About Pyrography Art
Pyrography (or wood burning or poker work, as it's sometimes referred to) is a very old art form. It can be traced back as far as the middle ages, where folk would place the ends of metal rods (pokers) into a fire and then use the glowing tip to burn designs into leather or wood.
It's a bit easier than that today. We now have electrically powered pyrography tools, that are used, somewhat like a pen or pencil, to create artwork.
It's a bit easier than that today. We now have electrically powered pyrography tools, that are used, somewhat like a pen or pencil, to create artwork.
An Australian made Ironcore Pyrography tool
These tools can be used to burn on leather, wood, paper, cloth and gourds.
Although, caution should be taken as to which type of material can be safely burnt...
The leather must be the vegetable tanned type only. NEVER burn on chrome tanned leather.
Some wood is toxic when burned.. NEVER use MDF or similar man made wood.
The best paper to use is heavy watercolor paper. 140LB or higher.
Only use pure cotton cloth to burn on. NEVER burn on synthetics or blends.
Gourds are a particular dried vegetable pod, similar to a pumpkin or a squash.
Although, caution should be taken as to which type of material can be safely burnt...
The leather must be the vegetable tanned type only. NEVER burn on chrome tanned leather.
Some wood is toxic when burned.. NEVER use MDF or similar man made wood.
The best paper to use is heavy watercolor paper. 140LB or higher.
Only use pure cotton cloth to burn on. NEVER burn on synthetics or blends.
Gourds are a particular dried vegetable pod, similar to a pumpkin or a squash.
Green (undried) gourds
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Dried (unsanded) gourds
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Pyrographed and cut
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The basic rules for pyrography are:
- Select the correct surface
- Plan your drawing before you start to burn it... (on most surfaces, mistakes cannot be erased)
- Don't burn yourself
There are quite a few good books on the subject
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