Please click on the pattern, which will open a full-sized image in a new window. Right-hand click on the image and select ‘Save Image As’. As your pattern to your desktop, where it will be easy to find later. The patterns are pre-sized to print on an 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheet of computer printing paper.
We will be working on the scroll saw cutting, wood carving shaping, and pyrography decoration in this step-by-step project. During our seminar there will be at least three more free patterns – a wood spirit design used in the scroll saw instructions, and two hand combs. So, please check back to snatch a free copy of these when they are posted.
The tools I am listing are tools that I own and use on a consistent bases. But, of course, you can substitute with the tools you already own. As a teacher I always suggest that you start a new hobby with an entry-level tool set, not a dirt-cheap tool set. Begin with the best set you can easily afford, then if you love the craft as I do you can add new, higher quality tools as you discover what style of carving or pyrography you will be doing.
As example, as a pyrographer I suggest that you start with a basic Walnut Hallow Versa-Tool which will cost you between $25 to $30. This lets you experience wood burning before you decide if you want to invest in higher units as the Colwood or Optima, which can cost around $175 with burning unit and two or three pens.
3/8″ to 1/2″ thick x 3″ wide x 12″ long basswood blanks for shallow, stirring spoons or hair combs 3/4″ to 1″ thick x 3″ wide x 12″ long basswood blanks for deep, dipping spoons
I purchase my basswood off of EBay.com because I can see the actual wood that I am purchasing. Most basswood offerings on EBay are available in multiple packs of boards, all cut to the same dimension. Search under ‘basswood carving wood’. For larger boards search under ‘basswood lumber’.
Set of wood carving tools – straight chisel, skew chisel, v-gouge, large round gouge, small round gouge. Below is a listing of four suggested sets that will not only get you started in wood carving, but will last you for years.
Available on Amazon.com – 8 pc Woodpecker big wood carving tool set This is an excellent beginner’s carving kit with large tools that can be used by hand or with a mallet. For our project it contains a deeply bend round gouge, perfect for deep bowled spoons. Also included is two wide sweep gouges and two tight round gouge.
Available on Aliexpress.com – 8 pc Woodpecker big wood carving tool set This is the same set as described above but through Aliexpress, a selling site based in China. The price is quite different, but you will have to wait up to three weeks for the tools to arrive in the mail.
Available on Aliexpress.com – 8 pc Woodpecker small wood carving tool set Woodpecker also makes a small carving tool set which is perfect for a beginner carving that will be working multiple styles of wood carving.
Available on Amazon.com – Flexcut 11pc interchangeable blade tool set The Flexcut set has one handle and 11 interchangeable blades. The blades are easy to change-out and hold securely in the handle. This is a great set that will last you for many, many years if you have a little extra to invest.
Available on Amazon.com – Ramelson 6 pc palm carving set 117 I have used Ramelson tools for nearly thirty years. They are thin bladed tools that hold a crisp, perfect edge and priced reasonably for the beginning carver. The palm handles are wonderful for those of us that have arthritis as the push of the cutting stroke comes from the center of the palm of the hand instead of from the fingers.
Below each pyrography tool listed is a link to an in-depth seminar that will not only give you a free, step-by-step project you can start today, but also allow you to see each of the three pyrography tools in use to help you decide which unit is the best for you.
These three in-depth tutorials are hosted on a wood carving forum. Unfortunately I am banned/blocked from posting to this forum now because of technical difficulties on this forum. So, if you have questions or comments about these three projects please email me here, through my blog. Do not post to these threads as I can not read, see, or answer your questions there!
Walnut Hollow Versa-Tool Toucan Project – Looking for that first wood burning tool, then take a few moments and read through this tutorial for an in-depth review of the Walnut Hollow Versa-Tool used to wood burn a Toucan Family.
Colwood Winter Birdhouse Wood Burning Tutorial – This in-depth, step-by-step project focuses on a winter bird house wood burning scene. The project takes you from the initial tracing of the design to the final coloring steps.
Irish Optima Pyrography Seminar – This in-depth pyrography project shows over 250 detailed, close-up photos, step-by-step instructions, and in-depth explanations of texturing, shadings, and fine line work used to create the Advertising Barn landscape.
Suggested pyrography tool pens
For more information of pyrography pen tips and what style of burned stroke each creates please download our free PDF on Pyrography Pen Tips, posted on our Wood Carving and Pyrography Pattern website, ArtDesignsStudio.com. Scroll down to the lower portion of the page. Please chose pens that are manufactured by the company that made your wood burning unit.
general writing or fine line tip – ball tip or loop tip pen general shading tip – spear tip or pointed shader tip
General supplies
Sharpening stones, leather strop, and honing compound For more information please read our blog posting on Sharpening Your Carving Tools
Sandpaper – 100-grit to 220-grit sandpaper, sanding blocks in assorted grit sizes, foam-core finger nail files
Carving gloves – Please check what size glove you need before ordering!
