Firstly a bit about myself and Pyrography.........
I discovered Pyrography when flicking through a woodworking and machinery catalogue that my husband had got. I saw the Pyrography machines in there but didn't really know what they did. It was only when I got to the book section at the back of the catalogue I saw what a fantastic art form this was!
Immediately I did some research into the machines that were available. I quickly came across a company called Janik based in Ruthin, Wales (who are sadly no longer there), who sold the machines, accessories and the wood blanks. So that's where I ordered my machine from.
Janik S2 Pyrography Machine
When I received the machine through the post I quickly took to woodburning and from that moment, back in 2002, I was hooked.
Since then I have done several craft fairs, sold my works through various craft shops and have even had the honour of displaying my work at two art exhibitions at RAF Cosford in the West Midlands.
I have also done many commissions, I have given samples of these on the commissions pages. I hope they will give you a few ideas for your own commission?
I am also a proud member of the Woodburner.com, where I also exhibit my work and talk to my wonderful fellow Pyrographers!
At the moment I do Pyrography, as a hobby, in my spare time. As you will see as you look around my site, I am willing to burn any subject from animals to aeroplanes and on any wooden object from plaques, clocks, kitchenware to even tiller bars! I hope you enjoy my site and gain as much pleasure from my work as I do burning them!
Now a bit about my Art background...........
I have always had an interest in Art since I was at school, I remember it as one of my favourite subjects and always looked forward to double lessons!
After leaving school, I attended Somerset College of Arts and Technology, in Taunton, Somerset, to learn a BTEC in Design. I followed on from this with a GNVQ in Art and Design, in which I covered everything from painting to photography. After completing these courses I went onto to undertake a HND in Graphic Design, which practised a very different way of working. During this time I studied Typography, how to brainstorm ideas and produce work using Photoshop and Quark Xpress (Desktop Publishing). Also while at college I studied Art History, which I enjoyed very much, although I still couldn't tell you my favourite artist, there are so many!
During my final Graphic years at college I was given the opportunity to do work experience with packaging design company, Blue Marlin, based in Bath. I worked here for a total of six weeks, designing for some very well know brand names such as Baxters, Imperial Leather, KP and Shape. Upon leaving college, I was employed by a small Graphics company called Heaton Ainsworth, based in both Taunton (Somerset) and Surrey. During my time here I worked for many clients including Courts (Ireland), Michael Shanley Homes and BVQI.
It was at this time my parents decided to move up to Telford, Shropshire. As I was self employed I knew it would be impossible for me to afford my own house in Taunton, so I cut my losses and moved to Telford with them.
I am now married and living in Telford, Shropshire. I work as a Graphic Designer for RAF Cosford and have plenty of time to feed my desire for woodburning.