The Process of Pyrography: Tools & Techniques
Pyrography, or "fire writing" in Greek, is the art of burning, rather than drawing, an image. Wood is one medium. Other artists choose to work on leather,
gourds or paper.

Woodburning creates unique shades ranging from subtle beiges to deep nutmegs and charcoal blacks.

There is no opportunity to erase. Each stroke of the pen is permanent.

Examples on furniture, decorative household items and architectural panels
from 15-19th century are found in collections throughout Europe. One vase found in Peru dates back to 700 AD. Museum curators and historical societies are now trying to reclaim lost pieces from private collections.

Pyrography reached its peak of popularity during the Victorian Era with the invention of the benzene-fueled torch. A wire-tipped torch was invented in 1916, the forerunner of today's electric-controlled models that can heat various pen tips to temperatures of 900-1200 degrees(F).

Above is an an assortment of Cate's woodburning pens.

The metal barrels tend to get quite hot, so she wraps each pen holder with leather to protect her fingers, overlaid with a sticky Ace bandage
for a better grip.

Her favorite pen, shaped like a small spoon, is on the right.

Cate uses a Nibsburner Model 1381B, which has two controls and can heat the pen tips to glowing-hot. The 150-watts of power helps to maintain a consistant temperature.
Cate's illustrations are meticulously drawn on Russian Birch plywood, a high-quality cabinet grade material which holds a burn very well.

Each piece of wood is sanded super smooth, down to 400 grit. Any bumps could cause the wood to burn unevenly.

Burning an image is the opposite of pencil drawing. Instead of pressure, time (how long it takes to draw a line) and temperature control creates different effects.
Links

NIBSBURNER.COM
Offers discounts to educational & civic organizations.

GK Woodworking, LLC, Griswold, CT

Framing 4 Yourself

Wood Carvers Supply

Woodworker's Guild of Rhode Island

Liberty Cedar, West Kingston, RI

Scituate Art Festival
Every illustration has a premium hardwood frame, custom-crafted and hand-finished in Cate's workshop. Plaques are edged with veneer in Teak, Mahogany or Birch.

Cate signs and labels every piece of artwork on the back because she feels a signature on the illustration can be distracting. She also brands
her mark: "Handcrafted by Cate McCauley."

Illustrations are protected with a natural beeswax finish. Frames are sealed with poly, oil or beeswax, and are ready to hang indoors away from direct sunlight.

Cleaning should be done with a soft cloth,
or with a slightly dampened cloth and wiped dry immediately.
Copyright 2002-2010 --------Woodburned Illustrations by Cate McCauley----------Last Updated: March 2010