Interview with Brandy from Mark it with a B Gallery LLC

Name: Brandy Roels

Burning since: 2016

Location: Michigan, US

@markitwithab_gallery, etsy and www.markitwithabgallery.com

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What does your shop specialize in/offer?

This is Brandy Roels, owner and artist of Mark it with a B Gallery LLC. I run my small business out of my in-home studio in Michigan, US. I focus on woodburning custom pet and people portraits, as well as niche fan art, fantasy art, and wildlife art. All my woodburning is done completely by hand, and I print prints of my work straight from my studio.

Have you always been an artist?

I started drawing at age three (always animals) and admired pet portrait artists. Art became my passion, and I continued taking every art class offered up through high school and private art lessons outside of school. In 2015, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) with a BFA in Illustration. My main focus was painting realistic portraits. 

I officially started my business in 2016 by offering portraiture painting, candle-making, sculpting, card-making and woodburning. It was way too much! I narrowed it down to just woodburning a year later, making fun signs, cooking utensils and cutting boards. However, I missed my background in portraiture and found a way to combine portraits and woodburning. 

How did you find your distinct artistic voice?

I stopped making the types of pieces I thought people would buy and started making pieces that truly expressed me. I love creating subject matter of animals, fairies/fantasy and fan art from films/tv. I also wanted to start sharing more of myself in my pieces. Not just making pretty pieces but making emotional pieces - expressing my emotions and evoking emotions for the viewer. 

Style:

My art style just kind of happened one day. This one is hard to explain. I remember creating a realistic bunny illustration, and I did not like the way the fur sort of got lost into the color of the wood. So, I added an outline around the exterior form of the bunny, like how tattoo artists draw outlines. Thus, my classic outline began!

Is it scary to be vulnerable with your art? To put real life into it? Is it therapeutic to create? Does it feel different when you are creating those pieces versus a dog portrait?

I know I’m not the first person to say this, but being vulnerable is hard. It almost feels easier to just keep things inside to yourself. I just got tired of doing that! The only person I had been completely vulnerable with was my husband, but I still felt alone and like I was bothering him by re-bringing things up I had not moved passed. Of course, he was not bothered and is a very understanding, kind man. 

I started sketching what I was feeling and called it “nonjudgmental sketching” (just sketch, don't think and don’t judge myself on what I draw). One day, I created a full, finished woodburning and painting piece ("Mother" - my first pregnancy piece based on one of my miscarriages). From there, I decided I would share it on social media and tell my story. After doing that, I found I was NOT alone, people were NOT judging me based on what happened, and people actually thought my piece was beautiful and powerful. A huge part of me healed that day. 

Now I make personal pieces to express my deep emotions or unsolved past trauma. I found it does help heal me and certainly is therapeutic. My creative process is more mellow and slow, versus my fast hatch-marking fur technique I do for pet portraits. I still have the same focus for pet portraits, but because my attachment is different my process is faster for pet portraits. 

What helps you get into a creative headspace? Certain music? A food or drink? A candle? Is there a routine to it?

Honestly, nothing specific! I usually just automatically start feeling the need to be creating/working or doing SOMETHING with my hands. I set my own schedule but like to start working at around 9 AM every morning and go until my husband gets home at 5 PM. Even after he comes home (and we are trying to relax), that need to keep doing something with my hands continues. I have tried "making" myself work on a hobby in the evening instead of continuing regular work - to keep me sane.

What percentage of time do you spend on actual wood burning versus business running? 

I spend most of my time woodburning/creating for sure. When it comes to business upkeep (like making an email newsletter or updating my website or financial spreadsheet), I dedicate a specific day (or couple of days) in order to give it my full attention and just get it done. It’s definitely not the most fun part, but it is needed and should receive my full attention. 

What things have you implemented that makes your whole business run smoother? What tips or pieces of advice can you give someone who would like to make their business run a little more smoothly?

It was one of those periods of time where I realized I’m trying way too hard. I decided there needs to just be one way for doing each aspect of my business. For example, I kept changing my creative process leading up to creating a custom piece (too much back and forth with the customer) or changing up my shipping/packaging. Now everything I do just has one way of getting it done. For advice, ask yourself if you’re happy with the way you do everything. What are you not enjoying? What can be made simpler/combined AND keep you happy?

One main thing that helped me in “being more official” was keeping track of ALL the money I made and spent. My husband created a spreadsheet for me (he’s a techy engineer), where I can input everything into categories. These include: Online Income, Commission Income, Fees (like processing fees taken from my online shop), Donations (I make), Office/Studio Purchases, Advertising Purchases, Shipping Purchases, etc. It’s exactly like balancing a checkbook! Mine is set to monthly, and I upload each purchase or sale immediately. When tax time comes, I have everything sorted and my sales tax I owe already calculated to pay my state. 

What goals do you have for Mark It with a B Gallery? Any art goals? 

My main goal is to open a gallery and store space where I could set up my studio to create all my work, sell my work/other woodburning artists' work/responsibly sourced pet and baby goods, and have a classroom to teach art classes/private art lessons. I already have the business plan and cost sheet in place!

Any lessons learned the hard way that you want to spare someone the time? 

1. Stop saying yes to everyone! Make sure you can actually create the piece OR that you really want to make the piece. I actually stopped accepting truly custom pieces, meaning things I don’t normally create. I understand needing the money, but I honestly value my happiness more. I usually ended up undervaluing the cost of those custom pieces too!

2. Woodburning art fades NO MATTER the sealant as soon as it’s touched by the sun. This is why I started making prints!

3. Clean the tips!! I’ve damaged quite a few tips from never cleaning the carbon debris or using a sanding block to try to wipe it off. It just sands away your tip shape. I use a leather strop with polishing compounds.

Deserted Island, with power question. You can choose ONE

Burner: Colwood Detailer

Nib: BALL POINT

Type of wood: Basswood

Non-essential tool: Quinn (husband)

Why the ball-point? Do you think you will ever use another nib?

I started out with Walnut Hollow’s basic green woodburning unit, and I would only use the Cone Point and Flow Point. It really was not until I upgraded to Walnut Hollow’s Creative Wood Burner with wire tips that tried the ball point tip. Then I was hooked! I’m able to do everything with it! I actually (truly) don’t know how to use ANY of the other tips for woodburning. Seriously! I might break out someday and actually try other tips for fun. As for now, I only own the ball point tip for my Colwood Detailer machine.

How do you add color to your pieces and do you have a favorite?

I love to use various types of paint! Since I was a portrait painter, I just enjoy the feeling of spreading paint around - especially on smooth wood. I find I end up blending my paint strokes in with my woodburning marks, such as adding short brushstrokes of color in with an animal's fur. I like everything I use to be water soluble, so even the oil paint I get is safe to use with water. My favorite paints I use are:

1. Winsor and Newton Watercolor Paint Tubes

2. Golden Paint Acrylic Paint

3. Holbein Acryla Gouache

4. Holbein Duo Aqua Oil WATER SOLUBLE Oil Paint

5. Winsor and Newton Artisan WATER MIXABLE Oil Paint

What are some of your favorite tools in your toolbox?

For woodburning, I honestly do not use much else other than my woodburner. I like to draw my designs directly on the wood using a graphite pencil and kneaded eraser. While I am woodburning, I will occasionally use a box cutter blade to erase any unwanted woodburning lines or areas that I burned too dark. It can also add some texture! Pretty boring, but that's it!

How do you make prints?

I print them myself at home. I have a Canon Pixma Pro 100. My process is I photograph my pieces, edit the picture and format the piece to fit on 5x7 and 8x10 sizes, and then just print. I like to use matte finish paper so there are no glares on my work. I tried using ink that was compatible with my printer, but I gave in and now use the expensive Canon brand ink. It's just better in the long run, trust me! I also use Canon brand paper (Photo Paper Pro Premium Matte).

If interested, you can order prints from printing companies online instead of buying your own printer. Kinkos definitely has great paper options and is not so bad price-wise. I have also heard great things from this site: finerworks.com

What do you use to finish your pieces? 

Like I said earlier, I love using products that are water-based. The sealant I use is Rust-Oleum Varathane WATER-BASED Spar Urethane Exterior with UV Protection (woodburning will still fade if placed directly in sunlight). It's available in a paint-on can or spray can (I prefer the spray!).

Dream collaboration? Business or person? 

I know that I would love to collaborate with local and national pet rescues or adoptions, using my pet portraits as a way to help raise money for their business/for all those cute pets out there needing a home. If I do open my own gallery/store someday, I plan to have a pet adoption day event in my store often where people can adopt and get one of my pet portraits (where the proceeds would go to the rescue business).

What are you working on now?

Growing a baby! I am currently pregnant with a baby girl, and this time I am seriously taking it easy after my previous miscarriages. I still have custom pet portrait orders I am creating, but I am keeping my environment as mellow as possible. My online store is currently closed, and I plan to open it again around the holiday time with limited edition items. Stay tuned!

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Watch the recorded live video:

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Interview with Chelsea from CGDesigns

Name: Chelsea Gorham

Burning since: December 2017 (but didn't start my business until May of 2018)

Location: Amarillo, TX

@cgdesigns_wear and www.wearcgdesigns.com

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Can you tell us a little about your art and yourself?

I'm Chelsea Gorham, owner and artist of CGDesigns where I make and sell woodburned jewelry and art.  I am a stay-at-home Mom and homeschooler of my 4 children by day, and a woodburning artist/jeweler by night.

How did you find wood burning?

Quite on a whim. Back in the summer if 2017, I was working as a vendor at our local market as a henna artist. As I finished up a design on my customer who also happened to be a musician, he asked if I could put a "henna" design on his guitar.  Knowing I couldn't possibly put henna paste on his guitar, I still accepted his challenge and looked into woodburning as an alternative. The first person I thought to ask was my Mother who has always been an artist, and low and behold, she had a vintage burner (Detail Master IV) that she offered to mail to me. As soon as I got it, I fell in love with the process and began practicing for my first big commission!

Which came first, jewelry making or wood burning, and when did you meld the two together?

They coincided, quite honestly. Because I didn't want to ruin a large, beautiful wood slab, I began by practicing my burn designs on small, affordable pieces. After I had a little collection of them, a good friend of mine commented that they would make cool pieces of jewelry...hence, wearable woodburned art was born!

Have you always done art?

Yes, having been surrounded by art/artists all my life, it feels very much a part of my life.  I would say my first memory of making art was when I was 3 years old. I have so many collections of art - from technical design to watercolor, I've enjoyed them all over the years. But...It wasn't until woodburning, that I finally accepted the title of Artist.

What goals do you have for CGDesigns?

More collaborations and expanding my portfolio in the short-term. My own workshop/jewelry shop/makers space in the long-term.

What inspires you?

Surrounding beauty - in nature, art, seasons, life. I love pattern designs, geometry and symmetry - all which I try to blend with my 'technical' design style. I love linear design and just want to make pretty things that hopefully bring joy.

Let’s talk about the earring of the month club! What is it, how does it work? Where do people go to sign up?

The Earring of the Month Club is a subscription service where my customers can sign-up for a surprise themed earring that shows up on their doorstep every month. I created it as a way to streamline a part of my business that allowed me to focus on a set # of earrings and have some fun while doing it. I have 4 subscription options that are all very affordable; VIP, 12 month, 6 month and 4 month options. VIP being the best value. To sign up, go to www.wearcgdesigns.com and click on the Earring of the Month tab at the top. 

You have now started a junior line, can you tell us a little about that?

The junior/youth line was inspired by my 10 year old daughter, Allison, who just got her ears pierced this past winter. She has always wanted to try my earrings as she sees me create them, but I told her that we could work on some together, that way she gets them just the way she likes! She sat down, sketched out her ideas and we collaborated on an adorable collection of earrings that all sold at their release. We plan on making it a regular thing now that she got a small taste of entrepreneurship and seeing the benefits of hard work mixed with fun. 

There is a design portion of your services.  Henna and Booth/Brand Styling. Can you tell us a little about these services?

Henna tattooing is a service that is always available to my customers. (It is after all how I got started!) I am available for private sessions, parties and events.

Booth/Brand Styling is a service I offer any creative who wants to up their market presence at in-person selling events. I take a look at their online presence, ie. shops, instagram feed, logo/brand as it is and base a style off of what 'feel' I get. I basically act as a consultant to get your booth that eye-catching look that makes you stand apart when selling in person. There is a unique art to marketing and design and I love bringing that 'a-ha' moment to my clients with this design service.

I have been loving your new portraits. (please include a portrait photo)

Thank you! I have long wanted to try them and quarantine has pushed me to do these things that I've been putting off.

What goals do you have for your art? Any other new techniques you are hoping to try?

Always want to improve and learn new things. I would love to be able to comfortably finish a large wood piece with only using a variety of burn techniques. Shading/gradient work being at the top.

How much time is spent wood burning versus the rest of the business? What percentage would you give each?

I'd say about 30-40% burning, and 60-70% all the other stuff!

Tell us about these super successful LIVE Video Sales you have been doing? Where did the idea come from? How did you set it up? What suggestions do you have for someone wanting to try one?

Instagram LIVE Market is an idea my creative entrepreneur coach, Kristyn Burney, perfected. I would suggest following her and joining her Facebook Group 'Creative as a Mother' for the best info on a successful LIVE Market. She has so many helpful tips on how to creative revenue and run a successful online business @kristynburney

Deserted Island, with power question. You can choose ONE

Burner: 'Old Faithful' Detail Master IV

Nib: Knife tip - I love clean, crisp linework

Type of wood: Birch

Non-essential tool (but basically essential to you): Dental Pick Thingy

What other tools are essential for you?

Watercolor travel set and Tombow Sand Eraser

What apps/programs do you find useful for your business?

Canva - I use it for so many things in my business.

What are the main types of wood that you use for earrings? Do you have a favorite? And where do you source your wood?

Birch Plywood is my go-to for earrings.

I have 2 wood suppliers/laser cutters I work with for custom/premium shapes.

What parts of the business do you absolutely love and what parts feel like a chore?

I love collaborations, networking with other makers and 'a-ha' moments of my own.

My least favorite part would have to be planning content on social media. It is necessary, but can feel like a long, long chore.

Any advice for newbie woodburning artists?

Play to your strengths. Start with what you know, perfect it, embrace it, make it your own. Don't feel like you have to do what anyone else out there is doing to get noticed. We are all individuals who have our own unique voice and something beautiful to offer.

Watch the recorded live video:

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Interview with Basia from fine line pyro

Name: Basia Chmielowiec

Burning since: 2009

Location: Innisfil, Ontario 🇨🇦

@finelinepyro and www.finelinepyro.ca

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Can you tell us a little about your art, your life, and you!

my name is Basia, the wood burning artist behind fine line pyro. One of the craft mediums I enjoy is pyrography and creating sustainable high end art that is inspired by nature!

mandalas are my jam but i also love trying new things and collaborating with other artists.

How did you find wood burning, and when?

in 2009, I got my first wood burning machine as a payment for creating some artwork on a bus!

i lived in Calgary for about 6 years and during that time I met this wonderful group of people who, at that time, started a business called bass bus. their idea was to create a moving platform for artists and musicians that would travel to different music festivals/events and perform. this amazing community grew and grew and I am very happy I was able to see it blossom.

since the bus was always moving, they needed artwork inside the bus that was permanent. they had transformed the entire interior with wood and discovered the art of pyrography. they trusted me enough to burn their bus and i am so honoured they did. i haven’t stopped burning since and am still using the same machine they gave me!

I will always have a special place in my heart for these amazing people, the mountains and the wonderful 6 years spent out west.

How did you find this fine art, fine line style? 

practice, practice, practice. 

doing the same thing you love and varying it and tweaking it over time allows your style and your art to have a character that is organic and your own. it took me a while to realize this. i was often putting myself down for not being as good as others, or not being able to create something amazing the first time i try. being an artist and having your own style is a journey that has to be taken. one of my favorite podcasts by Rich Roll (featuring Chase Jarvis): Creativity Is Our Birthright, sums it up nicely!

Have you always created art? 

art has always been part of my life in one way or another. in high school i took all the art classes that were available. i never had any formal training afterwards but a solid family foundation which supported and encouraged all varieties of creativity. I often draw with pencil and ink, mostly mandalas, as well as play with digital mandalas, i dabbled in scrapbooking, i really got into pastel, and also dove deep into making feather earrings and accessories and so many other random things… I really like to make stuff.

What is it about mandalas that you love so much?

the meaning of the word mandala in Sanskrit is circle. mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. the circular designs symbolizes the idea that life is never ending and everything is connected. mandalas can be simple or intricate, big or small and no two i make are ever exactly the same. creating them is my meditation, no matter the medium. drawing and burning mandala’s make me zone out and escape the clutter in my mind.

Any new techniques you are hoping to try?

I can’t wait to add some gold leafing onto my work but I want to work with adding colours, aiming for sustainable paints and natural elements to keep my work earth friendly.

How much time is spent wood burning versus the rest of the business? 

the ratio is about 80-20. i spend about 80% of my time wood burning and 20% on my business. I would like to invest more time onto the business end of things but have to juggle a full time job and a family. perhaps one day…

If people want to teach classes, what do you suggest they look for? Any pieces of advice? 

teaching classes brings me so much joy. i really enjoy when i can show people something new that can provide some peace and calmness in their lives. the best way to start, especially if you are short on time, is with a company.

i started teaching at Lee Valley Tools. they did all the work gathering students, providing materials and tools, and receiving payments. all i had to do was show up. this was huge since i didn’t have time or money for advertising and looking for students. now that i have more followers and know more people interested in learning, i invested in a few extra machines and am able to host small classes from my home!

Deserted Island, with power question. You can choose ONE:

Burner: any razertip brand burner. I have the SS-D10

Nib: the chisel tip (a.k.a. the sexy tip!)

Type of wood: cedar 🤤

Non-essential tool (but basically essential to you): sandpaper - i very gently sand most of my pieces when i am finished burning them to get the very fine lines i love 

What other tools are essential for you? 

I can do without (if i really had too) but i do take my compass everywhere i go. this helps me get the perfect circles and general shapes for my mandalas.

What apps, and programs do you find yourself using? 

planoly is great for organizing instagram photos and the order i post them. i am able to see my feed and insert new photos and move them around. this really helps plan ahead of time. i also use the mobile version of adobe lightroom for editing before they go into planoly. Canva is a game changer for all things digital! and of course, Pinterest is always my favourite to get inspired as well as market myself for free.

How do you stay organized? 

i really love using google keep. its basically like a digital sticky note hub that i can colour coordinate, tag (level of importance), label (business or personal), add photos too, make into checklists and share (ie. grocery store list) and edit with others. I always have it in my phone and its connected to gmail so setting alarms or scheduling e-mails is really easy! This is great because even those looooong term ideas can be stored away but also can be easily found anytime i want.

What wood do you use, and what suppliers do you prefer in Canada?

i often go dumpster diving in nearby wood shops. many companies who make kitchens or generally work with wood cannot use little pieces so their scrap wood and cut off’s go into the landfill. i divert as many pieces as i can and make them into art! I recently scored on a whole lot of cherry, which i love using and it has a gorgeous warm color with beautiful grains throughout. if i need to purchase a specific kind or shape, I go to Exotic Woods in burlington or look online.

What parts of the business do you absolutely love and what parts are hard? 

of course i love the actual art process, trying new things with wood burning and evolving my style. the part that is difficult for me is the whole selling process. i have a hard time pricing my art… i just started selling and am hoping to improve on this as i grow.

Any advice for newbie wood burning artists?

keep on creating. as i mentioned earlier, make it till you make it. the more you do the more you know what and how to do it. also, understanding that we all have a journey to go through is important. don’t compare yourself to others and their work. compare yourself to who you were yesterday and just keep moving forward.

Where do you find inspiration? 

nature! i love nature and everything it has to offer. i go portaging as often as i can and during those times, and also when i am taking care of my own plants in my home and backyard, i get a wealth of new ideas and inspiration. being in the forest grounds me.

What goals do you have for Fine Line Pyro?

i have something very exciting in the pipelines. i want to take nature and being in the forest and mix it in with mandalas so i am creating a sketchbook fit for traveling, guiding people of all artistic levels to make their own mandalas. stay tuned in my fine line pyro instagram feed for an announcement coming soon!  

Watch the recorded live video:

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160 Ideas of Things To Wood Burn Next

Creativity ruts are a very real thing. When the options are endless for things you can wood burn, choosing one can be difficult. I have found that if I give myself some sort of constraint, whether it be an object, a subject matter, or a word, that it tends to spark an idea much easier. This is a place I hope you visit when you need inspiration of what to burn next.

My suggestion for utilizing this list would be to close your eyes, twirl your finger around, point, and see where you land. You can choose to point again, or let your mind wander with how you could create that object with your unique wood burned touches. I think you will find inspiration quite quickly.

I also recommend looking at old #burntmonthchallenge prompts (#burntmarch, #burntfebruary), and #burntday prompts for inspiration. Check out this blog post to learn more about these challenges!

If you need patterns and designs to burn, visit the templates store full of individual patterns for sale, like the one on these wooden spoons or grab yourself one of the community template books.

160 Ideas of What to Wood Burn Next:

spoons + serving ware + cutting boards + plaques + baseball bats + hammer + key chain + leather jacket + notebooks + ring dish + growth blocks + baby blocks + growth wall charts + toys + wall art + food display + candle display + pet portraits + coasters + ornaments + trophies + tables + cake knife + violin + guitar + desk + chairs + salad bowl + candy dish + wooden cups + cell phone covers + earrings + necklaces + bracelets + hair clips + chopsticks + baby bowls + baby plates + candle holders + serving tray + dice tray + toy box + shelving unit + bed headboard + wooden watch + clock + rolling pin + wooden apple + trivets + wooden tongs + pen holder + business card holder + jewelry holder +  shirts + jackets + canvas bag + leather key chains + salt bowl + coffee scoop + doll house + cabinet + piggy bank + wooden airplane + hand held fan + countertop + wine rack + cheese plate + cheese knives + toilet seat + memory box + plates + vase + comb + brush  + wall sign + open/closed sign + drawer fronts + lazy susans + puzzles + matching games + bathroom signs + kids’ room signs + chess pieces + checkers + trinket tray + cane + walking stick + map + key hook + magnets + boomerang + coat hangers + watercolor paper + driftwood + tool handles + skateboard deck + napkin holders + stools + magic wands + brooms + cork + dried gourd + pumpkin + nesting dolls + shoehorn + wooden bookmark + fishing pole + jenga + belts + purse + shoes + toy train + tablet cover + light switch cover + outlet cover + coffee table + animal ID tag + door knobs + bird house + dog bowl holder + wooden eggs + essential oil diffuser + dog name sign + welcome sign + step stool + bone + antler + tooth + horn + tree bark + cotton + pencil + stylus + recipe box + hats + leather backpack + canvas tote + rings + napkin rings + table number displays + logo sign + displays for business + cups + cribbage board + wooden pipe + tie clip + cuff links + figurines + wooden peg doll + bed frame + sandwich boards + chalkboard + picture frame  + pool cue + alphabet blocks + leather bookmarks + catchall + paper cards

The options are endless, and oh-so fun to imagine.

Check out some of these fun projects:

DIY Wood Burned Plant Marker

Make Mini Fridge Magnets

Make your own Pyrography Canvas Backpack

Need more pyrography inspiration or project ideas?

Check out the Pinterest board: Ideas and Items to Burn On for everyday and unique items made from wood or burnable surfaces.

Interview with Aney from Pyrocrafters

Name: Aney Carver

Burning Since: 2016

Location: Prattville, AL

www.pyrocrafters.com and @pyrocrafters

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How did you start your pyrography journey?

In 2016. I started burning just for fun, then we started making things for friends and family and the next thing you know we’re taking orders. Then I started posting on social media and it just kind of took off in unexpected ways, which continues to this day. 

Do you do any other art forms/crafts/hobbies?

I love to make everything. Just making in general lights my fire. But specifically, I love to make things with cardboard. I’m not necessarily good at it especially when you see what other people are able to make. But I just love the idea of reusing a material in a completely different way in which it was intended and turning it into something functional.

Best piece of advice when it comes to owning your own wood burning business?

I really thought about this question a lot and it’s hard to choose just one piece of advice. This could apply to wood burners or any business at all. Learn. Learn as much as you can about what your business is, how to improve it, how to improve yourself, how can you help others, how can you can you be consistent, courageous, creative, inspirational, what you want to accomplish, why you’re in business. It all comes back to learning and taking in as much info you can on how to be better for yourself and for others. You can listen to podcasts, follow people that will teach you, read or listen to books, or just plain ole google searches. A lot of what you want to learn can be found for free if you do the work to find it.

Tell us about your book, Drawing with Fire, it such a beautiful book! Where can we find in it?

My book process took place from early 2019 to mid late summer. It’s a wood burning project book that focuses more on the projects themselves. The publishers and I brainstormed about what the book should be about from complex detailed portraits to lettering only to beginner projects. We ended up creating a lot of lettering projects for beginners, a few crafty projects and then a few more detailed intermediate projects with shading techniques.  

The goal was to get right to the projects and have the book focus on giving the reader a book full of projects they could make. In the early stages, we had a lot of setup stuff about tools, but we decided to narrow that down and make it more about projects. I wanted to create projects based on supplies that were easy to find. So I tailored the projects around what materials I could easily get my hands on, so that the reader (a beginning wood burner) would be able to easily find what they needed. I wanted them to be able to focus on the projects, learning wood burning and creativity instead of trying to figure all the tools. That was the fun part.

The process was fast and a bit stressful. From the time the publisher approached me until it was written was about five months. So if I had to change something about the process it would have been having more time to put into the creation of it. Overall, it was an amazing experience. 

Check out the book Drawing With Fire!

You are going on a deserted island with power. You can only bring one of the following:

Burner: Colwood.

Wood type: Poplar

Nib: Straight Edge/Skew tip

Favorite non-essential tool, but one you love to have: My shop. When we first moved into this house, I didn’t have a work space, i was constantly moving around and working where I could. I wrote my book and worked through all the projects on our dinging room table because I didn’t have a space to do it. We had to do a lot of work on this shop and I am so incredibly grateful for this space, I don’t have words to express it. I come in here every workday morning and meditate to the gratefulness of having this space. 

What do you love about doing Youtube videos? What have you found difficult?

I love being able to show people how to do this art. I love connecting with people and reading the comments about how they are learning this new craft and that the videos I’m putting out are helping them. That’s the best feeling. 

The hardest part is being in front of the camera. I just get nervous and forget how to talk. But I think I’m doing better. Again it comes back to learning and doing things that make you uncomfortable at first, but pushing through until you get better. Einstein said, “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new”.  

What percentage of your time and energy goes into YouTube, Instagram, facebook, woodburning, and computer office stuff? How much does each piece of the pie get?

Oh gosh, I don’t really have a percentage, but I would say the large majority and then I weave in my wood burning into it. So when I have a new wood burning piece idea, I film it along the way so that I’m creating content for all those spaces while I’m creating my art. It’s all woven together into one collective effort. 

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is brand new and starting out, what would that be?

Don’t be afraid to mess up. You’re brand new, so spoiler alert, you’re going to mess up. You just need to know that up front and be okay with it. I’ve been doing this for a while and I make mistakes all the time. A lot of mistakes can be corrected and if they can’t, just sand it down and start over. Just try stuff and see what happens.

What are you working on now?

Right now, I’m working on new art pieces, and switching those over to my website instead of the Etsy site. I have a lengthy course planned that I have been planning forever and it’s been delayed a bit because I was going to have a videographer come and film it, but we’ve pushed that back because of all this virus stuff. 

I have a new Pyrocrafters Membership service coming out soon! There will be LIVE courses, pre-recorded courses, and more content exclusively for members.

And I’m also working with Chandler tools to build a course around using their tools, so that’s super exciting too. That’s also been pushed back because of the virus. It’s coming eventually, just delayed a bit.

Favorite thing to watch or listen to while you burn?

Sooo many things. Schitt’s Creek, The good Place, How Did this get made podcast, Don’t keep your day job podcast by Cathy Heller, Rachel Hollis’s everything, Brendan Burchard’s anything and everything. I’m listening to his book High Performance Habits right now. 

What are your favorite tools?

So, I’ve been working with an array of tools lately and there are so many great burner tools out there. Here are a few of my favorites.

Chandler Tool

Walnut Hollow Creative Wood Burner

Colwood

TRUart

Burnmaster

*Some are Amazon Affiliate links for easy shopping. Hope they help.

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