A “Burning” Desire to Start a New Craft?

Several years ago I found this wood humidor and decided to make a custom gift out of it for my husband. I knew I didn't want to simply paint the box...that I wanted something a little earthy and more natural...to highlight the wood.

After a trip to the art store I came home with a slab of unfinished wood and a wood burning tool set.
Never mind that I had never "burned" wood but I was a woman on a mission.

My husband is a fan of mermaids so the theme was easy to decide on. I took elements from illustrations in a book I like and learned how to wood burn as I went. Kind of like on the job training!

Above is the finished product. It was really fun...a little tough on my hands, but fun. I liked building the layers as you darken the detail.

I sealed it with several coats of a matte polyurethane and adhered the wood slab to the top of the box with a powerful glue.

I didn't wood burn much after this project...although I do think about it every now and then.
I still have the tool set and I am sure that I will put it to use at some point.

Actually now that I think of it, my wood stair railing is pretty boring and in need of an update! ...hmmmm, winter project?