June 10, 2025
What is pyrography?
Pyrography is the free handed art of decorating wood or other materials with burn marks from the controlled application of a heated object such as a poker. It is also known as wood burning. The term means “writing with fire.”
Wood burning or pyrography is a fun craft. You can get a wood burning tool pretty cheap to try it out. It takes a little practice, but it could be a fun new hobby!
What supplies do you need?
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to try wood burning. First, I bought this inexpensive wood burner at a local home improvement store for under $20.
What does the tool come with?
It comes with a couple different tips. Each one has a different purpose. Some are for wider lines others are for narrow lines, and shading,
It also comes with a stand to set the hot end of the burner on.
Safety first
I do want you to be aware that the wood burning tip gets REALLY hot. Watch your fingers!
Be cautious when you set the tool down on a surface.
It takes a few minutes for the tool to heat up so don’t be temped to touch the tip to see if it works. Instead try it out on a scrap piece of wood.
They come with a stand to set it on, but I put a piece of scrap wood under the stand. In addition, the wood you are working on can get pretty hot as well.
Practice
Now, try out the different tips to see what they do.
Use a needle nose pliers to remove the tips.
When you are finished for the day, use the pliers to loosen the tip and then retighten it. The heat can cause the tip to get frozen in place. By loosening the tip, you will prevent the tip from getting stuck.
Art on wood
Whether tracing a stencil onto a piece of wood, drawing out a design or free hand wood burning, there is no limit to what you can create. I have made wood signs, as well as, combining wood burning with acrylic paint (like the bumble bee above.)
This is a fun craft, just be safe. Always allow your wood burning tool to cool before you put it away.
For more information:
https://www.woodburncorner.com/burnblog/starter-wood-burning-pack
Happy Crafting!
Kelly