The previous issue discussed a few methods of tracing patterns to the piece of wood to burn. An additional method is to make a copy of the pattern you want to use and rub a pencil on the back of it and cover it with the graphite from the pencil lead. You just tilt the pencil to where it is almost parallel to the paper and rub it in one direction and then the other so that you are approaching a solid graphite covering. I've found this works very well for "bolder" patterns, but it doesn't give the fine detail that you would get with regular graphite tracing paper. I've also been told you can use mechanical pencil leads and "roll" them over the back of the pattern.

Cheryl Trusty offered a nice idea of using existing embroidery patterns from a craft store or Wal Mart. One type is called Aunt Martha as show below.

Below are examples of a few patterns. The Pelican is to the left, a cactus is in the middle, and a bird is to the right.

Below is an iron on transfer of a Burro with a border.

So how do these patterns transfer to the wood? Cheryl says that " The best part of doing the iron on transfer is it is fast, and it eliminates the need for sanding (it burnishes the wood). I always practice with the temp settings for each type of wood and I use a pressing cloth to protect the iron from any sap in the wood and to keep the wood from being heated unevenly." She has also suggested that "When doing the iron-on transfers, be sure to "iron" the back, it keeps everything "even" in the wood and prevents it from warping. Also a word of caution, if you get the wood too hot, it accentuates the grain - which may or may not be what you want. But that
doesn't happen unless you put the iron directly onto the wood."

So what are the results? Here is the burn of the Pelican and bird shown previously.

Click to enlarge the burning.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE OF CHERYL'S WORK !!