Nature-inspired pyrography

Hey there Reader, From the Trail: The Rock in My Pocket After my son’s surgery, I kept a smooth pebble in my pocket. I had burned a tiny spiral into it, nothing fancy. But every time the fear crept in, I rubbed that little spiral with my thumb. Somehow, it helped. It grounded me. That pebble is still with me. That’s what comfort tokens are about—not perfection, not performance, just presence. Small. Portable. Touchable. Burned with intention. Burn This Prompt: Comfort Token Symbol Symbol...

Hi there Reader What August Looked Like in the Studio August felt like it burned fast and bright, a mix of new art, spooky whimsy, and fresh lessons in the Academy. Between hiking misty trails and working late nights with my wood burner, here’s what came to life this month: 52 Weeks of Fire: We explored Urban Chic, Garden Bloom, and Wildlife Portraits, each one pushing different textures and techniques. Whimsical Halloween Collection: The Pumpkin Mice, Candy Corn Critters, and Scarecrow...

Hey there Reader, From the Trail: The Moon Between the Trees I have a favorite spot on the ridge where the trees frame the night sky just right.Last fall, I sat there watching a waxing crescent rise. There was something about its quiet determination, small, growing, patient. It felt like the reminder I didn’t know I needed: not everything happens all at once. The moon teaches us that change isn’t linear. It waxes, it wanes, and even when it’s hidden, it’s still there. That’s why burning moons...

Hi there Reader The July heat has been heavy, and honestly, I hit a wall earlier this month, and I know it isn't quite over yet. I sat down with my burner, stared at the wood, and felt… nothing. No spark. No excitement. Just tired. So, I went for an early morning trail walk with no agenda. Just listening to birds, smelling the wet earth, and letting my mind wander. My dogs sure did appreciate that. If you’re feeling stuck, maybe try this: step away. Touch the dirt, breathe the air, then...

Hey there Reader, From the Trail: Smoothing the Edges There’s a part of the trail I return to every season, a bend where the path smooths out and the wind always seems to catch the leaves just right. No sharp edges. Just a kind of quiet flow. That’s how I think of the spoon tip. When I first started wood-burning, I avoided it. It looked big, clunky, like something I’d mess up with. I thought detail was everything. But the spoon tip taught me about grace in pyrography. It’s not just a tool,...