How To Learn Wood Burning: An Easy Arts And Crafts Activity With Wood
Woodburing is an easy and favorite hobby of mine. You can buy woodburning kits at Michael's, Walmart, Joann's Fabrics, and other crafting stores for around 20+ dollars. To begin with I think it is ideal to buy a woodburning kit because it comes with picture transfers you can trace onto the piece of wood. Also, the kits come with pieces you can woodburn such as pictureframes or small pieces of wood. After you become more experienced I suggest that you draw you own pictures onto the wood with a pencil. At first I thought this would be difficult, but I just used a simple number two pencil for my drawings. My woodburning illustrations are simple and are not overly detailed. First I draw my picture until I get it exactly the way I want it. Next I burn the picture into the piece of wood.
I drew a picture of a bird with a number two pencil free hand on the wood. I used to use the pencil transfer pictures when I first started woodburning a few years ago, but I became bored with these, so I decided to start drawing my own pictures on the wood. Basically I just found a picture of the bird and I drew and erased until I got the picture to look the way I liked it. Next I took the woodburning tool and traced over the pencil lines with it. Woodburning is similar to outlining your drawing with a black marker, but the difference is it is burned into the wood. I also enjoy painting the woodburned picture in, but many people just keep it more basic. It is all personal preference, but there are many different types of woodburning techniques people can try. The best place to start is the use the one that comes with the box you buy at a craftstore like Joann's or Michael's.
I like to experiment and try different tips, and this is all part of the fun. I do not feel the pressure to take a class because I just enjoy doing this for myself. Once I am finished woodburning the picture onto the wood, I begin to paint it. Sometimes I do not paint the picture, but most of the time I enjoy doing this. I am providing an example of a piece that I am still working on, but it will give you an idea. The most important thing is that you enjoy woodburning because it is a fun and simple art. Even children can enjoy this activity, as long as parents provide supervision of course.
Comments
Thanks for introducing a new craft to me:)
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It is very fun and versatile. Thanks for leaving a comment on my page Lyn.
That picture gives me an idea! Very inspiring. I can do an owl in the hollow of a tree!
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Good idea Kenny. I actually got this piece of wood from a second hand store and the directions on the back showed people put a raccoon, deer, and many other forest animals. Owls are nice.
wow this reminds me of my school days when I was first introduced to weaving and cutting wood and wood burning. I made a serving tray with the sides weaved with whatever you use to weave with and a baby bird sitting on a branch and painted it. Guess what? I still use it to this day. wish I could show it to you...G-Ma :o) hugs
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Thanks for sharing that G-Ma Johnson. Those sound like wonderful craft ideas.
Wow! that's a great idea. Will be grateful if you explained a little more in detail how to burn the picture on to the wood.
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I added a few more details to the description above. Thanks for your comments Terry.
Thanks for the info. I am just starting and this site was very helpful. I write peotry and I want to put it on wood. It would make a great gift from the heart.
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Poetry is wonderful to woodburn onto a piece. I hope you enjoy making your project.
SweetiePie, this is a very good hub. Glad you are sharing.The best thing you said her is EXPERIMENT..... that is the key to discoverey! I would like for you to take a look at this new hubbers work. Type in RueVera and go to their woodburning hub. It is awesom too.
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C.S. Alexis,
I really do think experimenting is fun with the woodburning, so true. I will definitely check out RueVera's hubs on woodburning.
Thank you, C.S.Alexis for your referral.
Thank you, SweetiePie for visiting my hub and commenting. I am glad we are sharing this great hobby.
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ReuVera,
I was amazed by the variety of wood burned crafts you had. Hopefully you can sell some of those on the side for extra money.
Extra money would be just what I really could use right now! But I live in a small town, the neighborhood here is not wealthy. I have no idea for how much this type of crafts can be priced. Very little idea how to market my works. In general, it is easier for me (and it gives me more satisfaction too) when I give it as presents. It doesn't give me any extra money though :-)
SweetiePie, how did you make this piece of wood for the picture of the yellow bird? It has very interestion shape.
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ReuVera,
I think maybe selling things on ebay is a possibility. I am reactivating my old ebay account so I can start making jewelry and selling it on ebay. Although I know what you mean about how making these items as gifts for friends is good satisfaction. I am not sure how this piece of wood was made because my dad bought it at a second hand store. It is one of those Walnut acres pre-cut logs, but I think he got it on sale since it was at the thrift store. Awhile back he cut some pine wood circles from fire a dead tree, but I found it was hard to wood burn on that type of wood.
I agree, pine tree is not very good for wood burning, it smells bad while you burn. I either buy good stuff at Michael's (oh, it is costly...), or somebody cuts circles for me and I hand sand them. The best for wood burning is basswood. I also use maple tree cuts right now.
And also I am utilizing tongue suppressors :-) I wonder if you saw this hub- http://hubpages.com/hub/Another-Use-for-Wooden-Ton...
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ReuVera,
The cut out with the bird in it was Walnut Acres, so I think originally that would have been an expensive piece at the craft store. I have a few frames I burned, the pine circles, and the original cirlces that came with a wood burning kit, but I have not wood burned extensively to start buying more supplies. I would really like to get into it more, so I will take your suggestions about different types of wood. The tongue suppressor thing sounds pretty, so I will check out that hub.
neat! very cool art :)
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Thank you Cygnus!
great information-thanks!
Thank you for this information. I found an old woodburning set in my parents' attic in the summer that was my brother's but he said we could have it. My dad, kids, and I tried to use it but the tool wasn't working too well and died pretty quickly. I brought the set home with the hopes of finding a replacement tool as the kit has some nice wooden plaques already in it. Your information has been very helpful -- I think I'll pay Michaels a visit! Hopefully this craft is something we can all enjoy this winter.
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Glad this hub was helpful Sonia.
Beautiful work!!!
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Thanks Multiman!
Nice kind of art.
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Wood burning is a fun type of art for sure.
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