Pyrography
The Art of Creative Woodburning
by Patrick & Patricia Spielman
Softcover
145 x 210mm
52pp
Published by Sandra Menger, QLD, Australia.
R.R.P.$12.50
ISBN 0-646-053-71-X
As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 110
Sandra Menger is an Australian pyrographer with over 21 years experience in her art. She specialises in bush scenes and finding practical applications for her woodburning.
In Pyrography - The Art of Creative Woodburning, Sandra presents a beginners handbook that clearly sets out the necessary materials and tools, those all important safety tips, instructions on how to use a burner (with photos) and where to find designs. There is a list of timbers she has tried and tested - catalogued using both botanical and common names - and a selection of simple designs.
To get you started, Sandra has devoted a section of the handbook to working through a pyrography project from start to finish.
To begin this section, Sandra has chosen chosen 2 plywoods (Poplar and European Beech) and a Hoop Pine board, to illustrate the various burnings achieved using the same picture.
She then describes the crucial first steps for beginning the project - sanding the surface to a medium smooth finish and how to transfer the design onto the timber.
Nothing could be simpler the way Sandra explains it, particularly if you think you lack artistic talent. All that is involved is measuring up, positioning the design, gently sliding some worn carbon paper underneath it and then tracing onto the timber. You are then ready to start burning.
The techniques of applying your burner to the timber for the first time are also clearly explained. Using an animal design, Sandra describes how to fill in the picture, to look for the focal point (generally the eyes in animals), followed by suggestions for the background.
For those of you who have been inspired by the beginner's feature on pyrography in this issue, Pyrography - The Art of Creative Woodburning is an excellent entry text and reference.
Photos: Black & White
Contents
Preface
About the
Author
Introduction
Suitable Timbers
Safety Precautions
Equipment
Use of Your Burner
Designs and Where To Find Them
Practical Uses
One Work from Start to Finish
General Information
Acknowledgments
Timbers Used and Tested
Designs For You To Use