Woodburning is a great hobby that seems to take on a life of its own at times. This beautiful art form, also know as pyrography, uses fire to transform words and pictures into a lasting impression, and with the holidays just around the corner it's a great time to get started on making handmade ornaments and decorations.
Woodburning Tools and Supplies
To complete this easy tree ornament project hobbyists will need a wood burning pen, blank wooden ornament shapes (available at most hobby or craft stores), fine sandpaper and transfer paper for patterns. Light colored woods are best to use for woodburning projects because the pattern will show up much clearer than on a dark or striated piece of wood.
If unable to locate blank shapes at a hobby or craft store, purchase a piece of balsa wood or other thin wood. Trace the desired shapes onto it and then cut them out with a hobby or scroll saw. A truly unique look can be achieved by using a tree branch that's been allowed to dry with the bark intact. Carefully saw the branch into thin discs about a 1/4” to 1/2” thick. Don't forget to drill a hole for attaching a ribbon or tree hanger.
Transferring and Burning the Patterns
Before beginning, use a piece of fine sandpaper to gently smooth the surfaces where the images will be applied. It is easier to woodburn objects that are smooth and free of irregularities. Next, using transfer paper carefully trace and transfer the desired pattern onto the blank ornament. Some pyrographers simply tape the paper pattern directly onto the wood and burn the pattern on through the paper. Be sure to make plenty of copies if using this method because this method will only work once and the paper will be destroyed.
Once the pattern has been applied, use the woodburning pen to gently burn the pattern into the wood. It is not necessary to press down hard while woodburning, rather use quick or slow strokes to control the darkness of the markings. Quick strokes leave light marks while slow ones will leave a darker imprint. Many woodburning kits provide assorted pen tips that can be used to further accent the pattern.
Once the pattern has been completely transferred to the ornament it can then be sealed with acrylic to further protect it or just allow it to age naturally. Slip a piece of silk ribbon through the previously drilled hole and then hang it on the tree or above a windowsill. Voila! The perfect ornament.
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