EXERCISE

Pyrogravure Wood Blocks on Fabric

Pyrogravure is the art of decorating wood with burn marks made with a heated tool. Turn kids’ wooden blocks into handmade stamps by inscribing them with doodles and heat tools.

Creative Toolbox

wooden building block set

woodburning carving tool

fabric and acrylic paint

fabric or soft muslin

STEP 1: Draw Designs in Wood Block

Attach the desired nib and turn on the heat tool. Place the hot tip of the tool to the wood and draw the design. Doodle into the wood with the tip of the heat tool.

STEP 2: Paint Block

Apply fabric paint to the textured wood-burned stamp using a foam pouncer in a soft dabbing motion to make sure paint does not get stuck in the crevices.

STEP 3: Stamp Block

While the wooden block stamp is still wet, press it onto a fabric surface like super muslin. Repeat the stamped pattern until you are satisfied with the look and feel.

This art journal page has been stamped with pyrogravure blocks, stencils and found tools:

Pyrogravure Tips and Ideas

• Make sure the carving tool is turned off and cool when changing tips and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Draw a pattern or design into the wood with a pencil to use as a drawing guide.
• To achieve a better quality print, make sure to place a piece of felt or a towel underneath to provide a better cushion for stamped images.
• If your design has tiny intricate marks, place your fabric over the top of the painted wooden block and burnish with a spoon or barren to help transfer the entire print.
• Use a smooth fabric like muslin or drill cloth for an even print. Fabrics with a lot of texture like duck cloth may not print the design clearly.