In this post, Gourd artist Karen Brown will explore two wood-burning methods, along with the tools and tips that can make it easier for beginners.
We’ll watch a demonstration of wood burning by Karen Brown, who will discuss her techniques with The Woodland Wood Carvers in Wyoming, Michigan. I will also share additional resources, product information, and personal tips to help you get started.
Everyone burns a little differently, with their preference for tools and technique. I have taught gourd wood burning for several years and got a few new tips from her. Read this background information and then look at the two videos to gather your insights on what you want to learn about wood burning.
Understanding Pyrography
Pyrography means “pictures from fire.” We aim to use heat to create varying degrees of tan, brown, or black on the gourd’s surface. To simplify this process, it’s essential to have the right tools, patience, and practice. Here are my” must haves”.
Safety should be a Priority.
Wood burning is hazardous to your health! I also recommend using a mask with a carbon filter to protect your lungs from smoke.
The mold and smoke produced can be toxic, so using a high-quality respirator mask is essential.
You can choose one with the appropriate filter that is also comfortable to wear. For more information, please read this post.
It’s best to work outside when possible. However, if you need to work indoors, position a fan on your desk to blow the smoke away from you and out of a window.
Many gourd artists neglect these aspects and later face consequences, often leading to their departure from the craft.
Working the Small Detail Strokes
Additionally, I like to wear magnifying glasses. They help me focus on the small area I am working on and quickly see the tones change so I can make quick adjustments. Find them on Amazon.
You can choose one with the appropriate filter that is also comfortable to wear. For more information, please read the post listed at the end of this article.
The Wood Burner
When considering the purchase of a woodburning set, selecting one that features an adjustable thermostat is advisable. This component ensures a consistent heat flow at a stable temperature, allowing for adjustments as one works across the gourd, accommodating variations in skin hardness. Spend the money now, and don’t start with the cheap burning sticks.
Consider using handles from other Makers
You may acquire a handle from the same manufacturer or opt for one from another brand; however, it is essential to verify that the handle possesses the appropriate connector at the base, which may be male or female. A mini-Jack adapter can be purchased to facilitate compatibility with incompatible handles.
Permeant tip or Replacement tip?
It is prudent to invest in a handle designed for replaceable tips initially. This approach enables experimentation to identify the most frequently utilized tip. Once a preferred tip is established, investing in a permanent tip handle is recommended, as it will offer enhanced longevity.
What tips do I need for wood-burning?
While teaching, I saw many students bring in their collection of tips. I would be asked which 25 or more were the best.
Here is what you need to know. There are three kinds of tips. Those that burn or cut lines in the skin, those for shading the skin, and the specialty tip that creates circles, feathers, and other texture strokes.
If you are burning hot or burning an outside line for a pattern to color, you will need a skew or spear. Both come in many sizes.
If you will use the cool method, then choose the shading tips, the writing tip, and the ball tip.
Getting an Image on the Gourd for Burning
To transfer an image onto the gourd for burning, start by drawing your design with a pencil. This helps ensure that the proportions are correct and that the design flows nicely around the gourd’s shape. If drawing isn’t your strong suit, you can copy an image and use graphite paper to transfer the design onto the gourd. Karen recommends using Mona Lisa Graphite paper, which provides a nice dark black line that can be easily erased.
Alternatively, a more premium choice is pyro paper, a vellum organic paper that leaves no residue. Simply tape it onto the gourd and use your razor tip to burn through the design.
Another option is the “stick and burn” paper.
You purchase it with patterns on it or just lie. paper with your patterns drawn on it.
Approaches to Burning a Gourd
Gourd artists typically use two main techniques for wood burning. The first method involves using hot tips to create thick lines and darken the interior of shapes, which adds shadows to the gourd’s surface. The most commonly used tips for this technique are the skew and the spear. Karen refers to this method as the “hot approach.”
The second method uses shading tips that do not penetrate the gourd’s skin. Instead, these tips create a tan tone on the surface by applying layers of circular strokes. Let’s take a closer look at both techniques. She refers to this as the “cool approach.” Sometimes, I use both methods on the same gourd, so I recommend trying them both.
Hot Pattern approach
Most gourd artists will turn their thermostats to #4 or #5. The tip usually turns red and releases carbon smoke as the gourd skin burns.
TThe thick lines make it easy to create repetitive patterns. Notice how she steadies the handle with her little finger while drawing.
One of the issues here is the build-up of carbon. In our first video, Blythe discusses the hot carbon problem and suggests this simple tip cleaner. I adapted when I first started. Your tip will need to be cleaned after each use.
Watch her video below to see how this method works.
Cool Pattern Approach
This method utilizes low temperatures to control the color tone of the burn, and it is my preferred technique. I generally work at temperature levels #1 or #2 with a writing tip, gradually increasing the tone color through repetition or by raising the heat level. Our demonstrator employs small and medium ball shaders, which can be applied from any direction without pulling on the skin.
Using a circular motion, I apply light layers of tan, a technique I call “toasting” the skin. Adding more heat deepens the color, so I start with a small area and apply small, even layers of circles. Karen will demonstrate how she uses these circular motions effectively.
Temperature is the key to Control
The size of the ball tip affects the temperature needed; larger tips require more heat. I keep a practice gourd shard nearby to test the temperature of the tip.
To achieve the desired burn effect, Karen suggests marking the bottom of the gourd first to check how hot the tip is.
Temperature Variables
You can control the tone color by adjusting the temperature of your tool. The ideal temperature will depend on how much of the tool’s tip is in contact with the skin and the speed at which you work.
Additionally, different areas of the gourd may vary in hardness, so you should adjust the temperature accordingly to accommodate these variations.
Tips for Cutting Lines
Many gourd artists use their wood burner to outline the designs or images they plan to color. This focus on outlining is important when adding paints, dyes, or gold leaf, as it helps to keep the color within the intended shape.
Line work is done using a skew or spear tip. Both of us use the skew tip with a rounded heel. The round surface allows the tip to roll over the skin surface. The square edge tip often catches on the curving gourd.
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Unlike other woodturners, Karen does not begin by cutting out her outline. Instead, the shaded edges are enough to define her shapes.
Another tool to consider is a magnifying glass, which can help you see the fine details necessary for cutting feathers and fur.
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The finishing touches are important
If you still see pencil lines on your gourd, Karen suggests using witch hazel, an astringent similar to alcohol but much cheaper. It will not raise the grain of the gourd and will not wash off anything except the oils from your hands and the pencil lines. Witch hazel dries in about 20 minutes.
The Sun is the Enemy
If you place a wood-burned gourd in direct sunlight, much of the shading can fade within months. To prevent this, spray the gourd with an ultraviolet (UV) protective spray. Apply three or four light coats, allowing it to dry between each application.
After that, look for a spar’s polyurethane with the UV protectant varnish for additional safeguarding.
Now attend Karen’s demonstration and enjoy her tips and approach to wood burning.
