Reviews
As a child, I took a brief stab at woodburning. My brother had received a kit as a birthday present and was willing to share. I don''t know what happened to that artwork of my youth, but wow, woodburning (formally pyrography) has come a long way. A few weeks ago, a new book arrived at my desk. One look at the cover and I was hooked on woodburning all over again. Now, it''s classy, even contemporary. After browsing through "Woodburning with Style" by Simon Easton, I bought a woodburning kit the following weekend. The way Easton presents his subject matter is simple and well presented in words and pictures. He starts with the basics: what tools you need and how to use them safely. Then come simple projects, with how-to photos and tips all along the way. He gradually sees us through making coasters, key rings, clocks, door signs and plaques. Planning, drawing, using patience, trying new objects, patterns and subjects. The book wraps up with color techniques, eye-catching Celtic patterned border plates and appendices: types of wood, texture and pattern samples and resources. Thank goodness for "resources," because I was wondering where to get those bangle bracelets shown off on the book cover. I''m planning on turning some out for Christmas presents this year. Recently I purchased a couple of wood blanks in a local crafts store and sat down with Easton''s book to give it a try. What I learned is I have a long way to go, and eventually I''ll have to spring for that pricey pen. But all this inspired me to contact Easton by e-mail about his terrific new book and get the scoop about woodburning as art. Were you born into pyrography? I first experienced pyrography at a young age but I certainly don''t consider myself to be young now! I remember using a pyrography kit in Design and Technology lessons at school to make a games board when I was 11 or 12. I then didn''t touch any woodburning equipment again for another 15 years or so. Did you take a lot of art classes? I have always loved art and design subjects, and I worked in a wide range of media during my studies at all levels. These included fine art, ceramics, photography, graphic design, printing, sculpture and many more. I eventually realized that I gained the most enjoyment from working with solid materials such as wood, glass, metal and plastics. I studied (for) a bachelor of arts degree in three-dimensional design in which I focused more on wood and metal. All of the designs that I produced featured a decorative or textural element, and pyrography has been the next step in my hunt for ways to adorn a wooden surface. Why this book? Why now? I decided to buy myself a pyrography kit back in 2007 for purely recreational reasons -- to give me something to do when not at work which was creative and rewarding. I really enjoyed using it and started making a massive range of different items and designs. I joined the UK Crafts Forum (craftsforum.co.uk) and started to learn about ways to promote and sell handmade items. Within a year, I had a website, was selling online and was exhibiting at crafts fairs. I became a moderator on the Forum and offer my experience to others starting out. I received an e-mail from Fox Chapel Publishing out of the blue one day, stating that they had seen my pyrography work and liked my individual style. I was asked if I wanted to write a book on the subject and I leapt at the opportunity, as I''ve always dreamt of being an author since I was a child. I believe that my style adds a new contemporary take on the art of pyrography, both complementing and adding to the talent of other woodburning artists producing great designs today. I also think that there is a substantial rise in the appeal of handcrafted gifts in the, It's packed full of useful tips and projects and basically everything you need to know about woodburning. Beautiful photos and a lovely writing style that will appeal to anyone! Go buy!!!! - Ruth Cunliffe, Crafter and Editor of Tip Top Toppers.blogspot.com Woodburning with Style is beautiful in its own right and could happily grace any coffee table whether you are into pyrography or not. The presentation style is very accessible, a comprehensive guide for beginners and more experienced pyrographers. Chock full of tips and techniques that walk you through 'how to achieve a look' but not so structured that you would not be able to develop your own style. - Aviya Glass Blog, Woodburning with Style is the perfect book if you're just learning. Not only will it teach you about the equipment available, it covers decorative techniques, lettering, portraits and more, before providing a chapter of inspirational projects and photographs to really get your imagination going. - Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement Magazine It's packed full of useful tips and projects and basically everything you need to know about woodburning. Beautiful photos and a lovely writing style that will appeal to anyone! Go buy!!!! - Ruth Cunliffe, Crafter and Editor of Tip Top Toppers.blogspot.com Woodburning with Style is beautiful in its own right and could happily grace any coffee table whether you are into pyrography or not. The presentation style is very accessible, a comprehensive guide for beginners and more experienced pyrographers. Chock full of tips and techniques that walk you through 'how to achieve a look' but not so structured that you would not be able to develop your own style . - Aviya Glass Blog Even new crafters can easily decorate any wooden surface and discover how to easily embellish objects with rich texture, patterns, and motifs . - Chip Chats Magazine Easton's teaching style imparts guidance while letting you find your own creative niche with the art form. If you are a beginner, this book will have you wanting to learn more, and if you are an experienced pyrographer you wlll be inspired by Easton's designs. - Decorating Digest Magazine, Simon Easton leads you through the basics of our craft with an in-depth exploration of tool styles, pen tip styles and even how to create your own wire tips. His deep understanding of the art theory used in pyrography design is clearly shown through a series of wonderful sample burns and his illustrations that reflect his approach to executing any pyro project . "Woodburning with Style" is not so much a how-to book as a why-to book that will teach the beginning pyrographer as well as the advanced new ways of thinking about how to turn any design into an exciting wood burning adventure. This is a book that you will read thoroughly and then return to often as you grow in your craft of pyrography.
Synopsis
Just as there is often a story behind a handcrafted piece, there is a story behind Woodburning with Style. That story begins with award-winning artist and pyrographer Simon Easton, who has dubbed his creations "wood tattoos" because they remind him of getting a tattoo - both mark a surface, and both can be used to commemorate an event or communicate a feeling. With his contemporary flair and use of pattern, Easton takes you on a journey from the concepts and basics of woodburning, to tips and techniques that encourage your creativity and the development of style. Step-by-step projects such as coasters, key rings, and a wall clock are mixed in with lessons on everything from making simple marks to texturing and lettering. Easton's fondness for pyrography is evident throughout the book. His teaching style is one that imparts guidance while letting you find your own creative niche with the art form. If you are a beginner, Woodburning with Style will have you wanting to learn more, and if you are an experienced pyrographer, you will be inspired by Easton's designs., Just as there is often a story behind a handcrafted piece, there is a story behind Woodburning with Style. That story begins with award-winning artist and pyrographer Simon Easton, who has dubbed his creations wood tattoos because they remind him of getting a tattoo - both mark a surface, and both can be used to commemorate an event or communicate a feeling. With his contemporary flair and use of pattern, Easton takes you on a journey from the concepts and basics of woodburning, to tips and techniques that encourage your creativity and the development of style. Step-by-step projects such as coasters, key rings, and a wall clock are mixed in with lessons on everything from making simple marks to texturing and lettering. Easton's fondness for pyrography is evident throughout the book. His teaching style is one that imparts guidance while letting you find your own creative niche with the art form. If you are a beginner, Woodburning with Style will have you wanting to learn more, and if you are an experienced pyrographer, you will be inspired by Easton's designs., A Contemporary Twist on Woodburning Basics. Award-winning artist and pyrographer Simon Easton guides you through nine woodburning projects, while encouraging you to develop your own style. This beautifully photographed, hands-on instructional guide to the art of pyrography will take you on a journey of skill-building lessons to create attractive projects with this hands-on book. Begin at the basics and finish with stylish, gift-worthy projects!, Award-winning artist and pyrographer Simon Easton guides you through nine woodburning projects, while encouraging you to develop your own style., Just as there is often a story behind a handcrafted piece, there is a story behind Woodburning with Style. That story begins with award-winning artist and pyrographer Simon Easton, who has dubbed his creations "wood tattoos" because they remind him of getting a tattoo - both mark a surface, and both can be used to commemorate an event or communicate a feeling.With his contemporary flair and use of pattern, Easton takes you on a journey from the concepts and basics of woodburning, to tips and techniques that encourage your creativity and the development of style. Step-by-step projects such as coasters, key rings, and a wall clock are mixed in with lessons on everything from making simple marks to texturing and lettering. Easton's fondness for pyrography is evident throughout the book. His teaching style is one that imparts guidance while letting you find your own creative niche with the art form. If you are a beginner, Woodburning with Style will have you wanting to learn more, and if you are an experienced pyrographer, you will be inspired by Easton's designs.
