Woodburning with Style: Pyrography Lessons and Projects with a Modern Flair (Fox Chapel Publishing) Hands-On Instructional Guide with 9 Step-by-Step Skill-Building Projects from Artist Simon Easton

by Simon Easton

Discover a classic craft with a creative, contemporary twist in Woodburning with Style ! A contemporary twist on woodburning basics, in Woodburning with Style , award-winning artist and pyrographer Simon Easton guides you through nine woodburning projects while encouraging you to develop your own style. This beautifully photographed, hands-on instructional guide to the art of pyrography will take you on a journey of skill-building lessons to create attractive projects. Begin at the basics and finish with stylish, gift-worthy projects! Just as there is often a story behind a handcrafted piece, there is a story behind Woodburning with Style . That story begins with award-winning artist and pyrographer Simon Easton, who has dubbed his fresh, artistic creations "wood tattoos" not only because of the visual similarity in the drawing and creative process, but because each finished piece has a distinctive story to tell. With his contemporary flair and creative use of pattern and texture, Easton takes you on a journey from the concepts and basics of woodburning to tips and techniques that encourage your creativity and the development of style. Step-by-step projects such as coasters, key rings, and a wall clock are mixed in with lessons on everything from making simple marks to texturing and lettering. Easton's fondness for pyrography is evident throughout the book. His teaching style is one that imparts guidance while letting you find your own creative niche with the art form. If you are a beginner, Woodburning with Style will have you wanting to learn more, and if you are an experienced pyrographer, you will be inspired by Easton's designs. Regardless of your artistic ability, woodburning is a rewarding craft that's practically infinite in its applications. With Easton's guidance, you'll quickly find your own creative niche within the art form. Whether you're a beginner or have been woodburning for years, Woodburning with Style will inspire and inform you with its beautiful designs, expert techniques, and creative vision. Get burning!

Genres: Woodwork

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2010

Reviews

[Tim Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easton gives a pretty solid tutorial on woodburning. We purchased some kits on Amazon that were reasonably well-rated as beginner kits. He gives a lot of information on the wide variety of specialist nibs and how to make your own nibs which wasn't useful to me or really pertinent to the rest of the book because he only really seems to use about 6 nibs (different variations of the writing, the spoon, the spear and the skew). The kits we purchased have at least 3 of these nibs included. The spoon seems to have been replaced with shading circles.

The practice exercises seem really well thought out and focus on familiarizing the user with the range of marks that can be made with each nib. I can honestly say that we won't be making key fobs, landscapes, or portraits in the near future so I wasn't too interested in these projects. There is a nice glossary of textures and patterns at the end though. The main things to remember are to work hard on the planning of the design and to not burn too hot. You can always darken a light line but the reverse definitely isn't true.

The chess board he creates near the end of the book is amazing (although I thought the brass pieces he added at the end were overkill) and I would like to see a whole book on that. I wish there had been more information on transferring patterns from paper to wood but there appear to be a good number of YouTube videos on that process.

Regardless Easton's book is a good starting point for the beginner.

[Shanda Kinkade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't fully read this book but scanned it. From what I did see and read, it is a fabulous book for learning Pyrography. Lots of tips, suggestions, tutorials and other lovely methods to actually LEARN the craft. It's presented in a smart manner and actually explains how to do woodburning. When I actually have the items to begin experimenting, I will again borrow this book from the library. If I find I like it or am wanting to do more, I will definitely purchase this book as a reference for the craft.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.

Woodburning with Style is Si Easton's introductory book to pyrography. Si includes plenty of information for the beginning woodburner. This book puts pyrography into the category of art instead of hobby. All the projects are beautiful and include step-by-step instructions. Si gives helpful hints all along the way. I really enjoyed reading this book and will add it to my collection of woodworking books.

[Thelma Kastl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource.