Description

Pyrography is a multi-sensory art form that invites us to slow down, become present, and consider the process of creating through the “destructive” act of burning. While our focus will be on woodburning, participants will also learn about pyrography on canvas, leather, and other natural materials. We will review different tools, tips, and pyrography equipment for woodburning, including image transfer techniques, and use a woodburning pen to design and burn two keepsake wooden boxes. Participants will also learn how woodburning can be combined with other art forms, such as painting and drawing, to enhance their projects. Each participant will leave with knowledge of woodburning basics, two woodburned boxes (of various sizes to choose from), and ideas for future burns.

About the Instructor

Melissa Romeo is an artist, art therapist and art educator with over ten years of experience working with the art of pyrography.

Melissa Romeo is an artist, art therapist and art educator with over ten years of experience working with the art of pyrography. She often combines woodburning with other types of media, such as watercolor, colored pencil or collage to add color to the natural beauty of the wood. Melissa has had the pleasure of teaching woodburning workshops throughout Chicago and Oregon.

Materials List

You will need to bring:

Masks for smoke (if highly sensitive)

A printed image if you desire to burn a specific design (these prints can be done on a standard printer and should be to size)

Extra wood to burn on. This is optional as Melissa will supply small pieces of extra wood, but she highly recommends bringing unfinished, pre-sanded birchwood and/or basswood, as well as any other pieces of unfinished and pre-sanded wood you might like to burn on. Please make sure the wood is safe to burn by confirming toxicity online. You can use this site for reference: https://www.woodburncorner.com/burnblog/common-wood-types-you-should-never-burn-on

Any wood stain you might like to use to finish your boxes. Melissa will have some available, but the color options will be limited. Staining is completely optional and not necessary beyond aesthetic preference.

Provided by instructors:

Wooden boxes of different sizes to choose from

Extra wood to experiment and learn on

Canvas

Leather

Transfer paper

Stencil design options for burning

Extra masks for air filtration

Woodburning pens and tips

Sandpaper

Pencils

Small amount of wood stain for optional staining of boxes

Wood sealer