Volume 1,
Issue 3
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Beginner's Corner
What is the best way to transfer a pattern to the work surface? Many people use a pencil and others use a stylus to transfer the pattern onto the tracing paper, and as a result to the wood. I've found that a fine tipped ball-point ink pen does a good job also. It is hard and therefore makes a nice mark on the wood and also makes it easier to see what you have traced from the pattern.
Pyrographers are always looking for images to use as patterns. A valuable resource is to use the Google search engine and enter a topic. Then select "images" from above where you entered your search term. Google will search and display the image results. Google is found at: http://www.google.com/
You can place your work on a scanner surface and make a scan of it if you don't have a digital camera.
If you have a Walnut Hollow ( or similar) woodburning pen you can file
down the tips to create tips for special requirements. You can get threaded
brass stock from the hardware store and even make your own tips! All
you need is a hack saw and a file. See Pyrographers
Power & Tips on page 7.
When you want to see what an image will look like with different types of backgrounds, use Photoshop or another type of image program. Scan your work and then create different types of backgrounds with your image program.
You can do the same thing with different colors, before actually coloring the work.
You can also use the program to frame your burn and see what the final
product will look like with a particular colored frame.
Looking for some great photographs of flowers, plants or trees? Try seed catalogs.
You can raise a dent in softwood by placing a damp cloth over the dent
and iron the damp cloth. The moisture raises the grain on the wood.
Sometimes it is easier to make a highlight by sanding the work or scraping the area with an exacto cutter or sharp box cutter after you complete the burn.
To get an idea of what a wood will look like finished, you can wet a small section of it. When wet, it gives an idea of what it will look like with a natural finish.
