the growth of pyrography has been the publication of seminal works that have invited further exploration of the craft.
Woodburning Project and Pattern Treasury, written by a talented and prolific craftswoman who is also a professionally trained teacher, may fairly claim to be one of these books.
It begins with a section on Getting Started which includes a brief overview of pyrography machines and the different kinds of pens that can be obtained, as well as notes on wood preparation, colouring materials and the setting up of a comfortable workspace.
Next is a thoughtful consideration of design, particularly as it relates to pyrography.
Chapter 3 deals with a number of practice projects which are designed to develop skill in the various techniques used in the craft. This is followed by a step-by-step project for which the author has chosen a Saw-Whet Owl as the subject.
Chapter 5 is the actual Pattern Treasury. First there are depictions of small 'elements' that might find a place in larger compositions. These include flowers, plants, trees, birds, nests, feathers, celtic knots, sewing and cooking motifs, animals, insects and seashells. Finally, there are more than 30 complete compositions, each presented as the original drawing and an illustration of the finished work (on facing pages). These are divided into two groups: Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced.
Some of the book is clearly aimed at assisting the novice and partly experienced pyrographer achieve a higher standard of work, but there is also much that will attract and interest the advanced practitioner in the craft. A small Gallery at the very end of the book is evidence of the author’s own achievements at this level.
Photos - Colour
Contents
About
this Book
Introduction
Part
1: Getting Started
- Tools and Materials
- Setting Up a Comfortable Workspace
Part
2: Design
- Basic Drawing Concepts useful for Woodburners
- Sources of Inspiration
- Sayings
- How a Pattern comes together
- Borders
Part
3: Practice Projects
- Overview of the Projects
- Crazy Quilt Sampler
- Four Basic Shapes
- Adding Color with Watercolor Washes
Part
4: Saw-Whet Owl step-by-step Basic Project
Part
5: Pattern Treasury
- Elements
- Complete Compositions
Part
6: Gallery
Index