Pyrography is the old art of pokerwork, which means burning designs onto wood. But you don’t have to think that this ancient art has anything to do with poking a hot iron into wood. Far from it, and here we find the reason why I named my work Heatstrokes. As the name suggests, you should not be heavy handed for this job!
A gentle stroke with the red hot wire tipped pen is sufficient to create scorch marks, which merge to create beautiful designs that decorate wood, leather and similar materials.
Around 5 years ago, I started pyrography after working with wood for many years before. We were always searching for new ideas and our motto had always been to create beautiful wares which are also usable by the purchaser, and as we in the UK are famous for sending cards for ANY occasion, I was burning up (excuse the pun) with the idea of creating wooden cards. But how?
I searched and researched for a long time, until I found veneers as my answer. They are used by furniture makers and for marquetry and their offcuts are ideal to shape and decorate.
My fascination of Celtic designs gave me the theme of my work and so a new product was created. I enjoy greatly making and selling cards, as I constantly think of the joy they bring to the person the card is sent to. Each of my cards is individually hand made. They look unique if framed and hung and can last a lifetime.
Since the years of practice have improved my handiwork I also decorate some of Ralph’s beautiful wares, like bowls and clocks, with designs both my own and commissioned.
