There is no older art form than pyrography - also known as wood burning. Ancient hieroglyphics found on cave walls are the earliest example of an art gallery.
Methods have advanced since then – the charred end of a stick has given way to the electronic wood-burning kit and pyrography machines. No supplies are needed, other than the materials that will act as the canvas – with wood and leather being the most common.
Using a variety of tips and techniques, the finished product can be as simple or complex as the artist desires. With practice, even the youngest artist can create a masterpiece.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, wood burning was used to decorate fine furniture and musical instruments. Two beautiful ornate harps survive: the Queen Mary harp in Scotland, and the Trinity harp in Ireland. Although the pyrographic designs are faint and the pigments faded, you can still make out the artistry on both.
During the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), the Chinese coined the term “fire needle embroidery.” The Indigenous Peoples of North America used burnt sticks to create intricate designs on hides and drums.
A mechanical tool was invented during the Victorian era of the late 1800s that made pyrography art easier. A few years later, at the turn of the 20th century, an electric pyrographic hot wire wood etching machine was invented.
Originally marketed to housewives “to keep their hands busy with craft projects to beautify the home,” the kits could be ordered from catalogs. They were so popular that magazines published patterns to be used with them.
During the 1970s, interest in wood-burning was so great that the kits were among the top sellers of gifts ordered from the Sears Christmas Catalog each year. Many parents proudly displayed their children’s woodburning masterpieces!
Most woodburning kits come with patterns and design ideas. However, anything can be turned into a pattern by tracing it onto the material with carbon paper. The finished work is beautiful if left alone, or you can add vibrant color by painting it.
The most common materials for wood burning are fine-grained lighter woods such as beech, birch, or sycamore. It’s best to use untreated, smooth, and fine-grained wood that won’t contain lots of sap or resin.
At www.woodburningkit.com you will find an assortment of pyrography machines and kits - all come with a variety of tips. For instructions and tips for using the kits, you may download our ebook, “Pyrography Basics.”
The ebook will give you step-by-step directions and examples to help you master wood burning. You will also learn how to utilize temperature, time, texture, and layering to create various tonal qualities. By the time you finish the six included skill-building tasks, you will be ready to design your own works of art!
Whether beginner or expert, our wood-burning kits and pyrography machines are suitable for a variety of purposes and skill levels. So, if you’re looking for a fun and crafty Christmas gift for the artist in your life, a wood-burning kit is perfect for anyone – young or old - looking for a new hobby.
This versatile and captivating art form allows artists to express their creativity. The possibilities for its use are many: from marking your property to creating gifts and home décor, it’s truly a gift that will keep on giving!
Our wood-burning kits and pyrography machines are built with high-quality materials in Austin, Texas. If you are not 100% satisfied, we will give a full refund -no questions asked - if the product is in good condition and returned within 30 days. We ship internationally, with free shipping in the United States. Orders typically take 3-10 days. Allow extra time for Christmas gifts.