Burning is Art. Art is Therapy.

While many people enjoy pyrography as a hobby or artistic pursuit, it can also be a powerful tool for promoting relaxation and mental well-being.

“Burning is art. Art is therapy”

Rachel Struass

Here are some reasons pyrography can be used to support mental health:

Stress Relief:

One of the benefits of pyrography is its ability to promote stress relief. When engaging in this activity, individuals are often able to disconnect from the stressors in their daily lives and focus solely on their creative pursuits. It can provide a distraction from everyday life. When you're focused on the activity, you may be less likely to ruminate on negative thoughts. This can help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm.

Mindfulness:

Pyrography also encourages mindfulness, which is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment. When working on a pyrography project, individuals must focus their attention on the details of the design, which can help them remain mindful and present. Wood burning requires us to go slower than we are used to with other mediums. This slowed down pace can induce a state of "flow," which is characterized by complete absorption in the task at hand.

Improved Mood:

Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities can improve mood and promote a sense of well-being. Pyrography is no exception. By providing a creative outlet, this art form can help individuals feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, leading to improved mood.

Increased Self-Expression:

Pyrography allows individuals to express themselves in a unique and personal way. By choosing their own designs and colors, individuals can create pieces that are reflective of their personal style and preferences. Wood burning allowing you to express your emotions, thoughts, and ideas in a nonverbal way. This can help increase self-expression and boost confidence.

Sense of Community:

Here, at Wood Burn Corner we are all about community and sharing each others art with the world. Being part of Burn Club can provide a sense of belonging and social support, which can be beneficial for mental health. We support and healp each other through the ups and downs of learning a new skill and art form as well the trials and tribulations of owning a creative business. If you want to know how to get more involved in the community, click here!

Pyrography is an excellent activity for promoting relaxation, mindfulness, and mental well-being. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, engaging in this activity can provide a range of mental health benefits, including stress relief, improved mood, and increased self-expression.

Now, pair up pyrography with radial symmetry and it becomes a whole new world of practicing mindfulness!

Radial Symmetry patterns, also commonly known as a Mandala, have been recognized by psychology as a therapeutic tool. Swiss psychologist Carl Jung said they’re like representations of our mind. He thought they made it easier for us to concentrate on, transform, and internalize subconscious thoughts. His belief was that we project our emotions and thoughts into the mandala designs.

“For me, a radial symmetry pattern, or a mandala inspired art piece, is the end result of a mindfulness journey.”

-Basia Chmielowic

These repetitive patterns are what I get at the end of a creative meditation, a zone out, a doodle session (whatever you want to call it!).

It is a form of meditation for me as the repetition of each pattern allows me not to think about the end result, but rather a focus on each small section at a time.

Repeating the same design helps me zone out and immerse myself in the moment.

Two ways to learn how to draw your own mandala designs:

1. Read:

Choose from two books full of mandala inspired patterns complete with written instructions on how to draw your own designs from scratch!

The Community Book of Templates offers designs by Basia and the community in a variety of themes as well as pyrography basics.

Presence features Basia’s designs inspired by the art deco and art nouveau movements. No pyro information but links to resources to get you started.

These two books each include a radial symmetry guide and a set of their own unique designs to practice pyrography with. With either book, you will learn to create endless unique radial symmetry designs!

2. Watch:

A step-by-step video tutorial on DIY radial symmetry patterns and how to wood burn them:

$10.00

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Or the video tutorial on DIY radial symmetry patterns without the pyro part:

$8.00

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Intro to Wood as a Pyrography Artist

There are many surfaces one can burn on when it comes to pyrography. From egg shell to canvas, the world is your oyster! One rule of thumb to stick to is burning only on natural surfaces (versus human made or chemically treated items). Grab your Free Safety Guide to stay safe while burning. If you like experimenting, you can check out the blog post: Pyrography on Odd Objects.

The most common surface for pyrography is on wood!

Wood is usually readily available and comes in many different shapes, sizes, and colors It makes for a great canvas for wood burning. There are many different species of wood to choose from. Read on to learn more about wood or check out the Top 9 Wood Species to Burn On according to us and the wood burning community! There are also different ways wood reacts to burning on depending on how it was cut…

Always be mindful of what you are burning on. Some wood smoke is poisonous: check out the blog post about Which Woods to Avoid Burning On.

Wood Basics

Hardwood verus Softwood

The main difference between the two is not necessarily the density of the wood but rather the type of tree they come from.

Hardwoods are usually broad-leaved (deciduous) trees - the ones that loose their leaves every fall. Examples include ash, beech, birch, mahogany, maple, oak, teak, and walnut.

Softwoods are evergeen (coniferous) trees - the tree’s that have needles and cones that stay green year round. Examples include basswood, cedar, cypress, fir, pine, spruce, and redwood.

Generally, softwoods are cheaper because they grow faster and in abundance. Because of this, they are less durable so they are used more for building materials like lumber, plywood, and paper products. Hardwood is more common in high quality furniture, decks and flooring due to its hardness and durability.

The softer the wood is, it can be said that the easier it is to burn on. However, because of the way these tree’s woods differ, they make for very different canvases when burning on them using pyrography techniques…

Softwood tree’s (typically evergreens) create sap. Sap is not our friend in pyrography, especially when first learning the craft. Very often, common woods like pine are sappy and tricky to burn on. Although I have heard of some artists enjoying burning on pine, we would recommend trying a different wood for your first time.

WOOD Slices

The way a log is cut will change your canvas shape and the way your tool works on the wood’s surface.

As you can see here, the edge grain is the outer edge of your slice.

The end grain is the end of the log. This cut is vertical and typically gives you a circular wood slice with bark all around the edges (or none if trimmed off). The grain here is visible in ring.

A face grain cut is the log cut horizontally which can give you square or rectangular wood slice canvases and only two edges will be covered in bark (or none if those are trimmed off). The wood grain is visible and generally spans horizontally across the wood. The wood is usually referred to as planks with this cut.

Wood Grain

and how it effects pyrography

A common way to explain the grain of wood is using a handful of straws. Renee of @it’sdavidandrenee brought this up at our Pyrography Summit as an example to explain the way finishes (ie. paints, stains etc…) react when applied depending on the way the wood is cut.

This is also true for pyrography. The grain of the wood can affect the flow of your tools on the surface, the texture and appearance of the burned lines, as well as the overall quality of the final artwork.

Imagine the straws as a log. When you cut across the top, you will get a circle shape (the end grain) with all the straws holes facing up. They are porous and will suck in any liquids, stains, paints etc… Burning on this is slightly harder so generally you need more heat and a consistent speed.

Cut it horizontally (face grain) and you get the length of the straw. Burning along the grain (following the grain up and down) is easier as the tools usually will fall into a groove and burn along it. Burn against the grain (side to side) and you can get little blobs of burn, or stop marks as you move across - try turning your heat down and have a consistent speed. Look ahead for any grain lines so you can adjust your speed. Reduce your pressure and let the burner do the work as you just gently, but firmly, guide it.

So what wood is the best to burn on?

We have compiled a list of woods that we enjoy burning on for a variety of reasons. These include Amazon Associate links to great options for these particular wood varieties:

Best Wood for Pyrography

In a nutshell, here are our top 9 woods for pyrography:

1. Basswood (image to the right)

2. Cherry

3. Birch

4. Aspen

5. Walnut

6. Maple

7. Sourwood

8. Poplar

9. Cedar

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Want to learn more about pyrography?

Join the Burn Club Community

or check out this blog post: Start Here if you are NEW to Wood Burning

Building Your Website with Squarespace

In today's world, having a website has become an essential part for any business or individual looking to establish a presence online. A website can serve as a digital storefront, a way to showcase your work or skills, or a platform to share your ideas and opinions with the world. With so many website building platforms available, it can be overwhelming to choose one that meets your specific needs.

Why Squarespace?

Basia here. I would like to take a moment and rave about Squarespace. I have built websites on several different platforms including Wix, Shopify and Wordpress. These platforms are probably my top choices compared to other platforms I’ve used in the past, however they do not hold a candle to Squarespace.

With Squarespace, you can easily create a website that looks and feels professional, and you won’t have to worry about hosting, security, or any of the other hassles that come with running a website. It’s easy to use (with a shorter learning curve than other platforms) and their support is unlike any other!

I love it so much that I am an affiliate: Go to squarespace and Use the code BASIA at check-out to receive 20% off your annual subscription (for your first year).

Read on to see 8 reasons why I love Squarespace…

8 Reasons Why I Love Squarespace

1. Easy to use

   One of the most significant benefits of using Squarespace is its ease of use. Yes, there is a learning curve, like with any new platform or app. BUT! compared to any other site I’ve used, this has left me the least amount of frustration (by far). They have a drag-and-drop interface which makes it simple to design and customize your website without any coding knowledge. It also offers a variety of templates to choose from, allowing you to create a professional-looking website quickly and makes learning the platform super easy.

2. Professional templates

   Pretty much all websites come with a bunch of templates these days. Squarespace makes it easy to choose one according to what you want to do (i.e. art portfolio, e-commerce store, blogger or influencer etc…). Once you choose one, it’s drag and drop from there. These templates are designed to be responsive, meaning they will adjust to the screen size of the device being used to view your website, ensuring that it looks great on any device - bonus!

3. E-commerce capabilities

   Squarespace makes it easy to set up an online store, allowing you to sell physical or digital products, subscriptions, and services. Squarespace's e-commerce capabilities include inventory management, order tracking, and shipping integration with leading carriers such as USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Squarespace also supports multiple payment options, including credit card payments and PayPal. What is really cool too is that you can integrate any products throughout your site. Meaning you can insert a product beautifully into a blog post or your home page if you want. No need to keep the shop front the only place to promote your stuff.

4. Search engine optimization (SEO)

   This is a BIG one! If you don’t know what SEO is or why it’s so important, read my blog post on justpinit.ca —> What is SEO and why is it so important? Squarespace is designed with SEO in mind! Your website will be optimized for search engines right out of the box. Squarespace's templates use clean code and are optimized for mobile devices, both of which can improve your website's search engine rankings. Squarespace also offers features such as customizable page titles, meta descriptions, and URLs, which can further improve your SEO. These features are super simple and clear to use so you do not have to learn a whole new language or a separate platform.

5. Built-in analytics

   Squarespace offers built-in analytics that allow you to track your website's performance, including metrics such as page views, unique visitors, and bounce rate. These insights can help you understand how your website is performing and make data-driven decisions to improve it.

6. Squarespace is cloud-based

   All of the website building tools and resources are hosted on Squarespace's servers, rather than on your local computer. What does that mean?

   • There are no software installations required. All you need is an internet connection.

   • Automatic updates. You don't need to worry about manually updating your website builder or plugins to ensure they are up to date.

   • Scalability. If your website grows in popularity and starts to receive more traffic, Squarespace can handle the increased demand without any additional work on your end.

   • Security. The company employs advanced security measures to protect its servers and user data, including SSL encryption and regular backups.

7. Updating your website on the go

   The app for the platforms itself is amazing - I am able to change (using the squarespace app on my phone) the price of a product while I was out and about. I was able to edit a link and spelling mistake in one of my blog posts directly from my phone! I can check the analytics from my phone and orders coming. I can even refund a customer immediately from the app on my phone without opening up my computer!! This accessibility has saved me so much stress when I was not around my computer and needed to make immediate changes.

8. Support

   Squarespace offers 24/7 live support to its users, making it even easier to get help when you need it. You can contact them via live chat or email, and they will respond promptly to help you resolve any issues you may be experiencing. This level of support can be particularly helpful for individuals or businesses that are new to website building and may need some guidance along the way.

   Before I use their live support when I get stuck, I simply google my question. Often I am lead to the Squarespace forum but there is also a lot of information sharing on YouTube (if you prefer to watch versus read - especially when working in a place you don’t understand, watching people solve problems is very useful). There are loads of people using squarespace which makes solving your problems easier by having a large pool of people willing to help!

I seriously love Squarespace.

Their older version (7.0) was a little more simple and easier to use than the 7.1 version that is currently available, but even this newest version is easier to navigate and problem solve, compared to any other platform I’ve used before.

Here’s how I can help you save money:

Use the code BASIA at check-out and you will receive 20% off your annual subscription (for your first year).

Finishing Your Wood Burned Art: How and Why to Finish Your Wood Burned Art

Finishing wood slice art can provide several benefits, including protection from environmental factors, enhancement of its natural beauty, increased durability, ease of cleaning, and personal preference.

By applying a finish, the wood slice art can be preserved for a longer period of time while also making it more resistant to scratches, dents, and other types of wear and tear. Wood burned marks and designs on the wood, especially shallow burns; such as shading, naturally fade with age and exposure to air, and particularly sunlight!

The finish can also bring out the unique grain patterns and color of the wood slice art, adding to its aesthetic appeal. It can also darken the wood considerably, sometimes even making wood burned designs non visible so make sure you test it on the back of the wood slice before committing to the whole piece.

When choosing the right finish for your project, there are a few things you should consider. 

Time, cost, use, and desired effect.

• How long do you want to wait for it to dry/cure? 

• How much money do you want to spend? 

• Will your item be used with food? 

• Will children be playing with the item? 

• Do you want it shiny or matte?

Here are 5 of our favorite finishes to use and why we like to use them:

No matter which finish you select, be sure to try it on your specific type of wood before you apply it to your finished art piece that you have worked so hard on.

The number of art pieces that have been ruined by finishes makes our heart hurt. Don’t let it happen to you: test before you apply! Each finish looks different on different types of wood. Always test!

Also, be warned, if your wood has spots or imperfections in it, the majority if finishes will cause them to stand out even more. This includes sanding lines (if you didn’t use a fine grit to finish smoothing our your wood, the lines from sandpaper may show).

Please note: These include Amazon Assoicate links for our favorite products. We receive a very small portion if you choose to purchase our recommendations.

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Food Safe Finishes

The most important thing to consider, or the thing to consider first, is will the wood slice be used with food? General finishes are not safe to be used on items like cutting boards and wooden utensils. Be sure you are using cutting board oil or cutting board wax, because many companies also have oils that are meant for furniture which is not food safe.

Key differences between oils and waxes:

• Penetration vs. Protection: Oil conditioners and finishing oils penetrate into the material to nourish and protect from within, whereas waxes primarily provide a protective surface coating.

• Appearance: Waxes can alter the appearance more significantly by adding a sheen or gloss, while oils and conditioners tend to enhance the natural look of the material.

• Maintenance: Wax finishes may need more frequent reapplication but offer more immediate surface protection against water and scratches. Oils and conditioners may provide longer-lasting nourishment but might not offer as strong a barrier against surface damage.

A combination of wax and oil can provide both protection and a natural, safe finish for wood. If using wax and oil finishes separately, apply the oils first to allow them to penetrate the wood, and then the wax to seal all that goodness in.

Here are our top two food safe oils we use:

Walrus Oil

This us one of our favourite companies, and one the community likes to use as well. Please note, they do not harm any animals!

Walrus Oil Cutting Board Oil uses coconut oil, mineral oil, vitamin E and beeswax (be mindful of people who have a coconut allergy). Walrus cutting board oil is liquid and doesn't solidify. It adds a rich color (the more layers you put, the richer the colors and deeper the grain will be), it won't leave a funky taste, and goes on nice and smooth. You can finish it simply with their Wood Wax for Cutting Boards or even just use the the mentioned wax on its own.

Howards Products, Inc.

The Cutting Board Oil contains food grade mineral oil stabilized with Vitamin E, will not go rancid and is odourless and tasteless.

The one thing I will say about the Conditioner is that dirt and grime can collect a little more easily on it once finished, but the color it brings out of the wood, especially basswood, is gorgeous. This one is a mix of oil and wax.

The Wax is probably one of the best we have used for wood surfaces that are used with more wet items (i.e. pickles, cucumbers, tomatoes…) We found it to give the charcuterie boards the most protection from stains and marks.

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General Finishes

Minwax Fast Drying PolyURETHANE 

It is a good idea to use a spray version versus a brush-on version with pieces that have added mediums on it (like watercolour, gold leaf etc…) because wiping/brushing the finish can cause the color to spread or bleed or come off.

Choosing gloss, semi-gloss, or matte are all based on personal preference. Some of us love that shine, and some of us want it to be completely matte. A shiny glossed coat can help protect it from finger prints showing and dirt collecting but may show brush stroked more...

Water Based PolyCRYLIC 

We got a lot of responses with polyacrylic, and this is one we like to use as well. Polyacrylic spray-on and brush-on only comes as water based, but comes in satin, gloss, and high gloss sheens. It dries quickly, but can take a long time to fully cure, so be careful setting anything on top of something finished in polyacrylic. It is not as durable as polyurethane, but it isn't as toxic to your lungs or as smelly. It is fairly clear (get the crystal clear kind) but can get milky if you put it on too thick over a dark burn. Also, because it's fairly thin in viscosity and dries quickly, you can get brush strokes from the application that stay, It can be hard to get a really smooth finish.

Key Differences between a polyurethane and a polycrylic:

• Composition and Odor: Polyurethane can be oil or water-based, with oil-based versions having a stronger odor and longer drying times. Polyacrylic is water-based, with low odor and quick drying times.

• Appearance and Yellowing: Oil-based polyurethane deepens the color of the wood and may yellow over time, which is less desirable for light woods. Polyacrylic remains clear, making it suitable for maintaining the natural color of the wood.

• Durability and Application: While both finishes provide good protection, oil-based polyurethane is generally more durable and suitable for high-traffic areas. Polyacrylic is easier to apply, dries faster, and is better for quick projects or light to medium wear surfaces.
  

What we use for Longevity and ultimate protection: Resin

Art Resin

Epoxy Resin makes for a gorgeous, well-protected finish, just don't put it in the sun or moisture, it may cloud it depending on the brand.

We like Art Resin as our Resin of choice. Resin takes a while to cure, is super thick, and requires precise mixing (it has a super easy mixing guide online). You also need other tools like a level and a heated tool to remove bubbles and smooth it. Depending on how large your piece is, a lighter can work. For larger pieces, using a torch is much easier.

It can also be messy to work with because it will spill over the edges, but the finished look is gorgeous. Keeping it out of dust particles while its drying is crucial (we cover our slices with a simple cardboard box).

It makes whatever you burned or added to the slice pop! It resists yellowing from the sun but can eventually yellow over time.

You have to make a new batch every time you use it, and it is also a bit pricey, but it is gorgeous!

Fun Tip:

If you don't want the color of the wood to change, Aly of @alyoopsartistry suggests to use isolation coat  before adding your finish. This is awesome to use when you want the colour of your piece to stay as is before adding the resin.

Click here to read about why you may consider leaving your wood slice unfinished.

How to apply a finish to your wood slice:

Finishing wood burned art can help protect it and enhance its appearance. Here are some steps you can follow to finish your wood burned art:

1. Sand the wood: Use sandpaper to smooth the surface of the wood and remove any rough spots. Click here to see the best way to sand your slices. Having a smooth surface is crucial as the sanding lines will be more visible with majority of finishes added.

2. Remove dust: Clean the wood surface with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust or debris.

3. Apply a wood conditioner or oil: This will help the wood absorb the finish evenly. Apply the wood conditioner or oil with a clean cloth and let it soak in for about 15 minutes before wiping off any excess.

4. Choose your finish: There are many types of finishes you can use on wood burned art, such as polyurethane, lacquer, or wax. Choose the finish that best fits your desired outcome.

5. Apply the finish: Apply the finish with a brush, foam brush, or cloth according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure to apply an even coat and avoid drips.

6. Let it dry: Allow the finish to dry completely before handling the wood.

7. Apply additional coats: Depending on the type of finish, you may need to apply additional coats. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended drying time between coats.

8. Buff the finish: After the final coat has dried, use a clean cloth to buff the surface of the wood to a smooth and shiny finish.

Following these steps will help ensure that your wood burned art is protected and looks great for years to come.

When to re-finish your wood art

In general, it is recommended to reapply a finish to wood art every 1-3 years to maintain its appearance and protect it from wear and tear. However, if the wood art is exposed to harsh conditions such as direct sunlight, high humidity, or frequent handling, you may need to apply a finish more often.

It's important to also keep an eye on the finish and look for signs of wear or damage such as cracking, peeling, or discoloration. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to refinish the wood art to prevent further damage.

Ultimately, the best way to determine how often you should finish your wood art is to monitor its condition regularly and apply a new coat of finish as needed to maintain its appearance and protection.

Functional wood art, such as cutting boards, serving trays, and furniture, may require more frequent refinishing than decorative wood art since they are exposed to more wear and tear.

A Radial Symmetry eGuide, Colouring + Tracing Pages Bundle

This is a radial symmetry guide, collection of colouring sheets and patterns to trace providing a gateway to a world of mesmerizing patterns, relaxing mindfulness and endless creativity.

Designed to help both novices and seasoned artists explore the captivating realm of radial symmetry, this ebook guides you step-by-step through the creation of intricate and balanced designs. The first half of the book dives into all the details from making a grid, to 7 different creative variations of a circular pattern.

The intention is to give you the knowledge and easy to follow instructions for you to continue making one-of-a-kind radial symmetry patterns using only a few basic tools.

And it also includes 3 outlines for you to practice on and doodle in along with a simple creativity exersize to get you going.

The second half of the book has 25 original patterns for you to colour and reimagine. Inspired by the art deco and art nouveau artistic movements, the intention with these finished patterns is the get you inspired, relaxed and also hone in your artistic skills.

The patterns also come in a traceable format so that you can trace with whatever medium you choose and make the design even more personal:

Grab your favourite colouring tools, let your imagination soar, and get ready for a transformative artistic journey!

Instant download incudes a .PDF document with:

- Lifetime access to google drive folder with 56 individual .PDF and .PNG templates for you to download anytime

- Lifetime access to google drive folder with a .PDF guide teaching you how to draw your own patterns from scratch.

- Links to resources for transferring the designs onto wood and using pyrography to burn them onto the surface, how to wood burn and more!

Download a digital copy to easily resize any design in the book and wood burn onto a wood slice using the art of pyrography!

Links to all the resources you need are included.

Embracing the New Year: A Guide to Setting Goals

As the New Year approaches, the air fills with a sense of renewal and opportunity. It's a time when many of us reflect on the past year's journey and set our sights on what lies ahead. Setting goals for the New Year is a tradition as old as time, serving as a catalyst for personal growth and achievement. But how do we set goals that inspire us, push us forward, and are realistically achievable?

A great podcast to listen to is by Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor, who makes goal setting less intimidating and more impactful. Take a listen here: The Science of Setting & Achieving Goals and read on!

Here's a guide, with the help of our own experiences, Burn Club Plussers experiences, and Hubermans expertise to setting meaningful goals for the New Year:

Reflect on the Past, Envision the Future

Before setting new goals, take a moment to reflect on the past year. Really block out time here from all distractions and find yourself a quiet spot to think. What were your successes and setbacks? What lessons did you learn? Reflection provides valuable insights that can shape your future goals.

Envision what you want the upcoming year to look like. Imagine the accomplishments, the personal growth, and the happiness you wish to achieve. Huberman emphasizes the importance of having clear, defined goals. He suggests visualizing not just the end goal but the process required to achieve it. This mental rehearsal can prepare the mind and body for the tasks ahead and increase the likelihood of success.

Personally, this exersize of visualization really helped clarify the larger goals and all its smaller steps. It can be in the form of a mental exersize, a Pinterest collage, or even a magazine collage. Whatever works for you to really see what you want clearly.

Set SMART Goals

SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework helps in setting clear and attainable objectives. For example, instead of saying, "I want to be healthier," a SMART goal would be, "I want to exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week, and eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily."

Break Bigger Goals into Actionable Steps

Large goals can often seem daunting. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. If your goal is to write a book, start with writing a certain number of words each day or outline one chapter per week. Small steps lead to big achievements over time and provide the opportunity to celebrate along the way!

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, plays a significant role in goal setting and achievement. Huberman advises understanding how to manage and optimize dopamine levels through rewarding progress, breaking down goals into smaller, achievable tasks, and maintaining a balance between challenge and reward.

He also discusses how moderate stress can be beneficial in the context of goal setting. It can enhance focus and performance, acting as a motivator. However, managing stress levels is crucial, as too much stress can be counterproductive. Along with self care and life balance, breaking up goals can be a great way to manage the stress and not overwhelm oneself with a large goal.

Hold Yourself Accountable

Keep track of your progress and celebrate small victories along the way. Consider maintaining a journal or using an app to monitor your journey towards your goals. Or if you, like me, prefer using the old fashion pen and paper, try an accountability tracker. Not only is it satisfying to mark off each day’s goals, but it is also a visual reminder of your progress

Click here for the radial symmetry Trackers we use (like you see here).

Dr. Andrew Huberman emphasizes the importance of strategic goal setting and accountability. According to Huberman, sharing goals with others can sometimes trigger a premature sense of accomplishment, reducing the drive to actually achieve the goal. He suggests a more nuanced approach: share your goals selectively with those who can offer constructive feedback or support, rather than seeking widespread validation.

Huberman also highlights the value of internal accountability, where setting clear, measurable objectives and regularly reviewing progress can significantly enhance motivation and likelihood of success. He encourages individuals to leverage the brain's reward system by celebrating small wins along the way, which can sustain momentum and foster a sense of achievement throughout the journey toward larger goals. By understanding the neurological and psychological aspects of goal setting and accountability, individuals can tailor their approach for maximum effectiveness and personal fulfillment.

Prioritize Self-Care

While pursuing goals, remember to prioritize your well-being. Set goals that encourage a balanced life, incorporating elements of work, rest, play, and personal growth.

In his podcast, Huberman speaks about creating an environment conducive to success. This includes managing distractions, ensuring adequate sleep for brain function, and considering the timing of tasks aligned with individual circadian rhythms.

Self-care isn't just about relaxation; it's about doing what's necessary to maintain your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Embrace Flexibility

Life is unpredictable, and your path to achieving goals may need to adjust. Be flexible and open to change. It's important to remember that the path to any worthwhile achievement is often laden with obstacles and setbacks. Rather than viewing these as failures, consider them part of the learning and growth process.

If an approach isn't working, pivot and try something new. Flexibility helps you stay resilient and persistent.

Stay Positive and Patient

Goal setting is an optimistic endeavor. Stay positive and patient with yourself. Some goals will require more time and effort than anticipated. Embrace the journey, learn from the process, and keep pushing forward.

One thing Basia loves to do is create affirmations that she can personalize using Canva. She have them show up on her phone so she can be reminded about her goals, ambitions or just to provide a little motivation everyday to keep at it. Check out her blog post on How to Create a Set of Themed Affirmations in Canva.

As you embark on this New Year, remember that setting goals is about more than just listing desires—it's about creating a roadmap for a fulfilling year ahead. It's about understanding where you are, deciding where you want to be, and taking proactive steps to get there. With thoughtful planning, commitment, and a positive mindset, you're well on your way to making this New Year a truly transformative one.

Remember also that goal setting isn't only confined to the start of a new year; it's a beneficial practice that can be undertaken at any time. Engaging in goal setting sessions throughout the year allows for continuous growth, adaptation to change, and the ability to seize the moment whenever inspiration strikes.

Happy goal setting!

Donate to One Tree Planted - 2023

One thing that is really important to us, here at Wood Burn Corner, is giving back!

Each year we give back to our community in as many ways as possible. We donate our time, products, money, and also love sharing information for free with our community.

THIS YEAR (2023) WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT 1,100 TREES HAVE BEEN PLANTED BECAUSE OF OUR LITTLE BUSINESS.

@onetreeplanted is such an incredible organization that takes $1 and plants 1 tree with it, which means, because of you all, Wood Burn Corner planted 10,000 trees this year. TEN THOUSAND! (That’s like a mini forest! )

We got word that our specific donation is being used to plant 10,000 fruit trees in India, where not only will it help with air quality, but will also provide food and jobs for people of that region.

Thanks to all your support and purchases, we were able to give our largest donation to date to the non-profit organization, One Tree Planted!

One Tree Planted makes it easier for both individuals and businesses to give back to the environment, create a healthier climate, protect biodiversity, and help reforestation efforts.

Here is how it works:

Trees play such an integral role in our World, and we want to be part of the solution.

DID YOU KNOW?

Every 1.2 seconds, man destroys an area of forest as big as a football field. This is why we feel the need to give back to the trees that make it so we can create our art and why we choose to use wood from sustainable sources.

Click here for some more interesting facts about trees and the impact of deforestation around the world.

WANT TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT?

How to Make a Keyhole Hanger by Hand

One way to hang your wood slice art is by using a keyhole hanger (also known as a mounting slot), which allows the slice to be hung flush against the wall.

In this guide, I will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make a keyhole hanger on a wood slice.

By following these simple steps, you can create a unique and personalized way to display your wood slice art.

This method uses a hand held router which you can borrow from someone or rent from your local tool library if you have one! You can also use a router table if you have one.

Please note, any links below are affiliate links to the exact tools I am actually using and love!

Materials needed:

• Your wood slice

• Pencil and eraser

• Measuring tape

• Clamps or easy DIY guide: a straight edged scrap wood piece and nail gun or hammer and nails

• Sandpaper

• Router with a Tipped Keyhole Bit:

Wood comes in all different sizes, thicknesses and shapes.

Measure the router bit with your wood slice to ensure the length is correct and doesn't go through your slice.

How to make a keyhole hanger on a wood slice

Step 1: Determine the Placement of the Keyhole Hanger

Decide where you want to place the keyhole hanger on the back of the wood slice. Make sure it is centered and level. Use a pencil to mark the spot.

I like to measure 2 inches from the top of all my wood slices to ensure there is enough space for the hole and enough wood left at the top to keep the hole strong. If it is too close to the edge, the wood can split or crack.

Measuring a square or rectangle piece is easy, but rounds are a little trickier, especially if they are imperfect circles, ovals or other shapes…

My trick to measure a wood slice that is not a square or rectangle:

This is not a 100% exact method. Wood rounds are often imperfect and come in all kinds of unique shapes and sizes. What I like about the keyhole hanger technique is that when the slice is hanging, it’s flush against the wall. So even if your measurements were off slightly, the friction of the wood on the wall allows for some forgiveness in the levelling and you can tweak it a bit once it is up. For really stubborn pieces that you may have mismeasured and they really don’t hang level, you can apply a tiny amount of double sided sticky tape or even sticky tack to the back side to make it more level. Do not try adjusting the keyhole by making it bigger or longer as the structure of the wood will deteriorate when manipulated enough times… Also, know that any sticky substances on wood will stain in, but this will be on the back of the wood piece.

First measure the largest point across your wood slice.

Then take a square tool and roughly eyeball the level. I use the edge of the table that I am working as a guide, lining up the bottom of my square to the edge.

Once I draw a line up, 2 inches away from the tops, I test how it hangs before I drill a hole by holding it up on the mark I just made and roughly seeing if it hangs level.

step 2: make a quick guide (optional) and clamp down your slice

This DIY guide is optional because you can essentially free-hand the hole. I like to make the guide because it only takes seconds and then keeps my holes nice and straight.

Start by grabbing any scrap wood (ensure it has a straight edge - this edge will be your guide) and attach it to your artwork. I am nailing it in temporarily but you can use clamps if you do not have a nail gun. Clamps get in the way a little which is why I prefer to nail it, If your wood slice is big enough, you can hang the clamps over the edge of the table, or clamp the guide AND the slice to the table for maximum stability.

First, I measure the distance from the furthest edge at the top, and then the bottom - this ensures that it’s level.

Make sure to measure for the size of your tool.

Tip: Once I measure everything out, before I nail down my guide, I line up the router to where I am about to drill the hole just to double check my measurements!

I used a 23 gauge headless finishing nailer because the nails are small and short which make them easy to take off once complete and you don’t have a big nail hole after you take off your guide. You can simply hammer in two temporary nails (two so the guide stays in one spot - one at the top and one at the bottom of your scrap wood). Ensure that the nail you choose will not go through your wood slice.

Once my guide is on, I clamp everything down to the table.

step 3: drill your hole

Now comes the fun part, drilling the hole.

Using the router, I line up my bit against my guide and over the mark I made on the wood slice and I drill a hole, but only straight down at first.

I like to slightly lean the edge of the tool on the guide, coming in on a bit of an angle so the weight and pressure of the tool is on the guide, not me trying to hold it up in position.

Once you've drilled your hole, your tool will lay flat on the wood.

The hole should be at least 1/4 inch deep so a nail can fit snugly in the slot, just make sure your wood is thick enough so the hole doesn’t go through.

With the bit inside the hole, move the router up, away from you, very slowly to create the nook for the nail to sit in.

Move slowly.

Once you have gone up about 3/4 of an inch, turn off your tool, wait for it to stop and remove the tool from the hole by carefully sliding the bit down and out of the hole at the bottom.

Step 4: Sand the Wood Slice

Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges around the drilled hole and the wood slice.

And voila! You made a keyhole hanger!

You can now hang your art, flush to a wall anywhere you like by sliding the wood slice onto a screw. Adjust the wood slice until it is level and centered on the screw.

Spring Burnt Week 2023

Burnt Challenges are a call to artists of all skill levels to create an original piece of pyrography artwork based on a specific word, or what we like to call, a prompt! Check out Some past challenges here.

This challenge is an excellent way for wood burning artists to grow their portfolio, try new things, push their craft, meet other pyrographers, hone their skills, gain followers, sell art, and have a ton of fun while they are at it!

Having a restriction, like following a specific prompt, can really bring out creativity in people. These prompts are known to get people inspired and trying new things. Things they perhaps wouldn’t have tried otherwise.

The challenges are living in the wood burning community on Instagram. Follow us there or join Burn Club+ to get your prompts in advance for the next Burnt Challenge and to suggest your own prompts.

Spring Burnt Week 2023

We are so excited to be teaming up with our sponsor, Walnut Hollow, to bring you this #SpringBurntWeek challenge that runs from May 22nd to May 26th, 2023!!

The prompts were suggested by the Burn Club+ Community. We got a whole list of really funny and unique but very random nouns + adjectives. To make it even more fun and to keep artists thinking outside of the box, we pulled one noun and one adjective randomly out of a hat and put the two together!

OUR FEATURED ARTISTS

TINY + PARTY by @ambers_afire

@ambers_afire created this stunning piece for the TINY PARTY prompt and we fell in love. It’s so whimsical and sweet. All of the little details, the mushroom clothing, the gradient background, are on point. Just zoom in on the ground! So much great dark texture. Beautifully done @ambers_afire! Everyone, please go give Amber a follow for more beautiful art in this unique style.

Imperfect + Path by @blindlove.woodburning

@blindlove.woodburning created this scene for the IMPERFECT PATH 🔥 Well done @blindlove.woodburning! The textures make that tree look so real along the iconic seattle skyline. Love that elephant butt and the tiny pops of color! Everyone, please go give Krista a follow for more beautiful art in this unique style.

WILD + SIGN @wild.earth.artwork

@wild.earth.artwork is the winner for todays prompt: WILD SIGN. It’s just fabulous! The soft colors of this #flower background down to the details and shading in the flowers and the hand ✌️Great work by @wild.earth.artwork

DRIPPY GARDEN by @bz_furfur

@bz_furfur created this beautiful piece for the prompt of DRIPPY GARDEN! The celebration of nature sprouting after the rain, the little fairies, the colors and that sparkle! Well done, @bz_furfur. Everyone please go follow this awesome artist. Let’s show them all the love!

PLAYFUL RIVULET @driftwood_aptos

@driftwood_aptos created this stunning piece for the prompt PLAYFUL RIVULET. The details, the textures, the magical vibe of the colors! What a fantastic interpretation of the prompt too! Everyone go give @driftwood_aptos a follow!

How Do I join in on the next challenge?

To participate in this 5 day wood burning challenge, post a photo of your prompt-inspired piece (on instagram) on the date listed using #SpringBurntWeek and mention both @woodburncorner + @walnuthollow.

That’s it! It’s that easy.

You can burn on any surface (it doesn’t have to be on wood) and you can interpret each prompt in absolutely any way you like - the more creative the better!

Learn about the next challenge first by joining Burn Club+. Then Burn Club hears about the challenge next and then we announce publicly.

Where Do you feature me and my artwork?

This challenge is a great way to get your name and artwork in front of more eyes! Both @walnuthollow (our Sponsor) + @woodburncorner select artists for each prompt to feature in:

• both Walnut Hollow + Wood Burn Corner Instagram posts + stories

• on this blog post once the challenge is over

• our Facebook page

• as well as on Pinterest

What CAN I win?

There are many prizes and a pre-challenge giveaway just for sharing about the challenge.

Wood Burn Corner gives away a daily prize! Each winner got to choose from the following:

• Digital Copy of Template Book (Volume 1)

• Digital Copy of Template Book (Volume 2)

• Digital Copy of Template Book (Radial Symmetry Edition)

• Access to The Sessions Recordings (Value $100)

• Complete Wood Burning and Business Toolkit (Value $749)

• Access to Pyrography and Business Summit Recordings (Value $240)

Walnut Hollow also gives away a daily prize; a mystery box of goodies from www.walnuthollow.com!

Can I still join in but not burn?

If you are not able to participate by making art, you can still show your fellow pyro pals some love by sharing, commenting, saving, and liking all the art! Spread the news about the event by posting about it in your stories, reels and posts.

We are always blown away at what your uniquely creative minds come up with.

Make sure to follow #SpringBurntWeek to see the all the artworks made during the challenge or Check out Some past challenges here.

Let’s join our voices together and raise the entire community up. Keep spreading the love and happy burning!

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The Pyrography + Business Summit 2023

7 DAYS of 30+ LIVE ONLINE CLASSES - PYROGRAPHY - BUSINESS - INTERVIEWS - MASTERCLASSES - KEYNOTE SPEAKER - giveaways - and more

Wood Burning Classes: Learn about all aspects of wood burning from pyrography experts with masterclasses and community sessions on wood burning tools, materials, woods, surfaces, adding color, mixed media, finishes, and more…

Business Classes: Grow your business with expert interviews, live coaching, classes on pricing, websites, e-commerce, utilizing artificial intelligence, pinterest, e-mail lists, and so much more...

All this plus loads of giveaways!

Join us LIVE for this massive event.

Peggy Dean of Pigeon Letters

RACHEL STRAUSS WOOD BURN CORNER

Join Rachel for an INTRO TO WOOD BURNING

ANEY CARVER OF PYROCRAFTERS

From photo to finished piece including translating SHADOWS and HIGHLIGHTS and ADDING COLOR.

MINISA ROBINSON OF WOOD BURNING UNIVERSITY

Learn how to create REALISTIC TEXTURES.

BASIA CHMIELOWIEC WOOD BURN CORNER

SYMMETRY FOR RELAXATION and LINE WORK with Basia.

COURT O’REILLY OF HIPPIE NORTH

Tips and tricks on how to create your own FREE HANDED pyrography art.

COURTNEY BURKE OF COURTNEY BURKE ART: FINE ART FOR THE ABSURD

MIX MEDIA, add COLOR, use FOILING, and create deep DARK BURNS in unique ways.

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WALNUT HOLLOW IS SPONSORING THE SUMMIT!

We are thrilled to announce that Walnut Hollow is the headlining sponsor for this incredible event!

Walnut Hollow has been an outstanding partner in our community-building efforts. They make awesome tools and surfaces and are committed to helping artists grow.

Make sure to check them out!

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WANT TO PROVIDE GIVEAWAY ITEMS??

By providing giveaway items to the community during this event, you are directly helping support these artists and entrepreneurs. You are also giving our attendees the opportunity to discover your company and what you can provide for them.

Your gift helps support our community as a whole. Thank you for considering contributing to this event in this way.

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CAN’T MAKE THE SUMMIT?

Catch all the classes on your own time, and watch them over and over again!

Access to the full recordings of the 2023 Summit classes right at your fingertips! The links to all resources we discuss are included, as well as all the templates and printables used throughout the event

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Don’t miss out on this massive event!

Join us live for the keynote speech, participate in the live chat and get your hands on some pretty amazing giveaways prizes!!

DIY Wood Burned Plant Marker

Wood burned garden or plant markers can be a fun and creative way to label your plants in your garden outdoors or indoors.

This project took me about 20-30 minutes for 4 markers and was completely free!

Edward, over here, is one of my favourite plants. He likes to be watered from the bottom (I put him into a bowl of water for 15-20 minutes instead of pouring water from the top). When I am away for an extended period of time, this marker helps out the person who is coming to water my plants, know that he likes to be watered in a certain way.

I wanted something quick and free because wood exposed to natural elements, like the sun, over long periods of time will make the burning fade. Also, consistent moisture will cause the wood to decay over time so choose a marker that doesn’t break the bank and keep your design simple. The markers may not last outdoors more than one season, especially if they are really thin. Indoor markers will last much longer.

Below are the steps to make your own:

Materials:

• The marker

• Wood burning tool

• Pencil

• Design or pattern (optional)

• Sandpaper

Steps to making your own garden markers:

1. Select your marker of choice

I chose to work with sticks that I found in my backyard because I was going for a natural look, and I wanted this project to be free and easy. If you prefer a more finished look, you can find pre-made mini wooden stakes/markers in all shapes and sizes online. Above all, make sure that whatever surface you choose, it is untreated and unfinished.

Choosing the right stick:

• Make sure to choose branches and sticks that have dried out thoroughly and have been broken off the tree/bush for a while. Do not take branches that can bend easily or directly off a tree. This is green wood and should not be burned on (see here for a list of woods to avoid burning on). Green wood refers to wood that has been freshly cut from a tree and has not been dried or seasoned yet. It contains a high amount of moisture and can create a lot of smoke, will burn much slower and will not burn consistently and crisply.

• Choose a stick that is free from any major knots or defects because creating a flat surface is difficult when the stick is wonky.

• Keep in mind the size and thickness of your stick. You can use a saw or pruning shears if you need to trim the stick to length. I just broke my stick with my hands because it was super dry and small enough and then I sanded the broken edges down a tiny bit to make it look a little cleaner.

2. Create a flat surface

I used a regular knife to carve a flat section on the top of the stick. It’s much easier to carve when the knife is sharp. If you do not have any sharpening stone or strop to sharpen your knife, the bottom of a ceramic mug will do in a pinch. This method can help to hone the blade's edge slightly, but it won't actually sharpen it by removing material from the blade. This method is perfect for this mini project but not ideal for larger projects.

How to sharpen a knife using a ceramic mug:

To use the bottom of a mug for honing, turn the mug upside down and hold it firmly in your hand, pointing away from your body. Then, angle the knife blade at a 20-degree angle against the unglazed, rough part of the bottom of the mug. Draw the blade down the surface of the mug, applying light pressure and maintaining the same angle throughout the process. Repeat this motion several times on each side of the blade. After sharpening, test the blade by slicing through a piece of paper or card stock.

Carving your stick

Safety should always be a top priority when carving a stick. Always use a sharp knife, cut away from your body, and wear protective gloves if necessary.

Start by making small cuts and removing thin shavings from the stick.

Work slowly and carefully, and ALWAYS cut away from your body to avoid accidents.

Sanding your surface

Once you have an area that is fairly smooth and the size you want, sand the area to remove any roughness or splinters. Sanding it smooth will make the burning process easier and more crisp so don’t skip this step.

3. Create your design

Using a pencil, lightly sketch the name of your plant, herb or vegetable (or whatever design you want to burn onto the wood). This will act as a guide for your wood burning tool. You do not have to follow it exactly, and can erase any lines you adjusted mid burn. Drawing it out first helps to find the centre of the area.

4. Burn it

For smaller wood pieces that are tricky to hold, use tape to hold them down while you burn.

Heat up your wood burning tool and select the tip you want to use for your design.

Use your safety gear (check out our safety tips and free downloadable guide here).

Start Burning. Carefully trace over your pencil sketch to burn the design onto the wood. Take your time and go slowler than you think you should and let the burner do the work. Turn down the heat if you feel like you are not in control.

I like to burn deep and hard so that my piece lasts longer. This causes some over-burn or glowing lines so I use sandpaper after I burn to get rid of those. The sandpaper also helps get rid of the pencil marks. Click here if you want more tips on getting rid of leftover marks or fixing mistakes.

Wipe off any residual ash or debris from the wood with a clean, dry cloth (microfibre works best) or an old clean toothbrush works too!

Sanding will remove some of the burn marks so go in and touch up any spots that got removed when sanding until you are happy with the final product.

5. finish it (optional)

Applying beeswax to you garden markers can help to protect it from moisture, weathering, and insects. Beeswax is a natural wax that has water-resistant properties.

On you cleaned surface, use a soft cloth to apply a thin layer of melted beeswax, rubbing it in with circular motions until the entire surface is covered. Allow the beeswax to dry and harden, and then buff the surface of the marker with a clean, dry cloth to bring out the shine. Beeswax can be reapplied as needed to maintain the protective coating on the garden marker.

6. Enjoy it

Finally, place your wood burned garden markers in your garden next to the plants they are labeling or in your potted plants indoors.

That's it! Hope this inspires you to make some fun, functional and personalized art!

Want to learn more about pyrography??

Check out this blog post: Start Here if You Are New To Wood Burning

And grow with the community: Subscribe to our free Burn Club Newsletter and join Burn Club+, a place where you can ask questions, and get the full answers, meet twice a month to burn with your fellow pyros and so much more.

Creative Fuel Book Club

Book clubs are a great way to meet new people and discuss literature. They are also an excellent way to expand your knowledge and understanding of the world around you.

A book club provides an opportunity to read a variety of books and discuss them with people who have similar interests. It provides a platform to share your opinions and gain different perspectives from other members.

Book clubs can also be a great way to make friends and build your social circle. They can also be a source of encouragement and support as members can come together to discuss the books and their thoughts. By being a part of a book club, you can also build your communication skills and learn to articulate your thoughts and opinions in a constructive manner.

Keep reading to learn more about the Book Club tailored to creative entrepreneurs created by Alaina Dawson of Sweet Peach Burns!

CREATIVE FUEL BOOK CLUB

Hosted by Alaina of  @sweetpeachburns

What?

Welcome to the Creative Fuel Book Club - a reading journey curated with artists and small biz owners in mind. This book club is meant to be fun, educational, and inspirational. It will also be a great place for like minded people to join together and chat about some of their favorite topics, pain points, ideas for growth, and more! 

Who?

As mentioned above, this book club was made especially for artists and small biz owners, however I would encourage ANYONE that wants to learn more about these topics, would like to one day be an artist/small biz owner, or someone that just simply loves reading and discussing books with people to join!

For artists/small biz owners, each book will focus on topics that will be more than helpful for growth and inspiration. My true hope for this book club is that like minded folks going through similar experiences will join in reading books that will be helpful to their journey and the discussions that follow will be inspiring to all members. 

You can also order a Creative Fuel Book club sticker to rep your membership! They are $3 shipped within the US - or $6 to Canada. If you live in another country, let me know and I will see what we can do to get you one. 

When?

Recognizing that many artists/small biz owners are already strapped for time, this is a leisurely book club. None of the books are too long or complex, and there will only be four books to read during the year - meaning you have ~ 3 months to read each book. I will be announcing each new book at the beginning of each quarter (or you can join my KoFi for an advance schedule of all four books - more about that below). The time frame to read the four books and the discussions will happen quarterly. I will solicit input in which dates/times work best for members to hold each quarterly book discussion, but as of now the tentative timeline is as follows: 

• Book 1: Real Artists Don’t Start by Jeff Goins →  January - March (Discussion: March 31st or April 1st)

• Book 2: April - June: TBA → (Discussion:July 1st or July 2nd)

• Book 3: July - September: TBA → (Discussion: September 30th or October 1st)

• Book 4: October - December: TBA → (Discussion:January 5th or 6th 2024)

THAT SAID: you do NOT need to read/participate in all four quarters to be a part of the book club. You can pick and choose; jump in and out as you like/can. Even if you start a book but don’t finish it in time, you are still more than welcome to join the discussions! There are no rules for participating. 

I will also be giving away ONE copy of each book on Instagram at the beginning of the quarter it is being read so be sure to be following me and keep an eye out for that! KoFi members can get a few extra entries (see more below). 

Where?

All book discussions will happen virtually on Discord. These will be video/audio meetings. You do not need to join on video or even audio if you do not want to, as there will also be a chat function available. Discord is a free service that can be downloaded on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. You will need an account to log in and access the meeting room. You can join the discord anytime - please message me for the link. I will also be sending a join link to anyone on my membership list a few days leading up to each quarterly meeting. If you have any questions about Discord, please ask! ALSO - updates, announcements, and other info will be dissipated through various channels: Instagram, email, and KoFi. If you want to be sure not to miss any book club related news, please sign up for my email newsletter. I will be sending a special, quarterly book club edition.

Sign up using THIS link.

How?

Joining is super easy - just let me know you are interested in some way! Reach out to me on Instagram or FaceBook (@sweetpeachburns) or send me an email at sweetpeachburns@gmail.com. I will keep a list of all ‘current’ members to make sure they receive info and the Discord meeting invite - if at any point you want to be removed from the membership list, again just let me know - no hard feelings 🙂 

Want more perks…? Join the STAR Pals on my KoFi!

• Book Club STAR Pals: Join this tier to support Sweet Peach Burns and gain exclusive access to a private Discord channel with extra book club discussions, monthly reading guides, giveaways, and more! If you don't use Discord no worries - I will also be sending any digital perks via email!! STAR Pals will also help me choose books for future book club quarters :) Each STAR Pal gets +2 entries into quarterly book giveaways. This tier also includes access to exclusive book club merch and a freebie for every 3 months of membership!

• [All book club members are automatically signed up for the book club newsletter]

Also - signing up to be a STAR pal also helps me artist/small biz owner 😀 Since I am organizing this book club for free and even giving away copies of books, any bit of support helps! Even just a one-time tip or purchase of a book club sticker!

Link to my Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/sweetpeachburns

Peak Pyrography Podcast

Justine Fedde of @peak_pyro has created a *hot* new podcast which you can listen to on a bunch of different platforms or even watch on YouTube!

She is interviewing some pretty amazing artists and entrepreneurs and dives deep into their world of pyrography and art!

Learn more below and be sure to catch Episode 1 with Rachel and Episode 8 with Basia:

PEAK PYROGRAPHY, THE PODCAST FOR WOOD BURNING

Guest blog post by Justine Fedde of @peak_pyro

Welcome to Peak Pyrography! The podcast where we discuss artistry and process with creators in the Wood Burning Community. I'm your host, Justine Fedde (@peak_pyro). I started wood burning in 2020 and haven't looked back since!

A PODCAST ABOUT WOOD BURNING?

Yes, finally! When I began my pyrography journey I looked for a podcast to listen to while I did my burning. I was disappointed to find none about wood burning. So with the help and encouragement of my partner and professional media guy, Kevin, we’ve been working hard to create this for you! 

On this podcast, I chat with incredible artists and leaders in the wood burning community about their process for making art, how they run their businesses and what they do to take care of themselves. We get into some of the finer details of things, like what their favorite burners and nibs are, where they source their wood and how they find inspiration. 

The goal is to share wood burning with everyone, but especially to highlight some of the exciting things happening in the community. When new books come out, master classes are released, or before a seasonal art challenge, I will work to get the authors, artists and hosts on to discuss what’s happening in their world.

There will also be some special episodes with a couple other types of creators. Some of these will be small or large businesses which support pyrographers through their burners, wood and other supplies associated with wood burning. And some will feature creators from outside of the wood burning community who’s creative processes are not so different from ours. 

SO WHEN WILL THEY BE AVAILABLE?

The first three episodes were released on Valentine's Day (14 February 2023) with additional episodes being added every Tuesdays after that. The wood burning community is amazing and that means that I’ve got a great line up coming. We are putting the finishing touches on the episodes and I cannot wait to share with you!

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO FIND PEAK PYROGRAPHY?

Peak Pyrography is available in two different formats depending on your needs. If you like to watch, or want to see all the beautiful details of what we discuss, you can tune in on YouTube. 

If listening only is your jam, you can find the podcast on many platforms. Grab these RSS links below and use them to link your podcast player to Peak Pyrography and listen away:

Spotify

Apple Podcasts 

Amazon Podcasts

Overcast

Pocket Cast

I KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD BE GREAT ON THE PODCAST 

If you think someone should be on the podcast, I want to know! Whether it's a new book, a seasonal challenge, a new master class, or something else, I want to know and talk about it, promote it, on the podcast. This will be a great place for the community to share news and get regular updates! 

Do you know someone who should be a guest on this podcast? Reach out to me on instagram @peak_pyro or by email peakpyrography@gmail.com

The Wood Burn Community Book of Templates - Radial Symmetry Edition

We are beyond excited to share The Wood Burn Community Book of Templates, Radial Symmetry Edition

This book is a dream realized: a radial symmetry guide and pyrography book of templates created by our community for the community. This book of templates is a beautiful collection of mandala-inspired designs for artists at all stages from our incredibly talented and diverse community.

Every one-of-a-kind piece of art you create from these community templates is a collaboration! Each design can be interpreted in an infinite number of ways.

The Wood Burn Community Book of Templates - Radial Symmetry Edition features pyrography design patterns created by the community for the community. It showcases 50+ original templates from 20 wood burning artists from around the globe, with the intention of helping artists of all skill levels past, present, and future to hone their craft, try new styles, and make beautiful art through collaboration. This collection of designs includes a variety of patterns in radial symmetry style.

Check out #thewoodburncommunitybook on instagram to view completed projects from all the template books!

Basia Chmielowiec guides you with step-by-step instructions on how to make your own radial symmetry patterns and includes 7 different creative variations. Her intention is to give you the knowledge and instructions for you to continue making one-of-a-kind radial symmetry patterns on your own!

Plus, she includes 3 outlines for you to practice on or doodle in!

Rachel Strauss, author of The Wood Burn Book and the original Wood Burn Community Book of Templates Volume One and Two, founder of Burn Club, Burn Club+ and Wood Burn Corner, includes a basic wood burning quickstart guide, and provides you with a list of essential materials needed for pyrography. She offers information on getting involved in the community, before presenting you with a feast of artwork, each begging to become your next creation!

The 20 Featured Pyrography Artists

Follow them and tag them in the pieces you create!

@finelinepyro

@woodburncorner

@Calisanja

@carolinerenck_art

@Soulfulmuse_

@prettyful.creations

@knotsandembers

@JenniferRHeuertz

@UrbanFarmFoods

@kraftinwithkate

@mapleandfernco

@itsdavidandrenee

@ReSaArtHouse

@alteredpathartstudio

@LittleBlackBirdDesigns

@RiverValleyPyro

@kelsieart

@blindlove.woodburning

@woodburnedandwired

@krishnascanvas

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Easily size and print the designs to match the wood you already have by downloading the digital version

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WANT SOME MORE PATTERNS?

Check out all the pattern books available

or the templates store full of individual patterns for sale.

LOOKING FOR A MORE IN DEPTH GUIDE and pyrography project ideas?

Check out The Wood Burn Book

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The Wood Burn Sessions: Learn How to Wood Burn With The Experts!

Learn from pyrography experts with 6 wood burning masterclasses. Learn new skills, discover new techniques, and explore new tools and mediums with The Wood Burn Sessions.

THANK YOU

To all who could join in the live from February 6-12, 2023 and all of those who supported the artists, us and the community!

If you’ve missed the live event, or couldn’t make it to all the classes, grab yourself the Recordings below.

Introducing Yourself to the Wood Burn Community

So you’ve fallen in love with Pyrography and now you’re looking for other Pyros to share that love with, huh? Well, if it’s community you’re after, you’ve come to the right place.

We have a few great leads for you to let this wonderful community know that your amazing self is here.

1. Sign up for Burn Club

If you’re already in, skip to the next part. But we knew this one was coming first right? And why wouldn’t it? Not only is it free, not only is it super easy, but it’s the best way to stay up to date on all things Wood Burn Corner and community events. You can also be featured in the newsletter by using #burnclub on social media, or you can nominate someone to share with over 5,000 subscribers! Oh and you can score the occasional giveaway too… All you need to sign up is your email! And you heard the free and easy part right?

2. Share what you’re making!!

We know we’re putting on our Captain Obvious hats with this one but this is a community of artists. And artists love experiencing art so let us experience your art! This is also a community of all skill levels so if you’re just starting out in the wood world or even just starting out in art - share, share, share! 

A couple good hashtags are useful for connecting to other artists - #burnclub #woodburn, #pyrography, #woodart are especially strong. 

There are many events and collaboration opportunities online where you can share your work. Not only will it help you get exposure, likes and follows, you may also sell some art or learn a new pyro hack along the way! Some of our interactive events include:

• Burn Club Craft Fair 2022 (check out #burnclubcraftfair2022)

• Burnt Weeks (see #fallburntweek2022)

• and Burnt Months (and #burntoctober)

Make sure to join the Burn Club if you want to hear about public events and happenings.

Have an event in mind that we have never done (or done in the past) that you want supported, sponsored or run? Contact us! We love supporting the community in anyway we can.

Collaboration through the Community Template Books:

These books are a beautiful collection of designs for artists at all stages from our incredibly talented and diverse community. Every one-of-a-kind piece of art you create from these community templates is a collaboration!

Each design can be interpreted in an infinite number of ways.

CHECK OUT the books here!

Visit and follow #THEWOODBURNCOMMUNITYBOOK ON INSTAGRAM TO VIEW COMPLETED PROJECTS!

You can also visit the templates store full of individual patterns created by Basia and Rachel!

4. Interact with others

Put the ‘social’ in “social media” and get in there and follow, like, share, and comment on the work of other Pyros! You’ll find this community is quick to make friends.

Not an artist? No trouble! You can still participate in this awesome community! Even if you're not a maker you can still follow, like, and share these wonderful artists on social media or in person!

Happy burning and we can’t wait to meet you.

Burn Club Craft Fair 2022

The Burn Club Craft Fair 2022 (located on Instagram from December 1st - 3rd) is an online shopping event just in time for the holidays and is FREE to participate in!

This is handmade pyrography art shopping made easy!

It was originally intended for artists to come together and get their work seen by new customers. Created during the Pandemic, the intention was to help Burn Clubbers since so many shows were canceled. It was a smashing success for these small businesses, so we continue to host more of these events!

Join Burn Club or Burn Club+ to get notified of the next Craft Fair ahead of time!

How To participate:

Selling during the event is easy! Post your pieces to with the #bccraftfair2022 using this format for ease of shopping and selling:

• Price

• Size

• Description

• Shipping (Radius [where you are willing to ship] + Cost)

• #bccraftfair2022

Instruct customers to browse the hashtag. To purchase a piece, all customers have to do is DM the artist. You, as the artist, can choose your preferred platform to receive payment (paypal, Etsy, website, Venmo, etc) and send your customer there to complete their purchase!

Helpful hint: Be sure to mark your item as “sold” in the post captions when the piece sells. This way you won’t be getting messages when it’s not longer available.

Tips for a successful sale:

• Go live with your sale, showcasing each item

• Share to stories + tag us @woodburncorner

• Tag supplier accounts for more exposure

• Make reels + remixes

• Utilize relevant hashtags and don’t forget #bccraftfair2022

• Start promoting the craft fair ahead of time, get people excited now

• Share and tag other artists' art for sale

I don’t have anything to sell but still want to get involved:

When we work together like this as a community, everyone wins. So, even if you don’t plan on putting pieces up for sale, please share about the Craft Fair.

These artists would also appreciate it if you could share pieces you love, or save, like, and comment on posts.

Let’s help these small businesses have a successful Holiday Season.

Join Burn Club or Burn Club+ to get notified of the next Craft Fair ahead of time!

Pyrography Gift Guide

Below is a collection of gift options that are perfect for wood burning artists. These include gift ideas for experienced pyrographers who are selling their art to those who are just discovering pyrography. The Holidays are here, and people in your life are looking for the perfect gift to get you. Send this list to people you love, or go ahead and treat yourself and your business to an awesome gift or two! Set yourself up for success this coming year.

WBC receives a very small portion of purchases made using Amazon links, but these are all supplies that we highly recommend.

Learn + Grow

The Pyro + Business summit Recordings 2022

39 classes with 35 presenters from all over the globe. Learn from pyro experts with the live wood burning masterclasses, pyro panel discussions, business panel discussions, interviews, community chats, challenges + so much more.

LEarn More

The wood burn sessions

Learn from 6 pyro experts with these recorded wood burning masterclasses.

Learn More

Wood Burning Toolkit

EVERYTHING WOOD BURNING IN ONE SPOT.

Learn to burn independently

the crafters box

The Crafters Box is a small business run by female entrepreneurs that support handmade makers. It’s a service providing AMAZING, high-end, slow-craft kits with accompanying videos by experts to teach new & interesting crafts, like pyrography.

get crafting

Creative Woodburning School

Bee Locke creating a lesson by lesson Creative Woodburning School which will take all the guesswork out of pyrography for you.

check it out

Patterns For Tracing

High-quality art templates that inspire creativity and encourage artistic growth

Practice with Templates

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Books

The Wood Burn Book

A book I wish I had when I started wood burning. This book by Rachel of @woodburncorner is an essential guide for pyrographers.

Get the book

Community Book Of Templates

Pyrography design patterns showcasing 57 original templates from 34 wood burning artists from around the globe. Along with the woodburning instructions, the intention here is to help artists of all skill levels to hone their craft, try new styles, and make beautiful art through collaboration.

get the templates

Community Book of Templates, Volume Two

Similar to the first edition above, this template book has more unique designs as well as instructions on how to wood burn.

Take a look inside volume Two

Community Book of Templates, radial symmetry edition

Same idea as the first two editions above, this template book features radial symmetry patterns and includes step by step mandala making instructions as well as instructions on how to wood burn.

Learn more here

Creative Woodburning

One of Rachel’s favorite pyrography books out there. Bee Locke of @beesymmetry did a fantastic job creating this book.

Get Bee's Book

Woodburning realistic animals

This book by Minisa Robinson is fabulous if you are looking to hone your shading skills, and create realistic images.

Get Minisa's Book

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Tools + Supplies

Best tool for watercolor

These water pens will save you so much time when using water colors. No need for a water cup with these pens.

Get water pens

best trick for resin

This is for Resin Finish lovers. I learned this trick from Aly of @alyoopsartistry, you put a layer of isolation coat first on your burned piece, and then pour your resin and it will keep the resin from soaking into the wood. Such a great trick!

Get isolation coat

best trick for transferring

Quite possibly Rachel’s greatest contribution to pyrography, the discovery of Tombow Sand Erasers to remove unwanted graphite marks left on wood.

Get these magic erasers

best wood

This Walnut Hollow Basswood Plank Value Pack is Rachel’s favorite wood to burn on.

Get Basswood here

fantastic alternative medium

You may have tried acrylic, water color, and colored pencils on wood, but have you trie gouache??? Check out these gorgeous metallic gouache paints from Arteza

get Gouache paints

stop propping your phone on weird surfaces

This is what I use to record videos, go LIVE, take photos, and teach classes. This gooseneck phone holder is a must have for recording your work.

Get Phone Holder

keep your space safe

Stay safe, and keep those around you safe with Razertip’s Razaire Mini Smoke Extractor. This little machine works!

Get Smoke Extractor

comfort + safety

This is Rachel’s favorite mask. It is comfortable, and protective. Her favorite is their M2 style and it comes in many colors.

Get RZ Mask here

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Merch

Burn Club Swag

Merch just for the pyrographers out there!

get burn club swag

Master of flames Pyro Shirt

Pyrography tshirt from Andreina of @reinamor_apw. From her original wood burning tools illustration.

Get Shirt here

pyro Clothing + Accessories

Merch just for the pyrographers out there! Several other options like: Pyro is Fire, Burn Babe, Burn Club, and more…

Get Pyro Clothing +

Burnin' Up tote

Perfect tote for wood burning or craft materials for on the go! Created by Andreina of @reinamor_apw.

Grab a tote

pyro bags for pyro pals

Grace of @piecelovemusic made this adorable pyro bag, perfect for all your loose nibs.

Get the bag

Send this list to your significant others, family members, or friends who are looking to get you the perfect gift. Or go ahead and treat yourself!

Happy Holidays + Happy Burning!

Learn to Wood Burn + Make Your Own Radial Symmetry Patterns!

Art has long been recognized as a form of therapy that promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and creativity. One specific form of art that has recently gained popularity for its therapeutic benefits is radial symmetry art, paired with pyrography, or wood burning.

Radial symmetry is a design technique where an image is divided into equal sections that radiate from a central point. This type of art can be found in nature, such as in the petals of a flower or the scales of a fish, and it can also be created by artists using various mediums. When drawing radial symmetry art, an individual can focus their attention on the repetition and balance of the design, which can promote a meditative state of mind and relieve stress.

Pyrography, or wood burning, involves using a heated tool to create designs on wood. When combined with radial symmetry art, the individual can transfer their design onto a wooden surface and use the pyrography tool to burn the design into the wood. The act of burning the design into the wood can be therapeutic in and of itself, as it requires focus, patience, and precision.

One of the benefits of using radial symmetry art and pyrography as a form of therapy is that it is accessible to individuals of all skill levels. The design can be as simple or complex as the individual desires, and the pyrography tool can be used to create varying degrees of shading and texture. The act of creating something with your own hands, regardless of the outcome, can be a powerful way to reduce stress and increase feelings of self-efficacy.

In addition to its therapeutic benefits, radial symmetry art and pyrography can also be a fun and creative hobby. The finished product can be used as a decorative piece or given as a personalized gift to a loved one.

Want to LEARN these TWO very CREATIVE + RELAXING ART FORMS?

Here are two was:

1. Read:

   Choose from two books full of mandala inspired patterns complete with written instructions on how to draw your own designs from scratch!

The Community Book of Templates offers designs by Basia and the community in a variety of themes.

Presence features Basia’s designs inspired by the art deco and art nouveau movements.

These two books each include a radial symmetry guide and a set of their own unique designs to practice pyrography with.

2. Watch

Click on the image below to get both relaxing + creative hobbies in one!!

Intro to Wood Burning + DIY Radial Symmetry Patterns

$10.00

or choose from one below:

Intro to Wood Burning

$8.00

DIY Radial Symmetry Patterns

$8.00

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Step-by-step instructions on how to wood burn and pyrography basics like safety, techniques and more (free template included)

• Step-by-step instructions on how to create your own radial symmetry patterns and transfer them onto wood!

RESOURCES AND TOOLS

Join us with your pyrography tools, a wood slice and a design (included in your purchase or you can bring your own) if you plan on burning along with us for intro to wood burning. Make sure to print the template sized to your wood, along with graphite paper to transfer it onto the slice.

If you don’t have any pyrography tools or materials and want to burn with us, check out the DIY Wood Burning Kit blog post for resources and links on where to purchase everything you need to get wood burning.

All you need for drawing your own radial symmetry pattern is a piece of paper, pen/pencil, a compass (we can improvise), and a ruler (also optional)!

The combination of radial symmetry art and pyrography is a unique and rewarding form of therapy. By focusing on the repetition and balance of the design and using a heated tool to burn it into wood, individuals can experience a sense of relaxation, mindfulness, and creativity. So why not try your hand at this therapeutic art form and see what you can create?

Happy DRAWING AND Burning!

DIY Wood Burning Kit

Wood burning is such a versatile, relaxing, useful and wonderful hobby, and we’re so excited for you to discover it all.

For all the beginners who want to try out this craft, we created The Wood Burn Box, which is basically a starter kit that has everything we would use when completing a pyrography project and all the basic tools and supplies you need to make beautiful wood-burned pieces of art.

We love The Wood Burn Box but wanted some more customizable aspects. We put together The DIY Starter Wood Burning Kit where you can choose the supplies and materials depending on your project choices and budget!

Please note: A majority of the items on the list are affiliate links. We would never recommend something that we didn’t believe in or haven’t tried, so you can be sure you are getting the right tools and materials to complete the job!

Download you Guide to Wood Burning and then scroll down to choose your materials and supplies!

The DIY Starter Wood Burning Kit

1. The Tool

There are many options to the tools one can use to complete a project. The prices vary widely but so does the quality, function and comfort level when using the tools. Below are three options from least expensive to more professional:

We always recommend The Walnut Hollow Versa Tool when starting out. The price point is affordable and the tool is a quality burner (especially for the price).

Get 15% off your order using the coupon code: WBC15

This tool allows you to get an understanding of pyrography without dishing out a bunch of money. You can really create any piece with this variable temperature burner, especially larger pieces requiring a lot of coverage.

This tool is bit bulky to hold and the electrical wire on it is a bit stiff. The handle is far away from the nib making it a wee bit awkward to hold (not ideal if you are spending hours of burning time). However, many professional artists can get past this and never upgrade to a different tool. Some artists use gloves or a little bean bag cushion under their hand to give them more support and comfort.

Even with these drawbacks, this is a good tool for beginners and one I enjoy having in my tool bag. My favorite part about this solid point tool is that you can get a separate transfer point nib that will allow you transfer images onto wood quickly and efficiently.

The higher end tools we recommend are professional wire tip burners. These can be quite expensive, but are fantastic for frequent users. They heat up and cool down quickly, are more comfortable to hold, and have many different nib options. We recommend either the Razertip or the Optima 1 from PJL Enterprises. They are both quality tools.

Feel free to research tools to find what would work best for you. Head over to the following blog post: What Tool Is Right for Me, if you want to learn about a variety of pyro tools, uses and price points for each.

2. The Burnable surface

Most commonly, wood is the surface choice for pyrography artist. The list of other items you can burn on is long but wood is a good place to start because it is usually flat, easily available and affordable.

Check out our Top 9 Wood Surfaces to Burn On

Where to get wood:

You can source wood from many different locations. From your local lumber yards, renovation and kitchen cabinetry shops, Facebook market place and even online classifieds like Craigslist and Kijiji.

Often times wood is being given away or sold at a super low price (especially for offcuts and scrap pieces). You don’t always have the luxury of choosing what you will get but can save a lot of money and push your creativity.

Please, always ensure you know what you are burning on! Check out our Guide to Burning Safely blog post to stay safe while burning. Never burn on anything with a finish and always utilize safety equipment.

We love Walnut Hollow for their sustainability efforts, variety of wood styles as well as their quality. Their woods are pre-sanded and ready for crafting. They primarily have basswood, birch and pine and some have a live edge and some do not. We recommend for beginners to start with Basswood: get 15% off your order from Walnut Hollow using the coupon code: WBC15

Look for their basswood and birch options. Stay away from pine for your first burn at pine can cause some frustrations when burning.

Another company we love for wood is It’s David and Renee. Their wood is butter smooth! They are a small business and all their slices are hand made with loads of care and attention to detail. They offer a sample pack, a burnable box package and other fun and unique woods to burn on like cutting boards and a whole bunch of differently shaped ornaments!

It’s David and Renee have a Patreon group called The Timberdoodle, where you can get access to bulk orders, first dibs on now stock, and coupon codes/discounts!

You can also check out these other wood suppliers: Rustic Wood Supply, Woodpecker Crafts, and Aspen Rustic Creations

Uk people, check out Waney Woodworks

People in Canada, check out Lee Valley Tools and Exotic Wood

3. Optional Tools for Wood Burning

You can do just about anything once you have the machine and a surface to burn on. There are a few items to make the process more enjoyable, quicker and easier.

Graphite paper provides a cheap and quick way to get designs you drew on paper or printed out onto your wood. Check out this blog post to learn how to use this paper to transfer your design.

You can simply use a pencil (or try a red pencil crayon so you don’t miss any lines) with your graphite paper but this cheap tool saves the design.

Embossing Tools allow you to transfer your design without damaging the original artwork (tracing over it).

Washi tape holds down your design without damaging the surface or the original artwork.

The Tombow Sand Eraser! This little guy is a great options for removing leftover tracing lines and possibly one of Wood Burn Corner’s greatest discoveries. Click here for a blog post with more information on removing lines or mistakes from your wood.

Another option for removing leftover lines from your pencil or graphite is sandpaper! Sandpaper is also a go to for making your surface smooth and ready to sand on. The smoother the surface, the more pleasant your burning experience will be! This pack has all the levels of grit.

Learn more about sanding your wood here.

A brass brush is often used for cleaning your nibs mid burn. Click here to see other ways to keep your nips and tips clean and functioning properly!

Patterns to trace

Grab some patterns to trace! Following a line will make it easier to focus on the function of your tool versus where you will be burning next, especially if you are not comfortable with drawing free-hand. Below are two FREE templates to get you started.

Check out our Community Template Books for even more patterns to practice with or visit the templates store full of individual patterns for sale!

More Resources

For more pyrography tips and tricks and to learn wood burning at your own pace from your home consider The Complete Wood Burning Toolkit.

Grow with the community: Join the Burn Club mailing list.

Grab The Wood Burn Book for projects and inspiration plus more information about pyrography including creating textures, finishing your piece and mixed media!