For my January TSNEM skill I tried out woodburning. This was exciting because it actually ticked a couple boxes on my 2015 goal list, this also qualifies for Use It Or Lose It!
I got this woodburning kit from Darby Smart months ago and it’s been sitting on my shelf because I just couldn’t decide what to do with them. The bamboo cutting boards that come with the kit are so nice and I really didn’t want to mess them up!
I decided to make the arrow cutting board as a Christmas gift for Josh’s aunt and uncle. His uncle does archery (and received the arrow embroidery I made last year) and so I continued with the theme this year.
Woodburning is easier than I expected, however I plugged in the tool and immediately burned myself. I hold my pencils pretty far up, close to the tip. I wasn’t even thinking and instinctively picked the tool up near the top which is metal and very hot! So be careful!
I found it easier to draw freely than to try to trace along predrawn lines. I’m not sure I see woodburning playing a big part in my crafting future, I didn’t really love it. I’m glad I tried it, but I found it frustrating. It’s so hard to get straight, consistent lines and once you make a mark, it’s permanent and there’s no going back. I like crafts where I can backtrack if I mess up. I personally found woodburning to be stressful, not relaxing at all.
Have you ever tried woodburning? Do you have a different opinion of it than I do?
Check out the other TSNEM participants in January and what they made!
- Kelly from Just Another Project tried using her embroidery machine to make lace
- Ajaire from Call Ajaire did some holiday glass etching
- Kristy from Simply This Life tackled entrelac knitting
- Rebecca from Hugs are Fun tried wood burning
- Stephanie from Swoodson Says tried English paper piecing
I’ve got a kit (mine’s from Hobbycraft!) but again, haven’t used it yet. I definitely intend to at some point 🙂
I’d love to see what you make with it!
I’m jealous! Wood burning has been on my to-try list for quite a while. I think you did a great job, I really like how it turned out.
This is on my list! I will be sure to not touch near the tip 🙂 I like how you added the shading to the arrow head – but can imagine the frustration about how permanent each stroke is.
When I used the tool a second time I noticed that the whole metal part heats up and changes colors. It’s pretty obvious you shouldn’t touch the tip, I’m just not very observant I guess…
I love how your arrows turned out!! I had a wood burning kit when I was younger but I had the same problem. It’s way too stressful when you can’t erase your mistakes.
I’ve always wanted to try this! It looks like so much fun. Buttt….like you, I’m not sure if I’d have the patience. Good work though!
Thanks! It’s fun and definitely worth trying if it’s something you’re interested in. Just get some scrap wood and don’t beat yourself up over it!
YES! I totally saw this on Darby Smart and did my own version (got the wood-burning tool elsewhere but otherwise basically the same project). I also painted the sides (the DIY is on my blog). But anyway, the wood-burning tool was harder to control than I thought it would be. I just did freehand hearts. Anything else more complex seemed overly ambitious after I started, for the same reasons you stated. Love how your arrows turned out, though!
<3 Kelsea | Kels Shark
I’d also like to try wood burning, but I also think it would be stressful that it’s permanent. I make too many mistakes! Your arrows look great!
I’m glad I’m not the only one! I’ve never been able to draw with marker or pen either, I need to use a pencil first!