What Does Royalty Free Mean?

"Royalty-free" in the context of art design refers to a licensing method where the purchaser pays a one-time fee to use the artwork without paying additional royalties or license fees for each use or volume sold. This contrasts with other licensing models, like rights-managed or editorial use, which may require ongoing payments based on usage parameters.

Here are some key aspects of royalty-free licenses:

1. Unlimited Use: Once purchased, the buyer can use the royalty-free artwork multiple times for multiple projects without incurring additional costs.

2. Flexible Application: The artwork can be used in a variety of applications, including marketing materials, websites, product packaging, and more, depending on the specifics of the license.

3. Non-Exclusive: Royalty-free licenses are typically non-exclusive, meaning the same artwork can be sold to multiple customers and used by them concurrently.

4. Upfront Cost: The initial cost tends to be higher than that of some other licensing models because it often covers broad usage rights.

** It's important for buyers to read the specific terms of a royalty-free license because restrictions may still apply, such as limitations on resale, modifications, or geographic use.

You're welcome to use our royalty-free templates to create and monetize your own content, but please remember: reselling the template as is, is not allowed. This helps keep it exclusive and valuable for all creators. All our royalty-free templates include a .Jpg, .Png, .Svg, and a .Pdf so users can easily transfer them to any medium.

Check out what templates we have that are free for you to use however you like:

Did you know?

Join the burn club to receive a FREE royalty-free template each month! Last month we gave away this bergamot flower pattern. You can now find it up for sale here.

So what can you use these patterns for?

• Pyrography of course!

• Relief carving

• Painting

• Colouring

• Tracing

• Canva Templates

• POD (print on demand services)

• Creation and sale of unlimited physical items

• So much more

Public Domain Images

"Public domain" refers to creative works that are not protected by intellectual property laws such as copyright, trademark, or patent regulations. This means that these works can be freely used by anyone for any purpose without needing permission from a previous rights holder.

Public domain and royalty-free both allow the use of materials without ongoing license fees but differ significantly. Public domain works are those whose copyright has expired or never existed, allowing anyone to use them freely for any purpose, including modifications and commercial use. In contrast, royalty-free refers to copyrighted works that can be used without paying additional royalties after the initial purchase, though the use may still be subject to specific conditions set by the license. While both provide broad usage rights, public domain offers the utmost freedom with no restrictions, whereas royalty-free use is controlled under the terms of a licensing agreement and may include limitations such as the type of allowed use or distribution volume.

There are many websites which offer royalty free images and public domain content. With these images, you can get inspires and make your own templates by tracing the actual image without worrying about copyright rules.

Here are our top 3 Royalty free/Public Domain sites for images & Videos

1. Pexels:

   These are stock photos, royalty free images & videos shared by creators. You don’t need an account to use some of these images: simply hover over the image you want (ensuring it is the free version) and click “download.

2. Unsplash:

   Very similar to Pexels. Lots of good stock photos and royalty free images and videos. Make sure you are downloading the free content before using.

3. Smithsonian Open Access:

   These is all public domain content. Here you can download, share, and reuse millions of the Smithsonian’s images! It includes images and data from across the Smithsonian’s 21 museums, nine research centers, libraries, archives, and the National Zoo - very cool!

A Radial Symmetry Guide and Colouring Book

This is a radial symmetry guide, a collection of 25 unique colouring designs, three blank grids and six outlines to doodle in providing a gateway to a world of mesmerizing patterns, relaxing mindfulness and endless creativity.

For all you pyrography artists, the 25 designs are also made for traceability so you can transfer/trace and burn them! Instructions to that are included on the initial download with the digital version.

Designed to help both novices and seasoned artists explore the captivating realm of radial symmetry, this book guides you step-by-step through the creation of intricate and balanced designs.

The first half of the book dives into all the details from making a grid, to 7 different creative variations of a circular pattern.

The intention is to give you the knowledge and easy to follow instructions for you to continue making one-of-a-kind radial symmetry patterns using only a few basic tools.

It includes 3 blank grids for you to practice on. Print out as many as you like with the digital download!

And it also includes 6 outlines (in 3 different styles) for you to practice on and doodle in along with a simple creativity exersize to get you going.

The second half of the book has 25 original patterns for you to colour and reimagine. Inspired by the art deco and art nouveau artistic movements, the intention with these finished patterns is the get you inspired, relaxed and also hone in your artistic skills.

Grab your favourite colouring tools, let your imagination soar, and get ready for a transformative artistic journey!

Download a digital copy to easily resize any design in the book and wood burn onto a wood slice using the art of pyrography!

Links to all the resources you need are included and are free.

The Wood Burn Community Book of Templates - Radial Symmetry Edition

We are beyond excited to share The Wood Burn Community Book of Templates, Radial Symmetry Edition

This book is a dream realized: a radial symmetry guide and pyrography book of templates created by our community for the community. This book of templates is a beautiful collection of mandala-inspired designs for artists at all stages from our incredibly talented and diverse community.

Every one-of-a-kind piece of art you create from these community templates is a collaboration! Each design can be interpreted in an infinite number of ways.

The Wood Burn Community Book of Templates - Radial Symmetry Edition features pyrography design patterns created by the community for the community. It showcases 50+ original templates from 20 wood burning artists from around the globe, with the intention of helping artists of all skill levels past, present, and future to hone their craft, try new styles, and make beautiful art through collaboration. This collection of designs includes a variety of patterns in radial symmetry style.

Check out #thewoodburncommunitybook on instagram to view completed projects from all the template books!

Basia Chmielowiec guides you with step-by-step instructions on how to make your own radial symmetry patterns and includes 7 different creative variations. Her intention is to give you the knowledge and instructions for you to continue making one-of-a-kind radial symmetry patterns on your own!

Plus, she includes 3 outlines for you to practice on or doodle in!

Rachel Strauss, author of The Wood Burn Book and the original Wood Burn Community Book of Templates Volume One and Two, founder of Burn Club, Burn Club+ and Wood Burn Corner, includes a basic wood burning quickstart guide, and provides you with a list of essential materials needed for pyrography. She offers information on getting involved in the community, before presenting you with a feast of artwork, each begging to become your next creation!

The 20 Featured Pyrography Artists

Follow them and tag them in the pieces you create!

@finelinepyro

@woodburncorner

@Calisanja

@carolinerenck_art

@Soulfulmuse_

@prettyful.creations

@knotsandembers

@JenniferRHeuertz

@UrbanFarmFoods

@kraftinwithkate

@mapleandfernco

@itsdavidandrenee

@ReSaArtHouse

@alteredpathartstudio

@LittleBlackBirdDesigns

@RiverValleyPyro

@kelsieart

@blindlove.woodburning

@woodburnedandwired

@krishnascanvas

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Easily size and print the designs to match the wood you already have by downloading the digital version

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WANT SOME MORE PATTERNS?

Check out all the pattern books available

or the templates store full of individual patterns for sale.

LOOKING FOR A MORE IN DEPTH GUIDE and pyrography project ideas?

Check out The Wood Burn Book

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The Wood Burn Community Book of Templates - Volume 2

I am beyond excited to share my third book, The Wood Burn Community Book of Templates, Volume 2!

This book is a dream realized: a pyrography book of templates created by our community for the community. This book of templates is a beautiful collection of designs for artists at all stages from our incredibly talented and diverse community.

The Wood Burn Community Book of Templates features pyrography design patterns created by the community for the community. It showcases 60+ original templates from 34 wood burning artists from around the globe, with the intention of helping artists of all skill levels past, present, and future to hone their craft, try new styles, and make beautiful art through collaboration. This collection of designs include fantasy, florals, nature, sea life, patterns, people and more.

Check out #thewoodburncommunitybook on instagram to view completed projects!

Every one-of-a-kind piece of art you create from these community templates is a collaboration! Each design can be interpreted in an infinite number of ways.

Rachel Strauss, author of The Wood Burn Book and the original Wood Burn Community Book of Templates founder of Burn Club and Wood Burn Corner, includes a basic wood burning quickstart guide, and provides you with a list of essential materials needed for pyrography. She offers information on getting involved in the community, before presenting you with a feast of artwork, each begging to become your next creation!

The 34 Featured Pyrography Artists

Follow them and tag them in the pieces you create!

@woodburncorner

@finelinepyro

@sweetpeachburns

@PatesPyrography

@Calisanja

@bonidutch

@BreMakingThings

@Dioni_isalasart

@carolinerenck_art

@woodburntflorals

@Soulfulmuse_

@prettyful.creations

@knotsandembers

@JennaJesseePyrography

@JenniferRHeuertz

@Resha_alhussaini

@UrbanFarmFoods

@the.wandering.pyro

@Burlap2LaceCreations

@mapleandfernco

@soulwoodart

@CompletelyDevoted_Designs

@itsdavidandrenee

@ReSaArtHouse

@alteredpathartstudio

@theroderickshop

@Plaid.and.Peaches

@LittleBlackBirdDesigns

@taciejensen

@heckman_woodworking

@RiverValleyPyro

@kelsieart

@blindlove.woodburning

@brandyroels

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Easily size and print the designs to match the wood you already have by downloading the digital version

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Find more patterns Here:

in the template books or VISIT the templates store full of individual patterns for sale.

Or inspiration and Project ideas in The Wood Burn Book

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Free Radial Symmetry Poppy for Wood Burning

I am so excited to share this pattern with you all! I cannot wait to see your version burned. Below is mine. I created this one piece on a cherry wood slice.

The first one on the left is before adding color. The second on the right was filled in with a light watercolor layer. I was going for a washed/fadded sort of look but it seemed too dull. Especially for the classic California poppy!

View fullsize

So, on this last version below, I added a second layer of paint with a thicker, less watered down watercolor.

Fun fact: This is the very first collaboration between Rachel Strauss, founder of Wood Burn Corner and me, Basia Chmielowiec of @finelinepyro. It came together during a pyrography challenge where Rachel prompted us to burn the poppies she drew. The original poppy design (and also a free downloadable template) can be found HERE.

My love of the mandala definitely inspired this prompt and using the Procreate app on my iPad, I merged Rachel’s poppies into a repetitive circular pattern! Can’t wait to see you burn it!

NOT SURE HOW TO GET THis Radial Symmetry POPPy ONTO YOUR WOOD?

Check out the instructions on how to heat transfer an image onto your wood slice or how to transfer without using heat!

If you are brand new to pyrography and want a quick start guide, head over to the blog post: Start Here if you are NEW to Wood Burning

FOR MORE GREAT TEMPLATES TO PRACTICE YOUR PYROGRAPHY SKILLS WITH, CHECK OUT:

THE WOOD BURN COMMUNITY BOOK OF TEMPLATES or

THE WOOD BURN COMMUNITY BOOK OF TEMPLATES Volume 2

Author: Basia Chmielowiec of fine line pyro and proud squad member of Wood Burn Corner!

Goal Setting and Creating Habits with Radial Symmetry Trackers

There's never a wrong time to set new habits and goals. Life constantly evolves, offering endless opportunities for growth and improvement. Whether it's personal, professional, or health-related, every moment is ripe for change and self-betterment. Embracing this mindset allows us to continuously evolve and adapt, making the most of each day as a fresh start towards achieving our aspirations.

A daily habit tracker gives you small wins to look forward to every day!

If you enjoy making to-do (and ta-da) lists, then you will enjoy tracking your daily habits, and you will find that you accomplish way more in a day. If you are anything like me, you may be thinking, that is great, but I will stop using it in a week/2 weeks/2 months. I have a solution for you! Put this list next to a habit you already have in place. Something you do daily without fail. For me, that is brushing my teeth at night before bed. I will do this no matter how tired I am. Putting my tracker next to my toothbrush has not only given me something to do during the two minutes I am brushing, but it also ensures that I do it DAILY without fail, too! Try this hack, and I think you will find that you stick to your tracker, and therefore your larger goals.

Need some guidance on finding focus and creating the goals you need? Check out: Focus Five - The 5 Things That Describe Your Business

WHY TRACK?

Daily trackers make goals more attainable and less intimidating. Rather than looking at a large goal and how long it will take, a habit tracker allows you to break it down into daily wins.

The beauty of a tracker is that you get to track what YOU want to track. You get to personalize it to your individual goals. Whether that be personal and/or business.

You can use these trackers for personal items like:

• exercise

• water intake

• mood

• stretching

• meditation

• journaling

• gratitude

• creating art

• alcohol intake

• reading

• medications/vitamins

• and so much more

You can also use them for your business goals.

You can track longer term goals and/or small daily actions that add up to your larger picture goals for yourself and your business. Track things like:

• crossing off at least three things from your to do list

• stopped working at 5pm and/or started by 8am

• no personal social media during business hours

• took a walk at break time

• writing a blog

• posting on a social media platform

• pinning on pinterest

• checking in on asana (or your daily to do list)

• spent 5 minutes plugging away at a long term project (i.e. organizing canva documents or your google photos or a course you are creating)

• spent less than 15min on social media (check your IOS device for a breakdown)

• promoting/marketing yourself

• whatever it is YOU want to work on for your business to reach your goals

Being able to see each day filled out with a simple pattern or color gives you a sense of accomplishment and a positive feeling. It gives you motivation to keep filling each day up and complete the month. It keeps you on track for your goals and the best part is that you decide what those goals are.

We’ve created printable, mandala style habit trackers! These can be used in a couple ways. The first way is simply coloring each section in with color(s). The other way is doodling in each section with little creatures, nature pattern or whatever you are into!

Once your habit is done (or at the end of the day, when you are brushing your teeth and getting ready for bed) you can make a quick doodle, like a heart or just some simple lines. If you are feeling fancy, add some detailed patterns. When your month is complete, you will have a pretty mandala that makes you proud!

We have individual trackers with 31 spaces or you can get the whole year where each tracker is numbered and has it’s corresponding spaces!

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The Wood Burn Community Book of Templates

This book is a dream realized: a pyrography book of templates created by our community for the community.

This book of templates is a beautiful collection of designs for artists at all stages from our incredibly talented and diverse community.

The Wood Burn Community Book of Templates features pyrography design patterns created by the community for the community. It showcases 57 original templates from 34 wood burning artists from around the globe, with the intention of helping artists of all skill levels past, present, and future to hone their craft, try new styles, and make beautiful art through collaboration. This collection of designs include mandalas, florals, animals, nature pieces, frames, and more.

Check out #thewoodburncommunitybook on instagram to view completed projects!

Every one-of-a-kind piece of art you create from these community templates is a collaboration! Each design can be interpreted in an infinite number of ways.

The artists featured in the template book are below. Please click the links and give them a follow!

@woodburncorner

@RiverValleyPyro

@OdinaWoodArt

@prettyful.creations

@sweetpeachburns

@kraftinwithkate

@BlindLove.WoodBurning

@Rankie_Doodles

@knotsandembers

@squeakys_cauldron

@daniellesabroad

@finelinepyro

@The.Wandering.Pyro

@StingReaStudios

@BurnedByBri

@itsdavidandrenee

@Mysticwoodburns

@mosstangle

@mapleandfernco

@ArtByMahealani

@onecreativebee

@birchplease_creations

@Csharpcreations

@jaytref

@ThimbleWhim

@brandyroels

@ShinautDesignsLLC

@ReSaArtHouse

@Pyropaintpatterns

@SheMakes.Art

@iissalissa

@BurnedByRenee

@Calisanja

@bonidutch

Rachel Strauss, author of The Wood Burn Book, founder of Burn Club and Wood Burn Corner, also includes a basic wood burning quickstart guide, and provides you with a list of essential materials needed for pyrography. She offers information on getting involved in the community, before presenting you with a feast of artwork, each begging to become your next creation!

Want more patterns?

Check out all the TEMPLATE books or VISIT the templates store full of individual patterns for sale

Looking for Rachel’s first book; The Wood Burn Book?

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How To Transfer Designs To Wood Without Using Heat

If you want to learn all the ways we transfer designs to wood, check out The Wood Burn Book by Rachel Strauss.

To get started with a design, grab one of our free templates, check out our template books or visit the templates store!

top 3 ways to easily transfer an image onto wood

1.GRAPHITE

• Graphite Paper $8 (100 sheets)

• Tombow Pencils $9 (6 pack)/Ticonderoga Pencils $5 (12 pack)/Embossing tool $8 (5 pack)

Note: you may come across carbon paper which looks the same and transfers the same. The biggest difference is that carbon is much harder to get off of the wood after the transfer so stick to graphite when you can!

PRO’s Only need graphite paper, design, tape and a pencil. Low cost, easy to use and does a great job transferring even detailed designs. Graphite paper can be reused numerous times, and your designs can be used again as well.

CON’s: Graphite doesn’t remove easily on wood, so you have to be really careful with the transferring (don’t press too hard). Accidental smudges can happen easily. Store graphite separately from wood to make sure they don’t rub together. If you do get any smudges or leftover graphite, there is a chance you can save it by giving it a gentle sand with a 180 to 220 grit sandpaper (a finer grit sandpaper). Here are some other ways to remove leftover lines from transferring or drawing your design.

How to transfer using graphite:

1. After you’ve chosen a design and sized it to your sanded down wood slice; line it up and secure it using tape.

2. Slide the graphite paper, dark side facing the wood, underneath the design.

3. Take your pencil/pen/embossing tool and follow your design lines using light-medium pressure. Ensure you follow the design lines as closely as possible.

4. Check on the progress of your design, but do not move around or remove the design until you check to make sure it has completely transferred.

This video below features a Woodland Snail Template by Maria Johnson maple & Fern Co. from The Community Book of Templates, Volume 2. I used transfer paper to omit having to cut up the book or print anything and just traced it right off of the page!

You can also get White Graphite

• White Graphite $10

• Tombow Pencils $9 (6 pack)/Ticonderoga Pencils $5 (12 pack)/Embossing tool $8 (5 pack)

Use the same technique as graphite paper but on a dark background, like walnut wood. The darker the background, the better this method shows up!

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2. BLUE CHACO PAPER

• Blue Chaco $15

• optional: Embossing tool $8 (5 pack)

PRO’s: Transfers easily like graphite paper, easily removes with damp cloth. Doesn’t stain/scar wood. Can be removed entirely.

CON’s: Be careful not to use too much water. It rubs off easily, so it is not great for long-term use. Also, since it blue in colour, it’s little harder to see on the wood if your wood is light.

This is a special paper with blue chalk on it. It transfers much like graphite paper, but erases with just a damp cloth.

How to transfer using ChACO paper:

1. Tape your design onto your wood, face up.

2. Slide the blue Chaco paper underneath with the blue side facing the wood.

3. Follow your design lines using an embossing tool or a ballpoint pen.

4. Check on progress of transfer, and remove design and chaco paper when everything has transferred Can be used for woodburning.

5. After wood burning is complete, you can remove the excess chaco markings with a damp cloth.

You can also use White Chaco Paper

• White Chaco $6 (1 sheet)

• optional: Embossing tool $8 (5 pack)

Works the same as blue chaco paper but is great for an already darkened background, the darker the better. Can be removed with a damp cloth, sand eraser or mars plastic eraser.

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3. Pencil on Paper

We like to use the Tombow Pencils $9 (6 pack) or Ticonderoga Pencils $5 (12 pack) but any pencil will do; the softer the lead, the better (ie. 10B is better to use versus a 2B or any H’s)

PRO’s: It doesn’t require any fancy tools. It works well, and makes for a nice transfer. Works well for fonts and most designs.

CON’s: Time consuming, messy and can have some missing spots. Not great for really fine detailed pieces.

1. Take your design and flip it over

2. Blacken/shade the entire backside of your design with an extra-soft pencil, or any line that you will want transferred. Go past the lines on either side, to give yourself some wiggle room when you do the actual transfer.

3. Flip it back over, with the blackened side down, and carefully place and secure it to the wood slice. You don’t want to rub or move it around too much, because it will rub onto the wood.

4. Take your pen/pencil/embossing tool and go over the design with a light to medium pressure. Follow your lines as closely as possible. The more precise your transfer, the better your design will look.

5. Ensure you have completed the transfer before removing the design.

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Click Here to see the instructions on how to transfer your image using heat.

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For more pyrography tips and tricks and to learn wood burning at your own pace from your home consider The Complete Wood Burning Toolkit.

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Transferring and Burning Your Children's Artwork

Parents are always looking for a way to preserve their children's art. I personally think woodburning is the best way to do that. It's a great keepsake, it makes for a great personalized gift, and it's so much fun to do with kids.

Kids of all ages can participate in this collaboration. You could use a tracing of a babies hand or foot print you can use the scribbles of a toddler or the self portrait of an eight-year-old. You can use original art drawn directly on the wood piece itself or transfer a treasured drawing that the child has already created.

These techniques also work for lettering, hand written recipes, love notes, you name it! Pyrography is such a great way to preserve those memories.

Let's talk about supplies. You don't need many supplies or expensive equipment in order to create a beautiful piece of art that you can cherish forever.

What you will need:

• Drawing your kids made!

• Wood (dried, sanded smooth, unfinished)

• Burner (I used a Walnut Hollow Versatool and recommend it as a starting point. Use the coupon code WBC15 for 15% off your order, on us!)

• Sand Paper

• Graphite Paper

• Tape

• Embossing Tool (or pencil)

• Tombow Sand Eraser

• Markers (optional)

• Safety Equipment (mask, fan, etc)

Instructions:

Step 1.

Choose your design or have your child draw the design directly onto the piece of wood. Make sure that your wood is sanded smooth, clean, dried, and unfinished. Check out this blog post on: Prepping Wood Surfaces for Wood Burning.

Step 2.

Place your design on your wood (make sure it is right where you want it) and tape down on one side (two if it's a large design.)

Step 3.

Slide your graphite paper with the black side facing the wood underneath your design.

Step 4.

Use your embossing tool or a pencil to trace your design using medium pressure. The more accurate you are with the transfer, the better your burn will be. Make sure you transferred everything before you remove your design and graphite paper.

Step 5.

Ensure you are in a well ventilated space, and don any safety equipment. Check out my FREE Safety guide here. Do remind children of the dangers of a hot tool. Warm up your burner, and get started. Some children may be old enough to do the burning with adult supervision. Kids and adults, no matter the age, will get a kick out of watching the wood burn take shape, just do it safely.

Step 6.

Carefully wood burn the art by simply following your transferred lines. Go slowly. Let the burner do the work. Glide along the surface. When you're finish you can remove any remaining graphite lines with a quick sand with some sandpaper or a Tombow sand eraser. For more tricks and tips, check out: Start Here if you are NEW to Wood Burning

Step 7.

Optional, add a finish or let the child artist finish off their masterpiece with some watercolor or markers. Check out this blog post on adding watercolor to wood for tricks and tips as well as my go to supplies!

Step 8.

Add a picture hanger and hang it on your wall to enjoy for years to come.

Be sure to share about your project with your kiddo or the finished masterpiece on instagram and/or Pinterest and tag me @woodburncorner. I would love to see it! You can also find this full project in my book, The Wood Burn Book.

Want to watch a video of this process instead?

Click Here to watch the process of me burning my children’s artwork for a Micheal’s class.

Free Poppy Pattern for Wood Burning

This is a pattern that has a whole lot of meaning for me, and I am happy to share it with the world. The template, and complete instructions can be found in my book, The Wood Burn Book. You can also find the beginner class that I did for Michael’s using this design here, or check out this blog post on adding loose watercolor to wood using this poppy pattern as well! You also might recognize part of it from the #burntmay prompts as well. I have been able to take this one design and use it in so many different ways.

Poppies are my favorite flower. I love them. Their extreme orange color can’t be ignored, and I love that about them. They are hardy, and can grow just about anywhere, here in my home state of California. You will find them thriving in cracks in the sidewalk. It’s the coolest.

I grow them in my backyard. I have a poppy tattoo. I pop poppy top “hats” as we call them whenever I find a patch of poppies. I’ve trained my kids to do the same. I once cried over seeing poppies while heavily pregnant. I tried growing them while living in Boston 3 years in a row, and only ever saw one flower. I have always been fearful of picking them because they are the state flower of California, and schoolyard rumor had it that if you picked it you could go to jail. gasp I would never! I would stare at them through the fence of my elementary school field instead. I own 15-20 different pieces of poppy art in my home. I just think they are are magnificent, mysterious, bold, and unique.

This design has become one that I have used for teaching, for community building, in my book, and in my home.

Go check out the amazing pieces created by Burn Club+ community members with this design for the #bcpluschallenge on Instagram. Or check out the #thewoodburnbook to see other artist’s re-ceations. Sharing this design, and my love of poppies with the world has been awesome, and I can’t wait to see where my 4 poppies will take me, and you!

What can you make using this design? Post using #thewoodburnbook on your favorite platform, and tag @woodburncorner so I can see your take on it.

Not sure how to get these poppies onto your wood?

Check out the instructions on how to heat transfer an image onto your wood slice or how to transfer without having to use heat!

If you like this poppy template, you may be interested in how the radial symmetry poppy! Using my poppy template, Basia has created a mandala version. Check it out here. This is also a freebie you can download.

For more great templates to practice your pyrography skills with, check out The Wood Burn Commuity Book of Templates

Want to learn more about wood burning and improve pyrography Skills?

Learn everything you need to know at your own pace from your home with The Complete Wood Burning Toolkit.

Grow with the community: Join Burn Club+, a place where you can ask questions, and get the full answers, a place of fun and learning.

How To Transfer Designs To Wood: Heat Method

This technique is one of our favorites for it’s speed and accuracy. It works great for lettered pieces, detailed pieces, anytime you need a really precise transfer, or for almost any design.

NOTE: This technique requires a laser printed design. If you are printing words or letters, you design must be printed in reverse.

What Tools Do I need?

The best tool would be a solid tip burner, like this Walnut Hollow Versa Tool above. This tool is great for covering big areas because of its durability, consistent heat distribution, and simplicity in handling. A wire tip burner will work just as well, but it will take a little longer.

The perfect nib for the job is the Transfer Nib or Transfer Point. This nib covers a large surface area making the transfer faster. Any shading point will do. Anything hot and flat - even an an iron will work.

Don’t have this tool and want to transfer your design in a pinch?? Check out 3 ways to transfer a design without using heat.

How to transfer your pattern:

1. Prepare your design

You will need your design printed in reverse as the transfer is going to be mirrored onto the surface. You must use a laser printer or photocopier. The toner will be transferred directly to the wood using heat. This is especially important with any text or lettering!

To get started with a design, grab one of our free templates, check out our template books or visit the templates store!

2. Prepare your SURFACE

Start with a sanded smooth, dry, clean, and unfinished wood surface. Click here to see how to prepare your surface for burning.

I like to cut quite close to the edges of the design itself so that the placement is easier to see. Leave some room for tape - you don’t want to be touching it with your hot tool.

Place your design on your wood facing down (make sure it is right where you want it) and tape down on one side (two or more if it's a large design.)

3. Transferring the design

You want your tool to be hot, but not hot enough to burn the paper. Make a little test on the corner because if you burn the paper too much, your transfer may not work. Apply a light pressure and keep moving your tool over the back of the design.

Make sure you transferred everything before you remove your design. I like to peak underneath to check I transferred the entire design, just be careful not to move the paper placement or the design may not line back up.

If it is not transferring, try pressing a little harder, and/or slowly increasing your heat.

Word of warning when using a regular iron:

I had a large project so I tried using an iron thinking it would save me time.

Well, my iron has a steam setting that automatically kicks in at a certain temperature. In order to make the transfer work, the heat has to be quite high and, of course, there should not be any steam or moisture coming out of the iron…

I tried to use the medium heat (right before the steam started coming out) and the design did transfer BUT I needed a lot more pressure than normal which wasn’t a sustainable option. I had to press quite hard for anything to happen. I switched back to the Versa Tool because it was easier on the wrists and had the heat I needed.

What if I make a mistake?

Sometimes when peaking under the paper to see if the design has transferred, the paper will shift. If you continue with the transferring process, the shift can cause the design to be out of place.

Sometimes you think you placed the design down correctly, but after the transfer, it’s not exactly where you want it to be…

You can simply sand off the transfer lines with regular sandpaper. Click here to learn more about that process.

How many times can I use the design??

You can use this method to transfer a design onto wood a couple times. Each time you transfer, the design will get lighter and lighter so it is best to get it right the first time!

Watch these free videos below for tips, tricks, and all the details you need to successfully transfer designs using this technique.

For more pyrography tips and tricks and to learn wood burning at your own pace from your home consider The Complete Wood Burning Toolkit.